Monte Baker Five Star Real Estate

New Listing short distance to Croton/Hardy Recreation area!!

9565 Timberline Court, Newaygo, MI 49337 Beautiful home with open concept featuring Vaulted Ceilings, large kitchen with pantry, snack bar and newer appliances. Built in 2004 with four bedrooms and 2 fully renovated bathrooms. Laminate floors in main living areas and kitchen. New Deck off of kitchen/dining room overlooking forested back ya...

Beautiful home for sale in the heart of Wayland! Walking distance to schools and downtown!

Come see this gem on Sunday June 9th from 11 am - 1 pm

628 Hickory Drive, Wayland, MI 49348 Beautiful walkout ranch with close to 3000 sq ft of living space. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Inside has all been updated with new flooring, counters and sinks. Open concept living room with gas fireplace for those cozy nights. The dining area has sliders that open to a wrap around deck. M...

Love Ketchup? A hotdog or hamburger just wouldn't be the same without ketchup, but once upon a time.......

Ketchup was once sold as a medicine
Ketchup is one of the most common and most popular condiments in North America but in 1834 it was actually a prescription medicine too. Ketchup was originally a fish or mushroom-based concotion but Dr. John Cooke Bennet had the idea to add tomatoes as a way of adding vitamins and antioxidants that would help cure indigestion. Although Dr. Bennet's "tomato pills" were a popular medicine at the time they ultimately fizzled out as a viable medication due to the fact that they didn't actually live up to the claim.

ATTENTION SELLERS!!

Inventory is still very low! There are lots of buyers still looking to buy a home. If you are thinking about making a change give me a call. I will go over the comps to see what your home is worth and what would be the best way to market it! 616-299-8065

How would you like to live where the oxygen is the best ever? I can sell your home here so you can move to Russia!!

Russia's main export may be energy but that doesn't change the fact that they are also the largest oxygen producer in the world. With over 17,098,242 square kilometers of land, Russia is the largest country in the world by quite a large margin (Canada is second with 9,984,670 square kilometers). As a result, they lead the world in density of trees with about 640 billion trees throughout the country. Trees play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing life around the world by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.

Interest rates are at a high from the last year, but take a look over the years! Check out 1981, many of us remember the interest rates then!!!!

Year
1975 9.05% 1991 9.25% 2007 6.34%
1976 8.87% 1992 8.39% 2008 6.03%
1977 8.85% 1993 7.31% 2009 5.04%
1978 9.64% 1994 8.38% 2010 4.69%
1979 11.20% 1995 7.93% 2011 4.45%
1980 13.74% 1996 7.81% 2012 3.66%
1981 16.63% 1997 7.60% 2013 3.98%
1982 16.04% 1998 6.94% 2014 4.17%
1983 13.24% 1999 7.44% 2015 3.85%
1984 13.88% 2000 8.05% 2016 3.65%
1985 12.43% 2001 6.97% 2017 3.99%
1986 10.19% 2002 6.54% 2018 4.54%
1987 10.21% 2003 5.83% 2019 3.94%
1988 10.34% 2004 5.84% 2020 3.10%
1989 10.32% 2005 5.87% 2021 2.96%
1990 10.13% 2006 6.41% 2022 5.34%
Source: Freddie Mac

According to Feddie Mac

The U.S. economy has been resilient in the face of rising interest rates and grew at its long-run average rate of 2% during the first quarter of 2023. The labor market remains strong with an unemployment rate below 4% and rising labor force participation for the 25–54-year-old age group. The housing market has also been impacted by high rates with millions of U.S. homeowners locked into previously low mortgage rates and content to remain in their current homes, helping to keep inventory low and the balance tilted in favor of home sellers over buyers in most markets. In this month’s spotlight we show that this “mortgage rate lockin effect” is the largest ever in U.S. history, and is likely to impact the housing market for years to come.

What does this mean? It is a great time to be a home seller! Even though rates are higher it still is a great investment to purchase a house!

According to Forbes

Though summer temperatures are heating up, it looks like a tepid season ahead for the housing market.

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased by eight basis points in June before ticking up again in the beginning of July. A basis point is one-hundredth of one percentage point. The rate now sits at 6.78% for the week ending July 20, down from 6.96% a week prior, according to Freddie Mac.

Meanwhile, existing home sales remained relatively flat in May, rising 0.2%, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Though the median existing-home sales price edged lower year-over-year for the fourth consecutive month—a promising sign for home shoppers—experts don’t expect substantial, nationwide price declines anytime soon.

Despite high mortgage rates, the market remains as competitive as ever thanks to strong demand coupled with tight inventory supply, due, in part, to those who purchased homes in recent years at record-low interest rates staying put. These and other factors form a perfect affordability crisis storm that continues to sideline many aspiring homeowners.

While home prices aren’t as high as the record prices of June 2022, data suggest that where home prices dip or climb this year remains heavily region-specific. For instance, in May, prices grew in the Northeast and Midwest but fell in the West.

Is it worth waiting to buy a home? Lets talk, if your renting right now it still could make sense to buy a home..

Fun Fact! Well maybe! Who knew that your peanut butter could be used for more dangerous things!!

You probably thought that allergies were the only danger presented by peanuts! It may be surprising but peanuts are actually one of the ingredients in dynamite. Although dynamite can be made in other ways using other ingredients, glycerol can be produced from processed peanut oil, which can then be used to make nitroglycerine, which is the explosive material used in dynamite.

What's Really Going on With Home Prices?
The latest Existing Home Sales report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) showed that May’s median sales price of $396,100 was down 3.1% from a year earlier. This prompted news headlines like, "US home prices fall by largest amount annually since December 2011."

However, this reporting does not tell the whole story. Here’s why:

The NAR says "the median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less." Think of this metric as the midpoint price of homes sold in a given month. The NAR also notes that "changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data." In other words, if more lower-priced homes are sold in a given month, the median sales price would decline – even if the value of those specific homes rose.

In fact, the latest Home Price Index report from Case-Shiller showed that home prices nationwide rose for the third straight month. CoreLogic and the Federal Housing Finance Agency have also reported consecutive monthly gains in their respective home price indexes. Moving forward, Zillow has even revised their 2023 home value forecast, projecting that home prices will rise 5% this year, up from 3.9% growth.

What does this mean? Some buyers want to wait thinking the prices will drop. But it doesn't seem like that is going to happen, so why wait it's still better than renting.

Do you know what a funambulist is?

Odds are that if you have ever seen someone balancing on a tightrope strung across the tops of two buildings hundreds of feet in the air, your heart has jumped into your throat. It turns out that what we commonly refer to as a “tightrope walker” actually has an official name - a funambulist. Funambulists walk across tightropes professionally, or at least at a very high level. This takes years of training and an incredibly high level of athleticism.

Don't walk a tightrope let the professional do it for you! Call me with all of your real estate needs!!

Fun Fact:

What coach went above and beyond for his team:

In April 1928, the New York Rangers battled the Montreal Maroons for the Stanley Cup. In Game 2, an unlucky shot hit Lorne Chabot, the Rangers goalie, in the eye, forcing him out of the game. At this time, NHL teams did not carry an extra goalkeeper with them, meaning the Rangers were at a massive loss. All out of options, Lester Patrick, then at the age of 44 and the coach of the Rangers, decided to throw on the goalie pads and step into the rink. They won the game 2-1, and the next day the NHL allowed the Rangers to pick up another goalie.

When buying or selling a home know that I will go above and beyond to make the transaction smooth to the finish!

Looking for a Business Opportunity? Here it is! Downtown Wayland Local Brewery for sale. Call for more information. 616-299-8065

Here is a fun fact! Well, you might consider it a little morbid!!

Up until the 19th century, what is now known as the living room was known as the “parlor”. To make things even more interesting, the parlor was originally another name for a “death room”, as it was an important part of funerary rituals leading up to the late 19th century. It was the place where deceased family members were placed so that well-wishers could give their final respects. Talk about a big turnaround, going from being known as the death room to the living room.

When you are in the market to buy a house—or need to sell your current home—that is the time to use an experienced real estate agent. An inexperienced agent can cost you time and money, and unfortunately maybe even put you at risk of losing out on your dream home.

Key Takeaways

Agents who have renewed their licenses multiple times are more likely to have a history of consistently closing deals.

Experienced real estate agents can provide the kinds of nuanced information and advice unlikely to be found through online real estate searches.

Benefits of using an experienced real estate agent include rapport with other agents, knowledge of market trends, and solid referrals.

When choosing a real estate agent, look for good communication skills, patience, and marketing expertise.

Let my 30+ years work for you. Call me 616-299-8065!

Wouldn't it be nice to buy homes with other means than the almighty dollar, no interest payments! How about eels!

Well, this does not make a lot of sense. In medieval England, people often paid their rent using eels. Yes, the kind of eels found in the ocean and other bodies of water. There were a lot of eels in medieval England, and people ate them, traded them, and even paid taxes and rent with them. Eels were a common currency, often coming smoked on sticks of 25. To be fair, medieval England had a lot of weird ideas, including using leeches to cure people’s headaches, so this is par for the course.

Today we celebrate our freedom! Thank you to those who gave their lives and thank you to all that serve now!

Here are some facts!

1. The Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776.

Despite John Adams wanting the holiday to be celebrated on July 2, that’s not the day we celebrate our nation’s independence. We celebrate on July 4th since it was the day the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted.

2. President Zachary Taylor died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit following 4th of July speeches.

3. In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to declare the 4th of July an official state holiday.

4. The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is tapped 13 times every July 4th in honor of the original 13 colonies.

5. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826.

6. Calvin Coolidge is the only president that was born on the 4th of July.

7. The Star Spangled Banner became the United States’ national anthem in 1931.

8. Bristol, Rhode Island, was home to the first 4th of July parade in 1785.

9. Guidelines for flag etiquette, including rules for the 4th of July, can be found in the U.S. Flag Code.

10. Edward Rutledge was the youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence at 26 years old, while Benjamin Franklin was the oldest at 70 years old.

According to Forbes!

Even though the summer homebuying season is officially here, the housing market is still experiencing a winter chill.

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains elevated compared to last year, with the rate currently at 6.71%, just a few basis points below the year-to-date high of 6.79% reached in early June, according to Freddie Mac. That represented a 40 basis-point jump from a month prior. A basis point is one-hundredth of one percentage point.

Meanwhile, existing home sales remained relatively flat in May, rising 0.2%, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Though the median existing-home sales price edged lower year-over-year for the fourth consecutive month—a promising sign for home shoppers—experts don’t expect substantial, nationwide price declines anytime soon. In May, prices grew in the Northeast and Midwest but fell in the South and West.

Home prices remain stubbornly elevated, perpetuating affordability challenges for many, especially first-time homebuyers. For one, the nation’s housing supply remains limited—and probably will remain so for at least the near future—due, in part, to those who purchased homes in recent years at record-low interest rates staying put.

Though home prices are not as high as the record prices of June 2022, data suggest that where home prices dip or climb this year remains heavily region-specific.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that annual consumer inflation has made a steady decline from the high of 9.1% last June, falling to nearly half that amount this spring.

This is significant for homebuyers because inflation is a key driver of home loan rates. Inflation reduces the value of fixed investments like bonds and home loan rates are inversely tied to a type of bond called mortgage-backed securities (also known as mortgage bonds). While many factors can influence the markets, such as the recent uncertainty surrounding the debt ceiling, lower inflation can be beneficial for home loan rates.

Meanwhile, CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index report noted that home prices nationwide are expected to increase 4.6% in the year going forward from April 2023 to April 2024. This is an upward revision to their annual forecast reported just two months ago for February, which saw 3.7% growth. Zillow has also “significantly revised” its home value forecast, projecting that home prices will rise 3.9% this year.

While no one can completely predict the market, it still is a good time to buy or sell a home. Call me when you need help. 616-299-8065

A rise in single-family home construction and incentives from homebuilders provide opportunities for buyers this summer. Plus, improving inflation and home price appreciation forecasts showcase the benefits of moving forward with a home purchase despite the challenges in today's market.

According to the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development there was an uptick in single-family construction activity. Housing Starts (actual groundbreaking) and Building Permits (authorizations reflecting future construction) for single-family homes both increased from March to April, hitting their highest levels of the year.

This boost in the supply of new homes is especially crucial given the dynamics of today’s housing market. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explained, "With limited available housing inventory, new construction will continue to be a significant part of prospective buyers’ search in the quarters ahead."

NAHB Chair Alicia Huey added that "further improvement for single-family production" is expected in the coming months, which is good news for buyers as it should lead to a further increase in much-needed supply. Also of benefit to buyers, many home builders are still using incentives like price reductions, as over a quarter (27%) of respondents to the NAHB's Housing Market Index survey reported doing so last month.

Part 6

Rearrange your furniture. In the living room, symmetrical arrangements usually work well. Pull your furniture off the walls and use pairs (of sofas, chairs, lamps) to create an inviting conversation area.

Part 5

Take a good look at your floors. At the bare minimum, give all floors a thorough cleaning (and steam clean carpets), but consider having wood floors refinished if they are in poor shape. If you don't want to invest in refinishing floors, the strategic placement of area rugs can go a long way.

Part 4

Clear away all clutter. If you are serious about staging your home, all clutter must go, end of story. It's not easy, and it may even require utilizing offsite storage (or a nice relative's garage) temporarily, but it is well worth the trouble. Clean and clear surfaces, floors, cupboards and closets equal more space in the eyes of potential buyers, so purge anything unnecessary or unsightly.

Part 3

Get your house sparkling clean. From shining floors and gleaming windows to clean counters and scrubbed grout, every surface should sparkle. This is the easiest (well, maybe not easiest, but certainly the cheapest) way to help your home put its best foot forward. You may want to hire pros to do some of the really tough stuff, especially if you have a large house. Don't skimp -- this step is key!

Part 2 on getting your home ready to sell!

Welcome visitors with an inviting porch. Even if you have only a tiny stoop, make it say "welcome home" with a clean doormat, potted plants in bloom and -- if you have room -- one or two pieces of neat porch furniture. Keep your porch lights on in the evenings, in case potential buyers drive by. Illuminating the front walk with solar lights is a nice extra touch, especially if you will be showing the house during the evening.

Some simple tips to get your house ready to sell!

Make sure your home is ready to lure in onlookers with these tips:
Power wash siding and walkways.
Hang easy-to-read house numbers.
Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
Mow lawn, and reseed or add fresh sod as needed.
Wash front windows.
Repaint or stain the porch floor as needed.

Don't forget for a successful sale hire a knowledgeable and professional realtor! Call me, let my 30+ years benefit you in the sale of your home!! 616-299-8065

How old is McDonald's?

While it is now found from one corner of the globe to another and seems as old as time itself, McDonald’s was first founded in San Bernardino, California, United States in 1955. Since then, McDonald’s has grown to be the largest fast food chain in the world. While their hamburgers are now what they are known for, McDonald’s originally started off selling hot dogs. The founder of McDonald’s was Ray Kroc.

The Golden Arches have been around a long time. Most kids still want to go to McDonald's showing that they have learned and adapted over the years. Thirty plus years in the Real Estate business has taught me much. Let me use that knowledge to help you with your real estate needs!! Call me 616-299-8065

Interesting Fact: How much does it cost to make a penny?

A single penny, whose value is literally worth just 1 cent, actually costs 2 cents to make. This is due to the growing cost of copper, which pennies were made of up until a few years ago. Due to copper’s high price, many countries simply stopped making pennies, instead simply rounding transactions up or down to the nearest 5-cent interval. Some countries switched to making the body of the penny out of zinc, with copper only being used in a thin coating on the outside of the coin.

Want to know how much your house is worth? Call me for a free Market Analysis and see what the Market will pay for your home. 616-299-8065

Did you Know?

At one point in history, Pennsylvania’s two National Football League teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, combine to form one super team. This occurred in the 1943 season. Both teams had lost many of their players to military service during World War II, and the league allowed them to combine so that they had enough players to field one team. This team was called the Steagles, a clever combination of the Eagles and the Steelers. It only lasted one season.

Unlike the Steagles I have been in Real Estate for over 30 years. Wether you are selling or buying a home I have the tools! Call me 616-299-8065

Here is a fun fact:

A bull is used to symbolize a stock market that is growing and moving upwards. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the bear, which is used to show a stock market that is on the way downwards. The bull was picked to represent the rising market because of the way it attacks its opponents. It swings its horns upwards. Likewise, the bear swipes down at prey, just as the stock market it represents moved in the downward direction.

Have a house to sell? Call me and see how I can move your home upward and get the most money for it!! 616-299-8065