This momentous milestone marks an exciting and fresh new chapter in the city of Grand Rapids’ downtown residential and retail expansion. Here are 10 things you can look forward to when the Downtown Market opens tomorrow:

1. Over 200 free parking spots! That’s right, an adjacent lot will have room for over 200 vehicles to park for no cost at all. If you want to take advantage of the convenience of the lot, you’ll want to get there early, though. For those who miss out, you can still get a close spot at the metered spaces available along Ionia.

2. 80 vendors offering up fresh West Michigan wares! B&B Farms, Crane Dance Farm, Fish Monger’s Wife, Great Harvest Bread Co., Klackle Orchards, Robinette’s Winery & Apple Haus, The Great American Bagel and Visser Farms are just a handful of names you’ll see when browsing the market. Leave yourself plenty of time to visit them all!

3. First LEED certified Outdoor Market in the country! Also known as ‘West Michigan’s first Communal Table’, the market project, which will soon include a year-round Indoor Marketplace of artisan retailers, a restaurant, bakery, brewery, commercial kitchen and rooftop greenhouse, will be 25,000 total square feet of scrumptious sustainability!

4. Opening Day music and street performers.  Bring the kids, because this farmer’s market is going to offer a whole lot more than just vegetables!

5. Eventual Food Cart & Food Truck vendors. Yep, plans are in the works for your favorite downtown Grand Rapids food cart and food truck vendors to have a regular presence at the Downtown Market. Asian Tacos, anyone?

6. Doughnuts! Doughnuts at a farmer’s market?! Well, sure, why not? After all, these aren’t your standard office break room doughnuts, no, we’re talking made-fresh-in-front-you, eat-’em-while-they’re-still-warm homestyle doughnuts by the boys at Go Nuts Donuts. Flavors will range from traditional powdered to chocolate chili powder. Treat the kids, then treat yourself. Hey, it’s all in the name of supporting local food, right?

7. SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Fresh & WIC Coupons Accepted. An on-site ATM machine will also offer maximum convenience for all consumers.

8. Weekday  hours. Can’t get out to the market on Saturdays? No worries, it will also be open on Tuesdays throughout the summer from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM and Thursday evenings from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Stop by during your workday and grab the freshest office lunch you can imagine or pick up some ingredients turn a ho hum weeknight dinner into something AMAZING!

9. No competition with your friends at the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market. The longstanding downtown Grand Rapids landmark will still be operating out of its usual location on Fulton Street in conjunction with the Outdoor Market, and you’ll see your favorite vendors representing both locations. Take your pick from day to day, switch it up from week to week, or visit both in one morning and make a new resolution to do the bulk of your grocery shopping at both of Grand Rapids’ wonderfully abundant farmer’s markets!

10. Beautiful weather. The grand opening of the Outdoor Market will pair perfectly with a long awaited spell of gorgeous spring- and even summerlike weather that’s finally descended upon us Grand Rapidians. Forecast for tomorrow is 70s and sunny, so grab your sandals and a loved one and head on out to enjoy a fresh new retail experience in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!

The Outdoor Market is located on 435 Iona SW and will open on Saturday, May 4. It will remain open on a seasonal schedule of Saturdays & Tuesdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

For more information about Downtown Grand Rapids living, please contact the Steve Volkers Group at (616) 284-1528.

Picture this scene, if you will: You come home from work to your funky urban flat only to realize you don’t have any of the salad ingredients you need to make dinner. No worries – just stroll on over a block or two to the newly opened Grand Rapids Downtown Market, where farmer’s market vendors will be displaying fresh farm stand produce while a row of indoor marketplace vendors offer everything from artisan oils and vinegars to coffee and freshly popped kettle corn. Or maybe you need a bit of unwind time after a long day’s work – simply head on down for a stint at the spa that’s just below your condo unit. Don’t forget to indulge in a favorite cafe beverage while you’re out so you can enjoy some people watching!

If you think you must be in Paris or Rome think again – you’re in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids! And this scenario will be just another everyday perk for GR’s city residents as soon as this summer, when two major housing and retail development projects converge on the Heartside neighborhood with the aim of creating and sustaining a vibrantly diverse and upbeat atmosphere in an area of the city that has been overlooked for far too long.

The first project, Tapestry Square, developed by Jonathon Bradford of the urban revitalization organization Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), will be comprised of a 4-block mixed housing and retail space at the corner of Wealthy St and Division Ave S, with 32 residential units situated atop a ground level strip of popular retail shops, including Biggby Coffee, Subway and a salon/spa. Around the corner and just a few blocks over, the Downtown Market on Ionia Ave near the US-131 overpass will combine a 138,000 square foot indoor market hall of up to 24 artisan retailers plus an outdoor farmer’s market with space for up to 80 vendors to offer up produce and other farm-fresh goods on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The market could open as soon as this May.

These residential-retail and “open market” concepts–popular in Europe for centuries–are perfectly suited to Grand Rapids, where the downtown condo and apartment rental market has seen an explosion of growth in recent years, thanks to new building projects like this one along with the nationally recognized Medical Mile and community events such as ArtPrize and LaughFest, which bring people flocking to the downtown area in droves. And with talks in the works now by Loeks Theatres Inc. and a major supermarket chain to establish a presence in the downtown area as well, residents may soon be able to fulfill their everyday necessities as well as enjoy a full scope of entertainment options, all on foot.

It’s just another example of how Grand Rapids downtown living is taking off like never before. But hey, we already knew that, right? After all, as our own downtown condo expert Ashley Dietch pointed out, out of the 1,000 condominium units that have been built in downtown Grand Rapids, only 40 – 50 are still available for sale. People continue to snap up opportunities to buy Grand Rapids downtown real estate left and right because of our unique vibe – big city perks with a friendly, small-town charm. And although relatively small compared to other major cities, our downtown has always been rich with culture, diversity, endless dining and entertainment options … and now a farmer’s market, to boot!

Sure, there’s nothing like a summertime trek to a roadside farm stand for sweet corn and berries, but when it comes down to it, city dwellers will always prefer to strut the town versus taking a winding drive through the countryside … and with the exciting new developments coming to downtown Grand Rapids, it turns out they just may never have to again!

For more information about selling or buying a condo, please contact the Steve Volkers Group at (616) 284-1528.

But before you call up your agent and tell him or her to take a listing luau, consider some of the many benefits of leaving your condo on the market during this merriest of seasons:

Less Competition From Other Condo Sellers

Most sellers in your neighborhood probably WILL take their condo off the market during the holiday season – and that means more showings for you when it comes to those dedicated buyers who are out there looking. Your unit will stand out and because it’s one of the few available for show, you may not even need to throw in any additional perks should a potential buyer come knocking.

Chances Are, Your Condo Will Be Looking Its Best

If you’re like most, the holidays have a tendency to motivate you to keep your place particularly tidy and clean. Guess what? That means it will also be ready for showings at a moment’s notice! A little nature-themed holiday decor will give your condo an especially inviting touch (think boughs of holly versus plastic Santas). You won’t have to hustle to do a major cleaning job if your place is already spruced up and looking great!

If You Travel, Your Condo Will Be Readily Accessible for Showings

Is traveling to another town or state a holiday tradition for you? Perfect! That means you won’t have to try scheduling your life around showings. Let your agent line up the appointments as needed while you enjoy a break from your everyday routine. (Of course, you’ll want to stay connected to your listing agent for updates on any showing activity.)

Buyers May Be Fewer, But They’ll Also Be Focused 

Yes, the volume of potential buyers will probably be less at this time of year,  but remember – those who DO make the effort to go condo shopping over the holidays are bound to be more serious in their search and driven to close a deal. It’s not uncommon for employers to relocate their employees just before the end of the year, so the potential for highly motivated buyers out shopping during the holidays does exist!

Of course, if you’re still uncertain about keeping your condo listed during the holidays, you can always just choose to have your agent remove it from the active market while letting the real estate community know that the unit is still for sale so you won’t have to go through the re-listing process again once you’re ready to open your door to showings. But consider sticking it through Who knows? You might be pleasantly surprised this holiday season by something no amount of gift wrap could contain – a successful sale!

For more information about selling or buying a condo, please contact the Steve Volkers Group at (616) 284-1528.

This one bedroom furnished condominium is stunning with many custom upgrades. The chef’s kitchen has granite countertops with custom cabinetry. There is a countertop bar perfect for entertaining and eating. The bedroom is large with an adjoining bathroom. All furniture, kitchen items and more are included with the condo. Tenant does need to provide their own bed set and is responsible for cable tv, internet, gas and electric. One secured garage spot is also included. Park Row condominiums is conveniently located near 1-96, hospitals and downtown Grand Rapids. Please call for more details!

$1,200/mo.

Relocation America has recently come out with the results of the “Top 10 Places Cities in the US.” Grand Rapids was voted #2, just after Austin Texas.

Current residence who live in Grand Rapids know that it’s a vibrant city, those who visit are influenced by the different cultures, dedication to the arts and a great place to start a business.

Living in Grand Rapids has always been a blessing, and we are happy to call this city our home!

Link: Grand Rapids Voted 2nd Best City in The US for 2011

Slated as a ‘retail incubator’, MoDiv is a large open space with glass walls dividing retailers. Companies range from a flower shop and paper studio to kitchen/household items and shoes and clothes. Some of the companies are well-known names like Wolverine and Eastern Floral and some are just starting out like Chai Boutique and 6.25 Paper Studio.

MoDiv is appealing to retailers because it gives them the option to get their name known without all the overhead cost of owning or leasing their own space. Also, if someone is coming in to check out shoes at Wolverine, they might be drawn to see the other stores and become a new fan.

If you haven’t been to the shops at MoDiv yet, take some time to check them out. You might find your new favorite store!

Grand Central Market: Recently renovated and in the heart of downtown, this one is the most well known due to its location. Featuring homemade sandwiches and soups for lunch as well as standard market items.

Fulton Street Farmers Market: One of the largest farmers market in town featuring local, fresh produce and products from area farms. This market is open year-round and is outdoors. It is getting a facelift though, and should be ready for Spring 2012.

Franks Market: A family-owned meat market on the West side with lines out the door! Featuring specialty meats and standard market items.

Lucky’s Downtown Market: Primarily a convenience/liquor store this market is expanding and now offers a larger selection of items and is conveniently located downtown.

Martha’s Vineyard: A wine connoisseur’s palace! Featuring hundreds of wines, liquors and beers, this market is a must-see for those in the Heritage Hill area. Specialty sandwiches, cheeses, spreads and baked good are also available.

Living downtown is all about accessibility so get out there and support your favorite local market!

Love the downtown condo lifestyle but worried your favorite pet won’t fit in?
Worry no more! There are numerous buildings downtown that are pet-friendly and
offer green space for them to play and run around in.

Most buildings do have pet restrictions though. These restrictions might include
breed type, size, weight, age and number of pets per unit. Most associations are also
strict on noise and making sure the building is enjoyable for all. If your pet likes to
bark, you might want to make sure it won’t disrupt your neighbors.

Here is a list of downtown housing that likes to see you and your pet!

38 Apartments
47 Lafayette
Avenue 23
Boardwalk Condos
CityView
The Fitzgerald
Fulton Flats
The Gallery Apartments
Hillmount
Monroe Terrace
Park Row
Peck Condos
Plaza Towers
Riverhouse
Union Square

Please note this is not a full list. If you would like to see what is available in these
buildings and others that allow pets, please contact me.

I work with a lot of first-time condo buyers who are eager to own their own home.
Before they can sign on the dotted line, there are some steps that need to happen to
confirm they will be successful downtown condo owners. Below is a short guide to buying your new condo.

The first step is to speak with a mortgage lender if you will need a mortgage. If
you don’t have one, your Realtor can refer one to you. The lender will discuss your
current credit situation among other things to decipher whether or not you are
financially stable to hold your own mortgage.

Congratulations, you’ve been approved for a mortgage! Once you are approved, you
can start your buying search. Your Realtor will be able to narrow down your search
based on the criteria you are looking for. It is best to do research ahead of time
based on listing price, location, size and other important items to determine what is
best for you and your lifestyle.

Once you review the listings your Realtor sent you, you can pick which ones you’d
like to see in person. Some properties look very different in the pictures than they
do in person so if you are ‘on the fence’ about one, it might be worth looking at it just
to make sure.

After you look at available listings in person, you can either put an offer in on one
you like or continue looking. You certainly don’t have to decide in one day but if you
are worried the property will go quickly, discuss that with your Realtor.

Once you have put an offer in on a downtown condo, the fun starts! You and your Realtor
will negotiate with the seller and their Realtor to come to an agreement based
on purchase terms. These terms could include purchase price, possession time,
appliances, closing costs being included, personal items and more.

After negotiations come inspections and appraisals. Buyers have 10 days from
the date the contract is accepted to complete inspections and present any items
to be discussed. The buyer and seller must agree on these terms before moving
forward. If no agreement is met, the deal is dead. If an agreement is met, we move
forward! Appraisal comes next and this is ordered through the buyer’s lender. The
appraiser will determine the value of the home based on current condition and
comparable homes in the area. If appraisal comes back at or above purchase price,
you’re good to go (and hopefully you got some equity!), if it comes below purchase
price, the seller either has to sell it for that price or they can request the appraisal be
reviewed.

After appraisal is completed, you are on the home stretch to closing. Your lender
will require some time to review (also known as underwriting) the documents and prepare for closing. You will receive a ‘clear to close’ on the loan which means everything is set on the lender end and they are ready to transfer the property over to you. A closing date will be set and you will become the new homeowner!

In a perfect world, it would all be that easy. Sometimes items will come up that
might prevent the purchase from happening. Don’t panic! Your Realtor should be
someone you trust and who can help you through this process. If you are thinking
about buying a home, contact me and I can walk you through the steps it takes to
becoming a new down town condo owner!

In order to appreciate downtown, you have to know downtown.  There are 5 major corridors to the downtown area: Central, Heartside, West Fulton, Heritage Hill, and Midtown.

Central cooridor is where all the action happens. DeVos Performance Hall, City Headquarters and tons of local shops and boutiques can be found here, giving you endless options to entertain yourself, friends and family.  This is the prime location for living!  You are steps away from where everyone wants to be.  The Grand River also runs through dividing central downtown from the other sections.

Heartside is where the original Grand Rapids started.  Here you will find historic buildings with outstanding handcrafted detail and if you’re lucky, the person who did it!  This part of town carries major art galleries, trendy restaurants, St. Mary’s Healthcare and is quickly becoming a hot destination spot for locals and tourists alike. Also in Heartside is the infamous Van Andel Arena where the Grand Rapids Griffin’s hockey team plays and major acts come to perform such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood and more.

West Fulton is best known for its nature elements at the John Ball Park Zoo.  The Zoo is a large attraction with its exotic animals and fun events.  This is also a large residential community with families, students and long-time residents all in the same location.  West Fulton also bridges downtown to the start of NW Grand Rapids and is a desirable location for those who are looking to live downtown in a quiet neighborhood.

Heritage Hill is one of the oldest parts of Grand Rapid’s downtown area and also one of the most beautiful.  Here you can easily get lost in the beauty and splendor of the hundreds of well-restored mansions.  Large, breath-taking homes are just part of the charm of this neighborhood.  Quaint coffee and sandwich shops are easy to find here, and the walk ability is a large attraction for Heritage Hill residents. Walking your dog, meeting with up friends or taking a run is common practice here.

Midtown is a fast-growing community and is very popular with the medical field.  Home to brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities, Midtown is graced with the new name of ‘Medical Mile’ due to its cluster of world-renowned hospitals and medical offices.  Spectrum Hospitals is responsible for this growth and has recently opened or renovated new facilities such as the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, Meijer Heart Center and Butterworth Hospital.  Michigan State Secchia Center has also opened on Medical Mile in addition to Grand Valley State University’s Cook-Devos Center for Health Sciences to help students get a better grasp on medical sciences.

So, which section speaks most to you?  There is a beautiful home waiting for you wherever you choose!