Articles Tagged "Grand Haven"

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:

• Windmill Island Gardens - 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
  Windmills are not only a sign of Dutch heritage, but they also make for beautiful photo opportunities. You can snap some great windmill pics at Windmill Island Gardens. The main attraction here is the historic 'de Zwann' windmill, but there are also dozens of acres of parks and exhibits where you can also take pictures. Among the other attractions are an annual themed garden during the summer and 150,000 blooming tulips in the spring. While you're in town, be sure to check out these Holland homes for sale, which are just down the road from the park.
  
  
• Riverview Park - Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423
  You'll find ample photo opportunities at Riverview Park in Holland. Also known as "Window on the Waterfront," this park has boardwalks, open space, and viewing decks that offer amazing views of the Macatawa River. Not to mention the park is home to more than 100,000 blooming tulips every spring. With so much natural beauty, it's easy to snap a few shareable pictures.
  
  
• Saugatuck Dunes State Park - 38th Ave, Holland, MI 49423
  Capture gorgeous photos of the sandy dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. The park consists of over 100 acres with 13 miles of trails that weave in and out of beach, dune, and forest landscapes while providing amazing coastal views. The park is even home to three endangered plant species.
  
  
• Lighthouse Connector Park - Grand Haven, MI 49417
  Also known as "The Boardwalk," Lighthouse Connector Park is a 1.5-mile recreational area extending from the Chinook Pier to the South Pier. It features a trail, beach access, and an upfront look at the amazing Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light. It's nice to have a beach in your own backyard, and these Grand Haven homes for sale offer just that.
  
  
• Grand Haven State Park - 1001 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  Snap some awesome beach photos at Grand Haven State Park — a 48-acre park consisting of sandy beaches, dunes, and two lighthouses. It's also one of the best local places to take beautiful pictures of the sunset. If you want to make a weekend out of it, the park has fantastic campgrounds and lodging.
  
  
• The Grand Haven Musical Fountain - 1 N Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  See an amazing orchestration of lights, water, and music at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This theatrical fountain puts on a free 25-30 minute show every evening all summer long. Enjoy some great musical hits while practicing your photography skills. With a variety of shows, it's always worth stopping back and seeing something new.

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:

• Taste And Odor - Hard water often smells bad (like a rotten egg) and has a metallic taste.
• Residue - It can leave a white residue on your dishes that is difficult to remove, and it can also leave water stains on your sink, bathtub, and toilet.
• Dry Skin - It makes your skin feel extra dry after you wash your hands and take a shower.
• Laundry Issues - It can make your clothes feel stiff, and it can dull or fade colors.
• Plumbing Problems - It can lead to build-up or corrosion in your pipes, which can ultimately result in lower water pressure
• Poor Appliance Performance - It can affect the overall performance and energy efficiency of water-based appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.

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:

• You'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do
  In Western Michigan, you can fill your weekends with fun outdoor activities and take advantage of all the local amenities our communities have to offer. For example, you can relax on a Lake Michigan beach during the day, and then grab dinner and shop in Holland or Grand Haven. Or head downtown and enjoy some of the great restaurants and breweries Grand Rapids has to offer. Festivals and community events are also a big deal in Western Michigan, which can be fun for the whole family.
  
  
• Easy Access To Fantastic Healthcare
  Grand Rapids is home to "Medical Mile," a collection of some of the nation's best hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions. As a result, you don't have to travel far to get the care you need. There are actually more than 10 hospitals in the area. Easy access to healthcare is also one of the many reasons why people choose to raise a family or retire in Western Michigan.
  
  
• A Strong Job Market
  Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland offer tons of job opportunities in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health care, and food processing. Meijer, Spectrum Health, and Merrill are all large employers that call Western Michigan home. Commuting to a job in Grand Haven or Grand Rapids is an easy drive from these Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• High-Quality Education
  There are more than 15 colleges and universities in Western Michigan, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University, and many more, so quality higher education is easy to find. Western Michigan has tons of great public schools as well. According to Niche.com, Grand Haven received an "A" public school rating, and Holland received a "B+". There are also 22 public charter schools and 45 private schools across the area, and 5 Western Michigan schools actually rank top in the nation.
  
  
• Fantastic Weather
  The best part about Western Michigan weather is you truly get to experience all four seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are snowy and beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and blooming tulips in the spring. With plenty of lakes and mountains, there are ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities like boating, biking, and skiing.

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:

1. Save, Save, And Save
   First-time homebuyers are often caught off guard by the various expenses associated with closing on a home. The first and most important is the down payment. Depending on your type of home loan, you may be required to put down anywhere from 3.5% to 20%. The more you put down, the more home equity you'll earn and the lower your monthly payments. 
   
   Buyers are also on the hook for closing costs, including various mortgage fees and tile fees and usually add up to another 3% to 6% of the purchase price. You may also be required to pre-pay insurance premiums, interest, or property taxes.
   
   Don't forget to also save for unexpected home maintenance costs. 
   
   Bottom line — you're going to need to start saving as early as you can.
   
   
2. Check Your Credit
   Your credit score plays a huge role in your ability to secure a mortgage, and it also influences the mortgage rate you're eligible to receive. You can request your credit score from one of the three large Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian, or there are various apps and services that provide free credit scores. You want to make sure your credit score is in good shape before starting house hunting.
   
   
3. Get Preapproved
   A preapproval letter from a lender signals to sellers that you're serious about home shopping and your lender has done a high-level assessment has been done on your financial situation. Preapprovals often require you to provide W2s, paystubs, and bank statements. Your lender will also look at your credit report. If everything checks out, they'll issue a letter stating you'll be pre-approved up to a certain amount. Once you obtain your letter, you can then begin touring some of these amazing Grand Haven homes for sale.
   
   
4. Define Your Location
   Location is always one of the very most important factors to consider. Make sure to pay attention to the neighborhood. What are the average home prices? Is it walkable? How is the school district? Remember that the quality of your neighborhood and your location will be very important when it comes to resale value. If you're trying to find the right location, don't forget to check out some of these Hudsonville homes for sale.
   
   
5. Don't Forget The Inspection Contingency
   As a first-time homebuyer, your home inspection contingency is an important protection. It gives you the ability to walk away from a deal or renegotiate without losing your earnest money if the home inspection uncovers something unfavorable.
   
   Remember, you can't possibly uncover every issue with a home during a quick tour. The home inspection gives you the opportunity to do a thorough visual examination of the property with a professional. While some buyers waive the home inspection contingency to sweeten the offer, this generally isn't recommended 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:

• Porto Bello - 41 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  Located in the historic Piano Factory building, Porto Bello is a laid-back Italian restaurant just down the street from these Grand Haven homes for sale. Choose from all your favorite pasta dishes or share a delicious specialty pizza. Don't forget to finish your meal with a piece of Italian Lemon Cake or Tiramisu. Looking for a place to host a special event? Porto Bello also caters meals at the beautiful Harbourfront Grand Hall which is adjacent to the restaurant.
  
  
• Noto's At The Bil-Mar - 1223 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  This upbeat, modern Italian restaurant on the lakeshore offers a variety of shared Italian plates, pizzas, salads, and an eclectic wine list, to mention great views of sunsets over Lake Michigan from the dining room. The combination of great food, spectacular views, and a fun atmosphere makes Noto's At The Bil-Mar the perfect date night location.
  
  
• Two Tonys - 723 E Savidge St Suite E, Spring Lake, MI 49456
  Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in an old-world atmosphere at Two Tonys Kitchen and Wine Bar. Start off your meal with Two Tonys Meatballs, which are topped with fresh marinara and fresh mozzarella cheese. For dinner, choose your favorite pasta, risotto, or Italian entree and finish your meal with some sweet, savory cannoli. The casual vibe and great food at Two Tonys make it a local favorite.
  
  
• Stomboli's Express - 6210 96th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
  If you're craving a gourmet pizza, handmade Stromboli, or some tasty subs, we recommend stopping by Stromboli's Express. This carry-out only dining establishment is known to have some of the best pizza in town. It's always fun to pick up a pizza at Stromboli's and take it to a nearby park for a picnic in the summertime.
  
  
• Scooters Cafe & Pizzeria - 322 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
  Scooters Cafe & Pizzeria is known for its big bright dining room and delicious pizza and pasta. Choose from a wide selection of specialty pizzas or try the classic Spaghetti with Meatballs. If you still have room, Scooters S'mores Pizza is the highlight of the dessert menu.
  
  
• Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen - 3627 Baldwin St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
  Home of MLive's 2016 Best Pizza award, Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen's pizzas feature homemade dough and a secret homemade sauce that can't be beaten. While they're known for pizza, they also offer pasta entrees, sandwiches, salads, and more. There is also a great wine selection, cocktails, and happy hour specials. Best of all, you'll find some spectacular Hudsonville homes for sale just down the street.

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:

• Winter: Winter is the time to make good use of root vegetables, as these plants tend to thrive in cooler / cold weather. Kale, carrots, squash, and turnips all make for great choices. You can easily throw these tasty root vegetables into a nice stew or bake them into a casserole.
  
  
• Spring: Now is the time you'll start seeing fresh leafy vegetables and certain fruits at their best. Asparagus, radishes, mushrooms, peas, and strawberries are all great seasonal foods come springtime. Spring is one of the best times of year for seasonal cooking.
  
  
• Summer: Those warm summer months are the right time to enjoy so many of your favorite fruits and vegetables. From a fruit perspective, peaches, apricots, raspberries, cherries, and blueberries are all ripe and ready to be harvested. On the vegetable side, you'll find your brussels sprouts, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn are all fresh. Remember, people enjoy corn on the cob in the summer for a reason.
  
  
• Fall: While we often associate fall with changing leaves and dying plants, there are many fruits and vegetables that thrive during these cool weather nights. Apples are perfect in the fall, as are broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. It's no surprise that many of these ingredients are found in traditional Thanksgiving dishes. 

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:

• Sweet Haven - 411 Phoenix Street, South Haven Michigan 49090
  The ultimate candy shop — Sweet Haven offers both old school candy, new candy, and a great selection of chocolates, fudge, and caramels. For Valentine's Day, you can customize your own gift box, so you can give your special someone exactly what they like. If you love this candy store, you might consider checking out some nearby Grand Haven homes for sale.
  
  
• Grand Finale - 225 Franklin Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  Delicious desserts, amazing pastries, and gourmet baked goods can all be found at Grand Finale, a spectacular local treat shop with tons of sweet options that make for great Valentine's Day gifts. Grab a delicious cake or some amazing cupcakes, so you can top off your romantic Valentine's Day dinner with a tasty dessert.
  
  
• Betty Jane's Sweets - 518 Pine St, Spring Lake, MI 49456
  This family-owned and operated business has become a Grand Haven staple. At Betty Jane's Sweets, you'll find all the chocolate, candy, and popcorn you need. The Chocolate Covered Oreos and the Coconut Clusters are both highly recommended. Specialty gift boxes and baskets are available for Valentine's Day.
  
  
• Ryke's - 623 A Way, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  One of the best dessert destinations in all of West Michigan, Ryke's offers a wide selection of sweet baked goods including cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. Your mouth will start watering as soon as you walk in the door. They're accepting custom orders for Valentine's Day, so make sure to get yours in!
  
  
• Blueberry Haven - 213 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  If your special person loves blueberries, a gift box from Blueberry Haven could make for a great gift. Start off Valentine's Day morning with the ultimate Blueberry Breakfast Box — pancake mix, fresh blueberries, blueberry syrup, blueberry butter, blueberry topping, and blueberry coffee. Or try one of the famous blueberry jams.
  
  
• Patricia's Chocolate - 126 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  Premier ganache and caramel chocolates and extraordinary specialty confections can be found at Patricia's Chocolate, located in downtown Grand Haven. A custom chocolate package makes for a great gift. Choose from 4 to 18 pieces of handcrafted chocolate. Stop by the store or submit your order online.
  
  
• Kilwins - 101 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
  For a great selection of chocolate, fudge, and ice cream, make a visit to Kilwins as part of your Valentine's Day. If you're in need of a great gift, Kilwins has traditional heart-shaped boxes of assorted truffles in all different sizes. Their caramel apples are also a must-try! Stop in or order pick-up or delivery online.

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:

• Make A Holiday Wreath
  Creating a holiday wreath from scratch is easier than you think. For the base, you can simply use floral wire, twigs, or Styrofoam. For the greenery, you can use juniper sprigs, eucalyptus pods, evergreen boughs, or anything you can find. Them, simply collect your greenery into groups and attach it to your base with floral pins, tape, or craft glue. Lastly, top it off with some holiday bows or other decor. Crating a holiday wreath is not only a ton of fun, but it can make a great addition to your home's facade. Some of our favorite Holland homes for sale have some beautiful holiday wreaths on display this year.
  
  
• Craft Some Simple Ornaments
  Christmas tree ornaments are super easy, and there are so many different types of ornaments to make.
  
  To make a simple ornament, cut your ornament base from cardstock using any holiday pattern you'd like, and then add some paint and glitter to one side. String a nice ribbon through a hole at the top and bead it on the other end.
  
  Want to take your homemade ornament game to the next level? Replace the cardstock with a jingle bell, snow globe, or engraved wood, and swap out your ribbon for decorative pipe cleaners. Creating holiday ornaments is also a great crafting idea for the kids.
  
  
• Build A Lighted Pinecone Basket
  Lighted pinecone baskets are one of our favorite crafts. Gather a half dozen sturdy pinecones and apply a coat of clear spray paint. Then, add some gold glitter to the wet paint. While the paint is drying, line a small weave basket with some gold string lights, and then place the pinecones inside. Once you plug in the lights, it should look as if the lights are coming through both the pinecones and the weaved basket.
  
  A beautiful lighted pinecone basket makes for a great mantle piece or can even fit nicely on the kitchen counter.
  
  
• Design Creative Christmas Cookies
  Decorating Christmas cookies is a DIY craft project that's fun for all ages. Bake some delicious gingerbread cookies, butter spritz cookies, chocolate bark cookies — the opportunities are truly endless. Buy some holiday cookie cutters, icing, and candy, so you're ready to decorate as soon as your cookies come out of the oven. 

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:

• Movies In The Park
  With showings planned throughout the rest of July and August, this is a fun event for the family that is completely free! Catch classics like Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, and other great films. Concession sales go towards Team Mabel's fight against cystic fibrosis, and you can learn more about their cause at the event.
  
  
• Walk the Beat
  If you like music, Walk the Beat may be the event for you. This street music festival is one of the best ways to hear local musicians live. With a lineup of nearly 50 bands, there will be something for every generation of music fan. You can even vote for your favorite band — the winner receives free studio time. Show your local singers, guitarists, and keyboardists support by walking the beat this year on August 14th.
  
  
• Art on the Riverfront
  This event held at the city marina showcases regional artists, where you can learn about their techniques firsthand and purchase some one-of-a-kind pieces you'd like to bring home. The August 21st event is a special way to see unique art and enjoy the Grand River.

Looking for more to do in Grand Haven and other West Michigan communities? Contact us today to start your home search.