Those living in Western Michigan know a thing or two about snow accumulation in the wintertime. Winter weather is a normal part of life, and so is shoveling snow. Although residents in the area have lots of experience, many people forget to take the right steps when it comes to snow removal. Putting off snow removal or doing it incorrectly can actually make it more difficult and can even be detrimental to your property.
To help you manage the next snowstorm, our real estate agents pulled together a list of some of the biggest mistakes people make when removing snow:
Proper snow removal is the key to keeping yourself and your property safe, so we recommend creating a good routine. Contact us today for more landscaping maintenance tips.
If you're already getting cabin fever this winter or simply need a break from binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, there is a lot to do around Western Michigan this winter. If you're looking for family-friendly activities, we have some recommendations for you. From holiday light shows to winter markets, there is no reason to spend the entire winter cooped up. This season is one of the most enjoyable and beautiful times of year, so we celebrate it in a big way.
You might just run into one of our real estate agents out at one of these local events:
These local activities are sure to keep you busy all winter long. Looking for more things to do around Western Michigan? Contact us today.
Photography is one of our favorite art forms, and it's especially fun when you live in a beautiful place like West Michigan. When you're surrounded by tulips, shorelines, lighthouses, and windmills, you won't have trouble finding beautiful subjects for your photo shoots.
Great photography takes a good eye and a lot of practice. Our real estate agents have been dabbling in photography lately and are always on the lookout for new beautiful landscapes to hone their skills. Here are some of our favorite places to snap amazing pictures in West Michigan:
Living in a beautiful place can do wonders for your mental health and energy, which is why we love calling West Michigan home. Contact us today to explore local listings.
Did you know hard water can negatively impact your home over time? While it's safe to drink, hard water can lead to many interior problems, which is why our real estate agents recommend addressing it as soon as possible. Hard water is common across much of the US, especially in the Midwest. As a result, it's an issue most homeowners have to contend with. Below, we'll tell you all about hard water and share some simple solutions for treating it in your home
What Is Hard Water?
While most water contains minerals, hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water accumulates high levels of these two minerals when it streams through deposits of limestone or chalk. It's usually easy to tell if you have hard water as it often leaves a chalky film on your dishes, or it can even have a strong taste or odor. However, there are also inexpensive hard water test kits available that can tell you for sure.
How Can Hard Water Affect Your Home?
The effects of hard water range from short-term mild inconveniences to significant long-term damage. In any case, it's a good idea to address the issue right away. Here are some examples of the effects hard water can have in your home:
How Do I Treat Hard Water?
The easiest and most common way to treat hard water is with a water softener or filtration system. Some of these systems use negatively charged magnetic beads to collect calcium and magnesium particles while simultaneously allowing water to flow through. Other systems filter out calcium and magnesium from your water while pumping in sodium ions. The later types come with a separate salt tank, and the salt needs refilling periodically; however, the good news is water softener salt is usually inexpensive.
Once the process is complete, the water then flows out of the filtration system and into your home's plumbing. Water softeners range in price, but purchase and installation are usually around $1,500 on average. However, many of these gorgeous Holland homes for sale are already equipped with a water softener.
Eliminating hard water from your house can help you avoid unwanted water stains, unhealthy skin, and plumbing and appliance issues. It's definitely worth the investment. For more home maintenance tips, contact us today.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a new place to live, and the decision isn't always easy. But for those searching for a great climate, a strong economy, and quality education, Western Michigan checks every box. In fact, our real estate agents say people from all over the world move to Western Michigan thanks to its many amenities. Once you see what our great communities have to offer, we're sure you'll be eager to call this area home.
If you're on the hunt for a new place to live, here are a few reasons why you make sure Western Michigan is on the top of your list:
Western Michigan has so much to offer, so it's easy to see why so many people love calling it home. Contact us to explore local listings in our area.
The state of the real estate market over the last two years has created numerous challenges for first-time homebuyers. With rising home prices, low inventory, and now rising interest rates shoppers are facing unprecedented challenges.
Our real estate agents believe navigating the complexities of the current market is not impossible; however, to be successful, you need to start planning ahead of time. With some preparation, patience, and a good real estate agent, you can still easily land the home of your dreams. Here are our best tips for first-time homebuyers:
Buying your first home can be a stressful process, but by doing your research and finding the right agent, the process can be a lot easier. Contact us today for more tips!
Few meals are more satisfying than a warm bowl of pasta topped with your favorite sauce and paired with a nice glass of wine, especially when celebrating a special event with your family. When we heard National Meatball Day was on March 6th, we thought it'd be a great excuse to head out to our favorite local Italian eatery and indulge in our favorite pasta or pizza.
Italian cuisine has always been a favorite of our real estate agents, so it wasn't too difficult for us to compile a list of our favorite Italian restaurants around Western Michigan. Here are six of our favorite restaurants:
The quality, variety, and taste of our local Italian restaurants are what make them special. For more information on the wonderful local businesses around Western Michigan, contact us today.
If you love cooking at home, the best way to eat fresh all year long is by cooking seasonally. Seasonal cooking means creating meals and menus around ingredients as they come into season. Seasonal ingredients taste delicious and are less expensive, and the best part is that you're supporting local farmers, businesses, and the community when you add them to your meal plans.
Our real estate agents are big believers in the benefits of seasonal cooking. After seeing some of the amazing kitchens in these Grand Haven homes for sale, we were inspired to create a list of seasonal cooking tips to help you improve the freshness and quality of the food you eat. Here is what we recommend:
Build Your Menu Around What's In Season
The key is to plan your meals based on what is currently in season, not necessarily what's on sale. Take the time to learn what fruits and vegetables are at their peak around Michigan. Here is a quick guide:
Don't Forget To Use Local Ingredients
Purchasing ingredients from local farmers or small businesses is the best way to know exactly what you're eating. Some local supermarkets may sell local products, or you can make a stop by some of our wonderful local farmer's markets. Don't be afraid to ask local vendors and farmers how they grow their crops.
Trust Your Eye And Try Something New
You can often recognize seasonal ingredients at the grocery store or farmer's market. Not only will they be prominently displayed, but they'll look good too. Fruit and vegetables appear bigger and brighter when they're in season. Take a stroll through the produce aisle and see what looks good.
Seasonal cooking is great for both your health and the overall community. For more tips on how to make the most out of your kitchen this year, contact us today.
Regardless of your relationship status, Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show love for those you care about the most. There's no better way to do so than with a sweet gift.
If you're looking to get out and do some last-minute Valentine's Day shopping, finding the right gift is easy in Grand Haven. We have so many wonderful local businesses serving up delicious chocolate, candy, baked goods, and more. Here are seven recommendations from our real estate agents:
Finding the perfect Valentine's Day gift isn't always easy, but you can never go wrong with something sweet. Shopping local is the best way to find a great gift while supporting local businesses. Contact us today for more information on Grand Haven.
Nothing gets our real estate agents in the holiday spirit quite like DIY holiday crafts. Holiday crafting is not only a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, but it also is a chance to create some beautiful holiday decor that you can use to liven up your home for the holiday season. If you're looking for some creative ideas before heading out to the craft store, here are our four most popular DIY holiday craft ideas:
Before you start crafting, don't forget to set the holiday scene. Turn on some nice Christmas music, turn on all the lights, and light a fire in the fireplace. It's the perfect way to spend a chilly December afternoon.
For more tips on holiday decor, contact us today.
Our real estate agents love how much there is to do in Grand Haven. No matter what time of year it is, there's always a fun activity going on in the community. That's why we wanted to share some of the exciting things you can do this year. If you're planning on touring Grand Haven homes for sale, consider spending a day in the city for one of these summer events!
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
This is a tradition that dates all the way back to 1924. Then just a Coast Guard personnel picnic featuring rowing competitions, the festival has grown into the most exciting event in Grand Haven! Today's festival sees some top shows and performances on the waterfront stage: 2021's event boasts tribute performances of Michael Buble' and Bob Seger, the Grand City Skiers Ski Show, cardboard boat races, and more! There are also plenty of other events, many of which are free, like the Coast Guard Craft Show and Art Fair, Kids Day, Cruise In Car Show, and the Parade of Ships. If this is your first time visiting Grand Haven, get a sense of how great the community is by planning your trip around the Coast Guard Festival. You'll have a wonderful time, and you'll be supporting the heroic men and women who have made such an impact on Grand Haven. The festival starts July 30th and continues through August 8th.
Want to see more of Grand Haven? Here are some other ways you can experience the city:
Looking for more to do in Grand Haven and other West Michigan communities? Contact us today to start your home search.