An amazing 2009...

2009 was amazing for me in many ways... I hope for you as well!

If you're like me you're busy anticipating the hope and promise of a brand new year!

What will this new year bring? If there is one thing that is for certain, it will usher in "change." I've learned the only thing I can count on is change, change and more change. As far as Real Estate , change has meant many things. Some great, some not so great. The extension and expansion of th tax credit has been great for business thus far. The historically low interest are also a huge advantage for buyers.

Getting a loan? Not as easy as it used to be (another change) but ultimately that is a good thing.

What was the greatest thing for me about 2009?

Watching my baby girl grow & experiencing her phenomonal change along the way. Not long ago when I started this blog she was just an infant, that didn't like to sleep. Now as we head in to 2010 she's a little girl that still doesn't sleep. She reminds me everyday while change is sometimes uncomfortable, it ultimately leads to something good.

For now, I'll do whatever it takes. I am proud to be a member of the Eastbrook Homes team and look forward to serving customers in 2010.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year!

Stimulus extension- Do you qualify?

Now is the time! Do you qualify?

We received GREAT news!! The stimulus has been extended. Not only extended, but expanded.

This means there has never been a BETTER time to buy a home than right now!

Another important point...Interest rates

Something I believe has been overlooked is how low are interest rates are now. You know, I think it is just old news and we are now used to great rates. Interest rates will only rise. I don't know when and I don't know how much, but they will rise. Then you'll hear about how great the rates were and today's rates will only be reflected upon as historic.

Interest rates along with stimulus dollars combined with supply make this an unprecendented time to buy. If you've been thinking about moving, do it now!!

For more info visit: http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit

You may qualify so check it out!

What else is cooking?

Our "Holiday Inspirations- Design Tips for holiday decorating your home" event is right around the corner! Thursday, December 3rd 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Eastbrook Homes is teaming up wtih Pottery Barn to provide free decorating ideas for the holidays. Our event will be held in the Eastbrook community of Stoneshire at 5949 Glen Ellyn Drive SE. It's early and we've had a tremendous response so far!

To RSVP please contact: halso@eastbrookhomes.com While this is a Complimentary event, reservations are requested.

So good things are happening in West Michigan~ I'm excited about the communities I represent and anxious to show new homes. The best thing I can do right now is to help people take advantage of this unprecendented time in Real Estate.

Remember, I'm here to do "Whatever it Takes!"

Good News... and we'll take it!

September is here and much good news has been reported!

Here's my question... What comes first the perception of a better economy, or truly better economic conditions? It seems like we are experiencing both right now.

Good news is finally making its way to the headlines which is wonderful and necessary...http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/09/grand_rapids_home_prices_final.html

I say let's keep the good news coming!

September will be a great month at West Hamptons too! We will kick off our Grand Opening with a parade home celebration on September 24.

The HBA fall parade of homes starts September 25th - October 10, 2009.

The parade home is beautiful and offers many great amenities. Feel free to check out this home during parade, or feel free to schedule a personal tour... costello@eastbrookhomes.com

I say it's Great the media is spreading good news, we'll take it and Let's keep it coming!

Remember, I'm here to serve and do whatever it takes!!

North, South, East, West... which location is the best?

We hear the saying almost everyday… “The number one rule of Real Estate is location, location, location,” A leading driver of location decision making is generally based on school system. Whether you have children or not, the local school system’s strength should be considered. Search out tools such as “Schools Plus or Great Schools.net”and other internet resources. There are great on-line sources available to measure a schools performance.
What about you and your family’s daily needs in terms of location?
While location is critical, the location for your new home has to be right for you. Is the location of the community close to work, expressways and recreation? Maybe your life depends on easy access to an airport? Or maybe you love easy access to the symphony and shopping. The truth is there really isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to the location question. Lifestyle, affordability and desire are tremendous factors when you choose a homesite for a new home.
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s the good news. A good builder does an enormous amount of work before a community even gets drawn, let alone built. A number of studies are done, focus groups are organized and data is analyzed. Chances are if you like the location, find it accessible, and fits your needs, others will too. That’s the tremendous value in planned neighborhood living. Remember just like you want to choose the right location for you, so does a good builder.
While “location, location, location” may be the age old rule of Real Estate the best location in the world isn’t great, if it isn’t right for you.

Bye For now... I'll do "Whatever it takes."

Time flies just like Great Opportunties!

It's almost August and I can't believe my daughter will be a year old soon. I wonder where the time has gone and the moments I'll most remember. Every stage seems never ending at the time, but somehow you get thru it and you are off to the next. Right now, we are embracing "teething." I didn't know a little girl could cry so loud and so often especially in the middle of the night. But time flies, just like great opportunties and it's an awesome opportunity to watch her grow, even though a full night's sleep is a distant memory.

At Eastbrook we have our own great opportuntities ...

In July, Eastbrook Homes hosted a "sneak peek" happy hour at our newest community West Hamptons located in the heart of the Forest Hills Northern School district. We had several people attend our outdoor event, and we were blessed with beautiful weather too! To date we've sold 4 homes at West Hamptons and are looking forward to participating in the Fall Parade of Homes.

Say "bye-bye" soon to Market opportunties... The Government stimulus will end November 30. This is a fabulous program for first time home buyers. Plus Eastbrook has a stimulus of their own! Interest rates will not stay low forever and the market is looking up in general. These are great signals because it means the bottom is most likely behind us... but if you haven't bought a new home and you want to hurry because...

"Time flies just like great opportunities!"

For now... I'm here to help and do "Whatever it takes!"