Blog - Andrea Crossman Group Realty

Best secret beaches on Earth
Thu, 03 May 2012 20:34:00 +0000
Michigan's own Grand Haven Beach was on the list for best scerect beachs on earth. Some of the others are: Ibo Island, Mozambique, Lord Howe Island, Australia, Pyla-sur-Mer, France, and Palm Beach, Barbuda to name a few.

Grand Haven, MI

Trolley cars, a 2.5-mile harbor-front boardwalk, and two 19th-century red lighthouses give a sweet, old-time feel to this Lake Michigan town. Boaters and fishermen flock here, and hikers like the short-but-strenuous climb to Rosy Mound that includes 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the sand dunes to the shore of Lake Michigan. There are warm shallows for swimming, and the soft sand of two public beaches squeaks when you walk on it. After sunset, the local restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops come alive.

To own you own Grand Haven beachfront home contact the Andrea Crossman Group 616-355-6387

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S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices
Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:50:00 +0000
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices measure the average change in the total value of all existing single-family housing prices in a particular geographic market.
They are calculated monthly and cover 20 major metropolitan areas (Metropolitan Statistical Areas or MSAs), which are also aggregated to form two composites – one comprising 10 of the metro areas, the other comprising all 20.
The S&P/Case-Shiller indices do not sample sale prices associated with new construction, condominiums, co-ops/apartments, multi-family dwellings, or other properties that cannot be identified as single-family.
The factors that determine the demand, supply, and value of housing are not the same across different property types. Consequently, the price dynamics of different property types within the same market often vary, especially during periods of increased market volatility. In addition, the relative sales volumes of different property types fluctuate, so indices that are segmented by property type will more accurately track housing values.
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices originated in the 1980s by Case Shiller Weiss's research principals, Karl E. Case and Robert J. Shiller. At the time, Case and Shiller developed the repeat sales pricing technique. This methodology is recognized as the most reliable means to measure housing price movements and is used by other home price index publishers, including the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO).
Low-ball bidders in many markets learn they can no longer get a steal on a house
Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:51:00 +0000
It’s not something that economists routinely track, but it provides a rough sense of what’s happening in local real estate markets. Call it the low-ball index.
A year ago, according to researchers at the National Association of Realtors, one out of 10 members surveyed in a monthly poll complained about low-ball offers on houses listed for sale. In the latest survey — conducted in March among 4,500 agents and brokers across the country but not yet released — there were hardly any. Instead, the focus of volunteered comments has shifted to declining inventory levels — fewer houses available to sell — and multiple offers on well-priced listings.

A low-ball offer typically involves a contract submitted to a seller where the price proposed by the purchaser is 25 percent or more below list. Low-balls increase sharply when there’s a glut of properties available, asking prices are out of sync with local economic realities and values are depressed or uncertain. Buyers figure: Hey, why not? Maybe I’ll get lucky.

Based on the latest survey results, that sort of strategy is not a winning move in many communities this spring. In fact, in local markets where inventories are tight and competition for homes rising, realty agents say that buyers looking to steal houses by low-balling their offers are ending up at the back of the line, their contracts either rejected out of hand or countered close to the original asking price.
Even when buyers submit shockingly low bids, sellers no longer are so insulted that they send the contract back without a counteroffer. Now they negotiate aggressively, and the final number ends up close to the original asking price.

The takeaway here: Rolling low-balls at sellers may have been an effective approach between 2008 and early 2011. But in 2012’s environment — at least in rebounding markets — it could be counterproductive if you truly want to buy.

Click here for full article
Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:56:00 +0000
The housing market continued to struggle in March, despite low home prices and record low interest rates. Existing-home sales decreased 2.6% in March from a month earlier to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.48 million, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

Not all of the news was bad, however. Even with the monthly decline, the first three months of 2012 were the strongest start to the year for existing-home sales since 2007. And March’s sales were 5.2% above the same month last year.

The inventory of previously owned homes listed for sale, meanwhile, increased to 2.37 million at the end of February. That represented a 6.3-month supply at the current sales pace, a pace considered healthy by economists.

The median sales price in March was $163,800, up 2.5% from $159,800 a year earlier. One reason for the price increase, the Realtors group said, is a declining share of foreclosures and other distressed properties. Those made up 29% of March’s sales, down from 40% a year earlier, according to a monthly survey taken by the Realtors’ group.

For full article click here
Expect a Turnaround In Housing By This Time Next Year
Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:37:00 +0000
The National Association of Home Builders today reported its first decline in homebuilders' confidence in seven months, but that may be just a blip in the fledgling housing recovery.
"The housing crash is now over...and by this time next year, housing will no longer be a drag for the economy but a tailwind," Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics tells The Daily Ticker.
Zandi says this year's spring selling season is off to a pretty good start, although by historic standards prices are still low. But that may not be all bad: Low prices means homes are more affordable to buy.
"House prices are now low enough relative to incomes that single family housing is about as affordable as its ever been in the data we have going back to World War II," Zandi says.
Low prices also attract investor interest, which is helping to stabilize the housing market. "Investors can come in, buy homes, rent them, cover costs and look for a capital gain down the road," he says.
Rising rents have been attracting those investors, but at some point they may compel consumers to buy homes.
"Another year from now if prices stay flat and rents rise another 4, 5 or 6%, then the decision to rent or buy will be firmly in favor of buying rather than renting," Zandi says, adding that's already the case in some parts of the country.
Demand to buy homes will also increase when potential buyers get a whiff of rising interest rates.
"At that point …. they will want to jump in and buy that home before they lose those very advantageous mortgage rates," says Zandi. The rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is currently 3.88%, according to Freddie Mac.
Until there is a substantive recovery, Zandi says housing will continue to be divided between a distressed market -- filled with homes in foreclosure or on the verge of it -- and a non-distressed market, which is holding up well. He also expects multifamily housing will continue to outpace the single-family market.
Zandi says the government could help accelerate the housing recovery by making it easier for homeowners to refinance and to reduce principal owed.
The market will get more data on how housing is holding up when the government reports March housing starts tomorrow and the National Association of Realtors reports existing sales for March on Thursday.

For the full article click here.

For more information on the houseing market contact the Andrea Crossman Group 616-355-6387
Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:28:00 +0000
Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Michael A. Finney will showcase Pure Michigan to some of the nation’s top site selectors March 28-29 in New York City at The Summit hosted by Development Counselors International.

“Michigan offers business advantages and opportunities unmatched across America,” said Finney. “We have an exciting story to tell. We are reinventing our state in a way that works better for everyone and moving forward with a new economic certainty this is very attractive to investors and businesses making new location and investment decisions.”

In addition, a Michigan location offers companies a direct line to some of the best talent in the world and a location within 500 miles of half of North America’s population and income.

The nation is taking notice of all that’s happened here of late. Confidence that Michigan is on the right track helped to create 80,000 private-sector jobs in the state last year. Newsweek ranked the state No. 1 for job growth in August, Bloomberg ranked Michigan’s economic health second in the nation and CNN called Detroit the next Silicon Valley. The Federal Reserve projects that Michigan is on track to lead all other states in job growth over the next six months.

Click here to view full article.

For more information on purchasing a home in Michigan contact Andrea Crossman Group or call us today 616-355-6387
39532 Wilderness Dunes Lane Covert, MI 49043
Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:46:00 +0000
39532 Wilderness Dunes Lane
Unparalleled views & wide sandy beach with the finest quality home on Lake Michigan in Wilderness Dunes (Fire Lane 9), a gated community featuring 130+ acres of virgin forest w/nature trail, tennis/basketball courts. 9,390 sq. ft. and 6 fireplaces. Priced at nearly half of the assessed value. Dining area leads into the formal dining room with beautiful chandelier & see-through fireplace. The great room with its own custom bar featuring beveled glass mirrors with views of the expansive beach. Enter your own dream world entering the Gazebo room with views of the lake & the woods & outdoor pool w/waterfall, hot tub & landscaping. 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 6 fireplaces, indoor sauna & whirlpool tubs, lakeside master suite with library/sitting room, balconies and outdoor shower. Bring all offers!

For more information and photos on this amazing Lake Michigan property click here or call the Andrea Crossman Group 616-355-6387 to set up a showing today!

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4872 East Gull Lake Drive Hickory Coners, MI 49060
Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:14:00 +0000
4872 East Gull Lake Drive

Magnificent estate property in the plat of Hickory Point on Gull Lake. This 7 bedroom, 6 bath home was built in 1932 by one of the Upjohn family members on a double lot with 2.5 acres & is one of the finest properties on beautiful all-sports Gull Lake. With 207 ft. of lake frontage, this elegant 2-story features a slate roof, stucco walls, pueblo tiled bath, 4 fireplaces, crown moldings, large lakeside dining room, sun room & a lovely outdoor fountain & pond as well as an attached greenhouse. There is an apartment over the 3 stall garage. You'll find the current owners have made many improvements, from electrical & mechanical to cosmetics. One of the top 5 or 10 properties on this beautiful lake facing westerly for sunsets with a lushly landscaped, deep yard. Large pictures windows that maximize the panoramic views. Possible trade. Home next door sold for $3.1 million.

For more information and photos on this amazing Lake Michigan Property click here or call the Andrea Crossman Group 616-355-6387 to set up a showing today!

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Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:31:00 +0000
New Listing: 0 Port Sheldon Rd. Holland, MI MLS#:12016276 Over 12 Acre Lot Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/
Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:34:00 +0000
New Listing: 18104 Lovell Rd. Spring Lake, MI MLS#:1201 Waterfront on Spring Lake Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/
https://picasaweb.google.com/113823270671707632274/LovellRd18104?authkey=Gv1sRgCK-osciM472VhgE#slideshow/5701579988881170754
9411 N Cooper Creek Rd Freesoil, MI 49411 Lake Michigan Waterfront
Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 +0000
9411 N Cooper Creek Rd Freesoil, MI 49411

The Hope Diamond of Lake Michigan properties, with 645 feet of frontage, this 30 acre jewel is the most precious parcel on the lakeshore and abuts Manistee National Forest. You'll love the expansive views this home has to offer with its many windows along the lakeside and virtually no steps to the beach where you can walk for miles or just sit and soak up the sunshine. The privacy of this parcel of land is awesome and the only lights you can see at night is Ludington and Manistee lighthouses, yet you are only 20 minutes from Ludington or Manistee. The home boasts 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, vaulted ceilings, 2 story fireplace, hardwood flooring on the main level and laminate beams with open bolt pattern. The open concept living allows everyone to mingle together in the kitchen, dining room and living room while enjoying fabulous views of Lake Michigan. The 1,700 sq.ft. deck is great for entertaining, star gazing & enjoying the natural beauty of the shoreline. For more information and photos on this amazing Lake Michigan Property click here.

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4060 Spring Beauty Ln Holland, MI 49423 Lake Michigan Waterfront
Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:12:00 +0000
4060 Spring Beauty Ln Holland, MI 49423

Lake Michigan at it's finest. Nearly 7 acres of pristine beach & forest just a few doors from the gorgeous Saugatuck Dunes in a wooded wonderland with views of Saugatuck Channel. Built by Cottage Homes in 2008, this 6+ bedroom, 6 bath home features nearly 9,000 sq.ft. of finely crafted home. Incredible views, wide sandy beach, electric tram to the beach, 2 main floor master suites, spacious gourmet kitchen with large granite center island & stainless steel & quality appliances. You'll love the 2 story great room, main floor library/den/TV room, each with it's own stone fireplace. The his & hers bedroom suites share a large walk-in closet w/nice built-ins, tiled heated bathroom floors, tiled shower with multi-heads & a soaking tub. Pella windows, James Hardie cement fiber siding & stone. The lakeside 3 season room is sure to become a favorite place to relax and enjoy the beauty & sounds of living on the lake. 86 steps to the beach. For more information and photos on this amazing Lake Michigan Property click here.

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Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards
Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:20:00 +0000

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit.
The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.
Additionally, a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey found credit requirements in the fourth quarter were consistent with the past three quarters.

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability.

Banks are now lending amounts up to 3.5 times borrower earnings. This is up from a low during the crisis of 3.2 times borrower earnings.

Banks are also loosening loan-to-value ratios (LTV), which Capital Economics denotes “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.”

In contrast to a low of 74 percent reached in mid-2010, banks are now lending at 82 percent LTV.

While credit conditions may have loosened slightly, some potential homebuyers are still struggling with credit requirements. In fact, Capital Economics points out that in November 8 percent of contract cancellations were the result of a potential buyer not qualifying for a loan.

Additionally, Capital Economics says “any improvement in credit conditions won’t be significant enough to generate actual house price gains,” and potential ramifications from the euro-zone pose a threat to future credit availability.

To view article click here
Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:39:00 +0000
Price Reduction: 236 W. 9th St. Holland, MI. Historic Home MLS#: 11058041. Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/
Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:49:00 +0000
New Listing: 469 Island View Dr. Holland, MI MLS#:12014521 Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

https://picasaweb.google.com/113823270671707632274/IslandView469?authkey=Gv1sRgCILTwL2Np5CKIg#slideshow/5721634870158318578
Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:40:00 +0000
Huge $195,000 Price Reduction on Home on Lake Michigan! 18915 North Shore Dr. Spring Lake, MI MLS#: 11038048. Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/
Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0000
New Listing: 891 Indiana Ave. Macatawa, MI MLS#:12013738 Lake MI Access! Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

https://picasaweb.google.com/113823270671707632274/Indiana891?authkey=Gv1sRgCP_8hZ-o8-S5PA#slideshow/5719828839722448482
Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:32:00 +0000
New Listing: 1220 Ash Dr. South Haven, MI MLS#:12012636 Lake MI Access! Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

https://picasaweb.google.com/113823270671707632274/AshDr?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHH8-W3-ZyT4QE#slideshow/5717913262051699362
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:49:00 +0000
New Listing: 9248 Bluff Lake St. Holland, MI MLS#:12012293 Waterfront in Bluff Lakes! Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

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Michigan lawmakers discuss how bad credit scores should affect your insurance rates
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:33:00 +0000
Michigan residents with bad credit scores wouldn’t necessarily pay more for their personal insurance under proposed consumer protection rules.
State lawmakers, government officials and insurance companies have been debating for several years whether insurance companies can and should use credit reports to determine home, auto and other personal insurance rates.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s administration sought to ban the practice, which it deemed discriminatory. But in 2010 the Michigan Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that credit-based insurance scoring is legal.

Four House bills and a Senate bill are headed to the full Senate that would regulate the use of credit information by insurers. It passed the Senate insurance committee on Tuesday. The House passed its four bills in October.

The Office of Insurance and Financial Regulation, which previously opposed the use of credit-based insurance scoring, supports the legislation. Several insurance industry groups also back the bills.

Credit history can make a big impact on how much consumers pay. Discounts for good credit scores can range from 10 percent to 80 percent of the policy, Hummel said.

The legislation would prohibit insurers from denying, cancelling or not renewing a policy based on a poor credit report or insurance score. It would require an insurer to notify customers if their credit information results in any adverse action.

Another bill allows consumers to request an exception to the credit-based pricing under certain circumstances, such as a catastrophic event, serious illness or injury, death in the family, divorce, identity theft, temporary unemployment or other factors that could lower a credit score.

Customers also could dispute an insurer’s discount determination based on incorrect or incomplete credit information. And people who don’t use credit cards or don’t have an extensive credit history can’t be punished for that reason alone.

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Michigan factories humming with wind power
Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:43:00 +0000
The story of recent wind turbines supply-chain entrant Energetx Composites of Holland, Mich., and how wind energy providing new economic opportunities is the subject of the latest segment of WindTV.

Michigan and manufacturing go together. But it’s no secret the state has been hit hard by a generally shrinking U.S.-based manufacturing segment over the last several decades.

Thanks in part to wind power, that’s changing in America, and in Michigan too. The story of recent wind turbines supply-chain entrant Energetx Composites of Holland, Mich., and how wind energy providing new economic opportunities in the Wolverine State is the subject of the latest segment of WindTV, the American Wind Energy Association’s vehicle to highlight how wind works for America.

Energetx is Exhibit A of wind power’s ability to provide new manufacturing opportunities--that is why President Obama showcased the company in his State of the Union speech last month. The company, explains Energetx’s Kelly Slikkers, has a history in yacht manufacturing. With an expertise in composites, wind power seemed like a natural fit some four years ago, when the company began considering entering the space. “It was an opportunity for us to look at diversification using those core skills,” Slikkers explains in the video segment.

Providing a broader statewide viewpoint on the video is Lindsay Eister of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Getting Michigan manufacturing plants linked into the wind power supply chain is about one thing, she says. “It’s absolutely all about jobs.”

Energetx Compositives is doing both of those things. In wind, it has found a new market for its product and, in doing that, it’s creating jobs. Just one example: in need of workers for the company’s new growth area, it partnered with Grand Rapids Community College on a composite technician training course. Energetx has already hired 20 people from the course. “Jobs are needed in Michigan,” says Slikkers. “This is a way we’ve been able to create jobs, through this diversification.”

Just last week, the Michigan Public Service Commission released a report showing that the state’s renewable energy standard (RES) is doing what the state hoped it would: generating investment and economic activity. The report found that the RES has resulted in $100 million in investment in the state, spurring manufacturing and business growth and creating jobs.

Such manufacturing success stories could be a thing of the past, however, if Congress doesn’t take action. The federal Production Tax Credit (PTC), wind power’s primary policy driver, is scheduled to expire at the end of the year, and the wind turbines industry supply chain is already feeling the effects of the uncertainty, particularly given that turbine orders are placed months in advance.

“Michigan is at the forefront of the American manufacturing success story wind power is creating all across the U.S.,” said AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “Yet congressional inaction threatens to end this positive story. We urge Congress to listen to the humming of factories across America before they go quiet, and pass the PTC now.”

Notably, WindTV interviewed both Slikkers and Eister at the WINDPOWER 2011 Conference & Exhibition, which is the industry’s annual town square for doing business and exchanging ideas. This year, conversations allowing supply-chain members to do deals and link with one another are certain to take place at WINDPOWER 2012, scheduled for Atlanta, Ga., June 3-6. For more information on the event, go to www.windpowerexpo.org.
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Sally Laukitis appointed to Michigan Travel Commission by Gov. Rick Snyder
Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:18:00 +0000
Laukitis, the Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director since 1994, was told she had been appointed to the Michigan Travel Commission.
The state commission works to promote Michigan’s travel and tourism industry.
“It will be a lot of work, but it’s something I’m passionate about,” Laukitis said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to digging into it, finding out what’s expected of me.”
Laukitis was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve out the remainder of a departing commission member’s four-year term that ends August 2014. Her first big meeting will be in conjunction with the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the end of March. The commission is working to set a new strategic plan for Michigan tourism and the Pure Michigan marketing campaign, she said.
Will the new position translate into more recognition for Holland as a tourist destination? Laukitis wasn’t sure.
“It’s actually setting policy for the entire state,” Laukitis said. But, she added, “it’s nice to have your little corner of the world represented.”
“She has a great grasp of what’s going on,” said Lori Varner, president of the local convention and visitor’s bureau board, and representative of the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
She pointed toward Laukitis buying an advertisement in the Super Bowl program as an example of Laukitis’ outside-the-box thinking.
“We’re trying to become more creative,” Varner said. “Never before would we be able to advertise in a publication that’s at the Super Bowl.”
In addition to her role at the Holland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Laukitis is president of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, and serves as secretary for the Lake Michigan Beachtowns Cooperative Partnership.
“Sally brings extensive experience in marketing all our Great Lakes state has to offer,” Snyder said in a released statement.
Holland Area Chamber of Commerce President Jane Clark said the appointment was an honor — not only for Laukitis, but the Holland area.
About 17 percent of the Chamber of Commerce’s members do business in the retail or tourism sector, she said.
“I think that Sally is a leader in the convention and visitor’s bureaus arena in the state,” Clark said.

Full Article Click Here
Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:11:00 +0000
NEW Price: 328 Dunes Dr. Holland, MI. MLS# 12011117. Lake Michigan Waterfront . Was 1,050,000 Now 995,000! Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

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Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:02:00 +0000
New Listing: 704 Elk Ave. Spring Lake, MI MLS#:12011139 Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/

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Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:59:00 +0000
New Listing: 555 Grand St. Saugatuck, MI MLS#:12010895 Call Andrea Crossman Group today for more information 616-355-6387 or visit: http://www.waterfront-luxuryhomes.com/
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