Here we are, at the end of November, with the food-fest known as Thanksgiving coming up quickly! With the holidays so near, it may seem like an impossible time to buy or sell a home, but nothing could be further from the truth! Right now may, in fact, be the best time to list your home for sale or to purchase and move into your new home. Whether you're thinking of buying a new place or selling the home you live in now, there are plenty of great reasons to call Pyxis Realty today to get the ball rolling.

While Michigan is notorious for blustery, blizzard-whipped winters, this year's snowy season is projected to be relatively mild, making moving during the winter months much simpler than it might be during an average winter. This is thanks in no small part to El Nino, who is wreaking havoc on the normal weather patterns across the entire hemisphere. While some regions are experiencing more inclement weather than usual, Michigan looks to actually benefit from this weather disruption. Moving this winter will be substantially less taxing than doing so during an average Michigan winter.

With local inventory still at near-record lows, the demand for housing is still outpacing available properties in many areas. If you're thinking about selling or need to move for work or family-related reasons, this is actually a great time to list your home! Although closing around the holidays can add another level of stress to an already hectic month, it also means that you can start out the new year in your new home, without the work of selling your home hanging over your head. Moving by the end of the year can also have an impact on your income taxes and how much you owe or will receive in a refund (consult a tax professional regarding write-offs involved in the home buying process).

Because inventory of available homes is low across the West Michigan real estate market, those looking to sell their homes will be able to ask more competitive, higher prices for their properties than they could have a year or two ago. Additionally, there's a better chance of receiving multiple offers on a desirable property, given the low inventory and high demand for housing in the area. As for buyers, well, this season could be a great time for them to find a home as well.

Because of the seasonal slow-down in real estate, a bit of the competitiveness that comes with a hot market has cooled down. While there may be low inventory, there are still some beautiful, safe houses for sale in the area right now. Working with the experienced, educated staff at Pyxis Realty is one of the surest ways to minimize any additional stress or frustration with the home buying or home selling process. End your year on a high note, and find the home of your dreams with the help of the realtors working for Pyxis Realty!   

This fall has been a great time to buy a home or sell one on the West Michigan market, and that observation has been backed up by the sales report released by the Grand Rapids Area Realtors. The statistics from the month of October are in, and there's little question that the Grand Rapids real estate market and West Michigan real estate market remain hot as ever, despite the changing of the seasons. Additionally, analysis of financing averages also indicates that consumers were receiving better deals while closing on homes this year as opposed to the same time last year.

At the end of October, the number of houses sold in the greater Grand Rapids area was up by 12.3% when compared to the same period in 2014, which is a substantial increase. Volume of transactions is also up by a staggering 21.5%, leaving some with the strong impression that 2015 will very likely set some records as far as the West Michigan real estate market and Grand Rapids real estate market are concerned.

The value of the average home sold in the area is up by over $10,000 per unit. Last year at this time, the average home sale value was $165,051, but this year that average stands at $178,460. That's an increase in the average price of sold homes in the area of a whopping $13,409. That means that for those selling their homes, they are likely to make a decent profit on the transaction, while prices in the area are still below the national average for similarly sized and located homes, meaning that buyers are also getting a great deal and value for their purchase!

From the purchaser standpoint, mortgage rates in general are slightly lower than they were this time last year, and much more of the loans being written are fixed-rate mortgages, meaning they won't be subject to massive fluctuations in cost when the Federal Reserve adjusts the prime interest rate. Foreclosures, which plagued local communities a few years ago, are down to only 2.1%, which is quite low. Additionally, while demand remains strong, there is currently less than three months worth of inventory available for sale in the region, meaning the market will likely stay competitive for the foreseeable future.

Here at Pyxis Realty, our professional staff of experienced realtors takes great pride on an ongoing, up-to-date awareness of the local real estate market, national trends, and shifts in community and culture. All of these aspects play greatly into the ability to predict how a neighborhood will evolve in the upcoming years and thus, the long-term value and viability of a home purchase. Don't gamble when it comes to the one of the biggest investments you will make in your life! Head to the table prepared with the assistance of some of the best local real estate professionals, here to help you through every step of the home buying process. Whether you're looking for your first home, an investment property, or intend to sell your current home to move somewhere larger or smaller, call the team at Pyxis Realty today for confidence when you're closing!  

The snow has finally arrived in West Michigan, and we're all very fortunate to have a slowly-accumulating layer of white fluff for our first real snow of the season. As far as a picturesque winter scene goes, these big, fluffy flakes really take the cake! If you're planning to capitalize on our region's snow-covered beauty by getting out this weekend, you're in luck! There are some great entertainment options on deck for the last weekend before Advent begins!

If you're hoping to get a jump on holiday feasting with some locally-made food and drinks, then head down to DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, where the 7^th Annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is celebrating its final day. Since Thursday, numerous local chefs have presented savory, delicious dishes, available to purchase via tickets, valued at $0.50 increments. There will be more than 1,200 wines on site and over 200 beers, along with various hard ciders and other locally-distilled spirits. Admission is $20 per person, and the feasting will go on until 10 pm on Saturday, November 21^st.

If you're hoping to do some pre-Black Friday shopping, you're in luck! Today, from 9:00 am until 7 pm, and tomorrow, Sunday the 22^nd, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, you can pack up the family and head east of Grand Rapids, to enjoy the 24^th Annual Christmas Through Lowell celebration. Businesses along the lovely, historical Main Street in Lowell, along with local crafters and those dedicated to the art of Christmas decorations, for a total of over 45 different settings, will welcome shoppers and sight-seers. In addition to fine gifts from a variety of retail shops in Lowell, there will also be a surfeit of handicrafts available for sale. There will be a little bit of everything, from fine art to folk art, from quilts to antiques. More information is available at the Christmas Through Lowell website. 

If you don't want to brave the slick streets and would prefer to stay close to downtown, there's still a great, unique shopping opportunity this weekend! On Sunday, November 22^nd, from from noon until 4:00 pm, the Historic Tanglefoot building will open all of its artist studios to the public, offering up unique, artistic items for holiday shoppers to peruse. This is the 24^th Annual Tanglefoot shopping event, and it is sure to have something for the most discerning of gift recipients.

If you're rather just relax, there are plenty of other, less-involved entertainment options, such as the Civic Theatre's production of the popular classic film, A Christmas Story. There are showings running through December 20^th, including a 7:30 showing on Saturday and every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until December 20^th. Tickets, which can be purchased by clicking here, run from $18.00 to $35.00 for those who are not season ticket holders.

There's also a Griffin's game and plenty more going on this weekend. The beautiful, four-seasons weather and the ongoing, family-friendly community events across the West Michigan region are part of the reason why there's such great demand on the local real estate market. Working with professionals who know the city and its neighborhoods can really help you find a home in an optimal location for your desired lifestyle. Call the professionals at Pyxis Realy today and see what a difference they can make!

The colder months of the year are often considered a less optimal time to sell your house by many, especially here in Michigan. Some people, whether due to a change in familiar status or a change in careers may not have the luxury of waiting until spring to list their house. Never fear, though, there can be some real benefits to listing your property for sale before it warms up again, especially if you list it with the experienced, hard-working agents at Pyxis Realty.

Not only will you benefit from having some of the best real estate professionals in the state working for you to sell your home, you will have the peace of mind of getting the process underway, instead of waiting in limbo for months for what could, possibly, be a stronger market. In truth, the local markets are still strong, so there's no real reason to wait. Here are three great reasons to list your home with Pyxis Realty before the spring thaw.

3. Inventory on the West Michigan real estate market is still low. That's also true for home inventory on the Grand Rapids real estate market. Whether you're looking to sell a fixer-upper investment property that you haven't gotten around to fixing up or your pristine, well-cared-for first home, there's major demand for quality properties in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan areas.

2. Listings are slower coming in in the winter, compounding already low inventory. Chances are good that unless you price your home well above its actual current value, your home will be sold before most other people are even thinking of listing it. Combine that with a possible rate hike in December or early 2016, and you have strong demand for homes in the upcoming two months that may peter off as the weather warms and the days grow longer.

1. You won't have to worry about spring cleaning or planting to improve curb appeal. Listings explode in the early spring. Everyone is rushing to list their home in hopes of maximizing their profit on the sale. A by product of that spring rush is higher than usual inventory, leading to a more buyer-oriented market, where there's a lot more focus on topical attractions to the property. That means that to be competitive in the hectic spring market, you need to polish your home until it shines like a diamond. While cleaning and aesthetic repairs can help speed up the selling process and increase the perceived value of the property, there's less need to out-do the neighbors. Additionally, a few classy, well-placed decorations are all it will take to make your home look lovely in the drab winter gray.

If you're thinking of selling your home or investment property now, or if you have to move because of work, there's no reason to let your property sit for weeks or months before trying to sell it. Call the professionals at Pyxis Realty to get the ball rolling on selling your home today, and see how having the right team supporting your real estate transactions is far more important than the season when you sell or buy.  

There's some major downtown developments in the works that could permanently alter the skyline of downtown Grand Rapids. Orion Real Estate Solutions, along with Midtown Properties, Lansing-based DTN Management and Concept Design are planning to construct two massive towers downtown, on the northeast corner of Ottawa Avenue and Lyon Street.

Like many of the more modern and recent developments in the city center, these two towers will be mixed use. That means that in addition to residential units, the buildings will also contain retail space and office space as well. So far, the planned development has at least one major tenant in the works, the law offices of Warner Norcross & Judd, a company that has offices in downtown Grand Rapids currently, as well as in many other cities across Michigan.

According to an article in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Warner Norcross & Judd is currently renting space in the Fifth Third Bank Building, but their lease is up in 2019, and they have been looking for more attractive and modern facilities, only to find a dearth of options. Thus, negotiations and discussions began with Orion Real Estate Solutions, and the concept of Grand Rapids' own twin towers was born. Planners hope to break ground on the project in 2017, with residents moving in the next year.

The location selected for this development is currently just a parking lot, owned and operated by Ellis Parking. The firms involved with this concept are hoping to have two towers constructed and open for tenants by 2018. Each of the towers will be between fourteen and seventeen stories tall. The towers will sit atop five story tall parking structures, making the final buildings close to or over twenty stories tall.

Although they are part of the same project, each tower will have its own unique design. One will be dedicated solely to office space, which designers hope will appear competitive with modern office facilities in Chicago, while the other tower will be mainly residential, with plenty of windows and balconies for residents to enjoy. Each building will have main floor retail, and while they will be connected via the parking structure, they will have their own entrances and lobbies.

For those who are worried that this new project will decrease already scant parking in the downtown area, never fear! The surface lot currently run by Ellis Parking only has 120 parking spaces, many of which sit empty on any given day. The new, multi-level enclosed parking structure will more than quadruple the available parking spaces, with an estimated five hundred parking spaces to be available inside upon completion of the project.

While there will be some time before these planned towers have a direct impact on the downtown Grand Rapids real estate market, it is important to work with realtors who know about planned developments and upcoming shifts in the local market. If you're considering purchasing a home or an investment property in Grand Rapids or the West Michigan area, you'll find the knowledge and experience of the staff at Pyxis Realty invaluable. Give them a call today to get the process started!

There's a lot of great stuff happening around West Michigan this weekend! The weather is supposed to be lovely (thanks again, El Nino), and although it's the mid-point in November, you can expect early fall conditions, with a little wind and the possibility of some snow flurries (it won't stick) but also lots of sunshine and clear, cool skies. It should be a great time to take the family out to enjoy the city or see the countryside.

If you're looking for something sports-related, on Saturday, November 14^th, 2015, the Grand Rapids Drive will be kicking off their season with a home game opener. The Grand Rapids Drive is a semi-professional team, considered a D-League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons. Their first game of the season against the Delaware 87ers will take place at the DeltaPlex. Tickets are $5 each. A family four pack, which includes four tickets, four sodas, and four hot dogs costs $44.

If you'd rather participate in physical activity than watch others compete, then you should head over to Comstock Park by 8:30 am on Saturday morning, where the Comstock Park Classic will be taking place. Participants can choose to run either a 5k trial or an 8k trail. The course follows the local White Pine trail. Participants will start off at the local Vitale's (on West River Drive). All proceeds go to the Comstock Park Cross Country and Track teams and the Comstock Park Educational Foundation.

If you're more of an artistic or high culture person, there are options for your cultural enrichment this weekend as well. The ongoing concert series at the Grand Rapids Art Museum continues on Sunday, November 15^th, with a performance by the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus. The museum itself will be open from noon to 5 pm, with the concert itself taking place at 2:30 pm.

If your idea of culture has more to do with drink and cuisine that music, you're in luck! This Sunday, the 15^th, the Rickhouse at Long Road Distillers, located at 537 Leonard Street NW, will be hosting a cocktail class that they call an introduction to better drinks. Running from 6 pm to 7:30, the course costs $20. The class will cover the history of distillation, the history of cocktails, and lessons on mixing the drinks themselves. Tasting is required! Participants must be 21 or older with valid, state-issued identification to prove their age. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online by clicking here. 

With so much to do in the area, it's little wonder that West Michigan has such a strong, healthy real estate market right now. The region is considered very good for raising children and for retirement by many publications. If you're considering moving to the area or upgrading from renting to owning your own home, give the professionals at Pyxis Realty a call today! They have the up-to-date information about neighborhoods and local communities that can really give a buyer the right edge when looking for their perfect new home.

Winter is traditionally the slowest time of year for real estate sales and purchases, especially in colder climates, such as what we have here in West Michigan. While our temperate climate and northern location lend themselves to the lovely experience of all four seasons, many people dread the last season of the year: winter.

Moving in the dead of winter is also something many people dread, but without good reason. In fact, unless we're talking about moving in the middle of a blizzard, winter may be a better time to move overall. As long as you make a point of shoveling any snow and ice from the walk, porch, and stairs, there's not really a substantially bigger risk of injury. You won't face oppressive, exhausting heat and humidity while carrying boxes or furniture. Here are three other reasons why buying a home during the winter months makes great sense.

3. Moving companies may offer better specials for their slow season. Ditto on home inspectors, furniture stores, and other businesses that depend on people moving home or fixing up/changing their current home. Although plenty of people still have to move house because of a change in employment or marital status, the winter months are still slower than the summer ones. These companies still have staff salaries and other overhead bills to pay, so the chance of getting a great deal on secondary services (other than the home itself) increases during the coldest part of the year.

2. Inventory may sit a little longer on the market. This summer, the West Michigan real estate market and particularly the Grand Rapids real estate market, were very hot. So much so, in fact, that some potential homeowners really felt the pinch, seeing a house and making an offer the same day, only to discover its owners had already accepted an offer and the house, while not sold, was no longer really “one the market.” Thanks to the slight slowing of sales in the colder months, potential homeowners can breathe a little easier when it comes to making an offer on a home they think could be the one for them. Of course, there is still relatively low inventory, so moving quickly once you've made up your mind is still of the utmost importance.

1. Take advantage of low interest rates before the Fed hikes them at the end of the year. There's been a lot of chatter recently about the Federal Reserve bracing to raise the prime rate. When they do that, it will have a dramatic impact on the monthly payments attached to mortgages, especially those with variable rates. Right now is a great time to lock in a great, fixed rate on your mortgage, and the only way to really do so is to close on your home purchase before the rates go up.

No matter when or why you're looking to move into a new home, whether it's a work transfer to West Michigan, a change in your family situation, or a desire to change neighborhoods, winter can be a great time to do so. This year, in particular, should be a great year to move during the winter, thanks to the mild winter likely headed our way due to El Nino. If you're in the market for a new home, make sure to get in touch with the professionals at Pyxis Realty, who can help make the home buying process smooth and simple.  

As Grand Rapids' local economy continues to rebound, the demand for housing also continues to increase. Many of the new jobs being created by the development downtown are service jobs and entry-level positions, meaning that the income they provide prices most people out of living close to where they work. Rentals downtown, even studios and 1 bedroom spaces, can run $700 or more, depending on the location and amenities included. What's a minimum-wage worker to do?

Thankfully, several businesses have noticed the increasing demand for low-income and income-controlled housing in the downtown area and are rising to meet that demand. Some of the companies include Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction and LC Companies out of Ann Arbor. They held a ribbon cutting ceremony the last week in October on their most recent affordable housing project.

That project was a massive renovation of the old Klingman Building in downtown Grand Rapids. Located at 400 Ionia Ave. SW., the building is an impressive one hundred and eighteen years old, but now boasts a completely modern look inside. The project, called Klingman Lofts, cost approximately $22 million to complete. This isn't the first furniture building the partnership has renovated; in 2013 they completed an overhaul of the old Baker Furniture Building that turned it into 87 residential units.

Renovations for Klingman Lofts began in spring of 2014. The two companies worked diligently to turn an old furniture factory into an affordable housing complex, complete with retail space on the ground floor. The 112,000 square foot building is now home to 83 housing units spread across four floors of the building. The retail space comprises a total of 15,000 square feet.

The project was made possible in part by tax credit. Some credits were awarded by The Michigan State Housing Development Authority for the renovation of an old building with the intent to provide affordable housing in Heartside. Additional credits were obtained because the building had been registered as a Historic Landmark by the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 but was still deteriorating. Additionally, Klingman Lofts has applied for and hopes to receive LEED certifications for sustainability.

LC Companies will definitely be profiting from this venture. Currently, all the units in the building are already full, and there is a wait list for others interested in living there. The 83 units in Klingman Lofts are all one bedroom or two bedroom units. The one bedroom units range in size from 643 to 753 square feet, while two bedroom units range from 812 to 1,122 square feet. The rental rates vary, running from an incredibly affordable $469 to $815 per month. The price paid is based on the applicant's income, which must be between 40 and 60 percent of the county's median income, and thus varies depending on income. Applicants must make 2.5 times the monthly rent and are required to pass a credit and criminal background check. Full time students do not qualify for this housing.

As with other recent developments in the downtown area, Klingman Lofts are sure to bring additional demand for services, and eventually housing, to the downtown area. If you're looking to buy or sell, you want to work with a realtor who knows what's going on in the city's various neighborhoods and how it will impact property values and housing demand in the near future. To make sure you're getting the best, most well-informed advice possible, make sure you call Pyxis Realty before you list your house or begin the buying process.  

This weekend, there's a lot going on in the greater Grand Rapids area, as there typically is. No matter if you're single and looking for a sporting event or a couple in need of a concert while the kid's with a babysitter, there's something going on in the area for you this weekend! The Grand Rapids Griffins, our beloved local hockey team, have a game Friday night, and the Grand Raggity Roller Girls, our rough-and-tussle local chapter of amateur roller derby enthusiasts, have a double header on Saturday. There are multiple concerts this weekend as well, and Broadway Grand Rapids is performing Pippin. All of these are evening events however, leaving you with plenty of daylight to burn this Saturday and Sunday. There are some excellent events this weekend during the day as well, and some of them are for a very good cause!

If you're a foodie or just someone who appreciates a well down turn on a classic comfort food dish, you should consider checking out the 1st Annual Noodle Mania Mac & Cheese Throwdown. The event begins at 11 am on Saturday, November 7^th at the B.O.B., which is located at 20 Monroe Ave NW in downtown Grand Rapids. There's still time to enter a dish by following this link  www.thebob.com  . Those who want to eat the mac & cheese instead of cooking it can purchase sample tickets for $1 apiece. All B.O.B.'s beers in the will be $3 from 11 am to 5 pm as well. There will also be a wine tasting, a macaroni art project contest at 10 am, a kid's Iron Chef competition, and live music from In The Red and Skankadank. All proceeds from the tasting tickets go toward Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy in their fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

If sitting around eating the best pasta in town isn't your thing, but you want to support the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fundraising efforts, you are in luck! There is also a charity .1k race being held on Saturday wherein those participating run from one end of the B.O.B. to the other. This year's race is billing itself with pride on the fact that the course this year contains a right turn! Almost anyone can finish this .1K race, no matter their age or their fitness level. The race officially begins at noon, though those participating can stop by the B.O.B. as early as 9 am for registration and pre-hydration. Only 2,000 runners can participate, so register now before all the spots are full!

West Michigan has a vibrant and diverse culture, with plenty of exciting community events happening all the time. From educational and cultural events that include art and music to festivals and sporting events, this area has much to offer its residents, much like Pyxis Realty has a lot to offer its clients. Whether you are buying a home or investment property or selling your house, the experienced staff at Pyxis Realty has the knowledge about the Grand Rapids real estate market and West Michigan real estate market to ensure your real estate transaction goes smoothly!

The Pyxis Realty team is growing! We are excited to announce that the wonderful Abigail (Abby) Whitener has joined our brokerage several weeks ago and is taking on clients currently. She's a welcome addition to our team, and she bring with her years of education and experience that will certainly benefit the clients of Pyxis Realty.

Abby comes to Pyxis Realty with a background as both a buyer's agent in real estate and a hardworking property manager. That background means she excels at aiding buyers in purchasing their own homes as well as in evaluating properties for investment purchases. After all, with a work history that includes working in leasing and marketing for rental properties, she understands what potential tenants are looking for as well as what makes individual properties worth purchasing for investment properties.

Abby truly excels at interpersonal communication, and she delights in getting to know her clients throughout the home buying process. There are few things as rewarding for her as matching a potential home buyer with a property that is within their financial reach and meets all of their needs and desires. She values the relationships she forms with her clients, and that respect and value shows in her work ethic and attention to detail.

Abby is a woman of many talents. In addition to being an excellent real estate agent, she is also a professional photographer who runs her own business. She is the owner of Studio Stella Photography and takes joy in finding beauty to capture with her camera lens.

Of course, like any person, Abby isn't all work and no play. When she isn't scouring the city for the best possible homes or investment properties for her clients, Abby is pursuing her other passion: adventure. She enjoys the great outdoors and activities that let her enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of West Michigan, including hiking, camping, fishing, or generally anything that gets her outside with her husband and their two dogs. She also enjoys playing volleyball.

Abby's upbeat personality and genuine interest in helping others makes her an excellent realtor to work with when buying a home (especially a first home). Not only does she have a broad base of knowledge relating to properties and the home buying process, she also has a sincere desire to improve our local community. One of the ways she does so is by helping those who are in a real estate quagmire, trying to find the right house in the right neighborhood with the right schools for the right price. It isn't easy, but it comes easily to Abby.

Everyone at Pyxis Realty is excited about Abby's addition to our team, and we are certain our clients will feel the same way once they've had an opportunity to speak with or work with our newest realtor. If you're in the market for a new home in the West Michigan area, call the Pyxis Realty office today and see what a major difference working with dedicated professionals can really make to the home buying process!