If you’re getting ready to move, you probably have a lot on your mind-what to pack vs. what to sell vs. what to trash, where to get boxes, who has a truck, etc…  One area that’s easy to overlook may be what to do with your furry family members. Below are eight tips to help whether you’re looking to move within the West Michigan/Grand Rapids real estate market or elsewhere within the US.

1. Learn more about your new area in regards to pets-what are common diseases, ordinances, laws.
2. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital close to your new home if your old vet is too far of a drive. Before the switch, ask for veterinary records to give to new vet. And during the move and for a few months after, have your current veterinarian’s contact information available if your new veterinarian needs more information about your pet.
3. On moving day, seclude your pet from chaos. This may mean keeping him/her in a locked bathroom that no boxes will have to be moved out of, or at a familiar neighbor’s house.
4. Keep medications and food on hand, as things will get shuffled about on moving day.
5. Prepare a first aid kit, just in case. Check out this link with ideas on how to create one:  http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=4e806660-75cc-4d45-aa34-34b87f5950c0
6. Update your pet’s tag with your new address.
7. Move your pet last. Make sure space is saved in your vehicle for them to be comfortable.
8. Once you arrive at your new home, create a familiar atmosphere with plenty of toys, blankets, food and water bowls to make your pet feel calm and comfortable.

Recently built in 2005, town house style condominium unit available in the popular Sierra Field development.  Two bedrooms, two and a half bathroom, two stall attached garage with 1500 square feet of living space. Affordable and convenient living awaits. Needs some minor work, but with some effort could be real sharp.

Call us at 616-776-9055 for more information!

Built in 2004, this four bedroom home offers vaulted ceilings and plenty of potential. With some cosmetic changes and cleaning, this home will look like new. Additional potential in the lower level as it would be easy to add in another bathroom and family room. Great location in Caledonia but Kentwood Schools. Attached 2 stall garage, central air and underground sprinkling are a few extra features.

These steps are summarized below:

1. Think function first
2. Map the Space
3. Choose colors and motif
4. Know your surfaces
5. Add drama with fixtures
6. Be careful with lighting
7. Mix soft & hard materials/surfaces
8. Create a “Naturally Aromatic Tablescape”

A great opportunity awaits for the buyer who wants modern convenience living with a country atmosphere. Located just minutes from US 131, this recently built two story home has a classic floor plan that any buyer would love. Upon arrival you will notice a large wrap around porch with composite decking. A perfect way to enjoy the lush grounds with underground sprinkling and professionally landscaped lot. There is even a koi pond in the back yard! Upon entry you will notice the neat and clean look that is tastefully appointed with current colors. The main floor offers an open floor plan that flows nicely from the foyer, through the living room, dining room and airy kitchen. A 4th main floor bedroom could also be used as the perfect den or study. Upstairs you will 2 find spacious bedrooms and a master with dual closets and entry to the main bath. Main floor laundry, finishable space in the daylight lower level, and efficient mechanicals including a reverse osmosis water filtration system makes this a complete package.

Everything you want in your first country home. Tastefully redecorated and restored with care. Upon entry you will see a multi-windowed front sun porch that overlooks the crossroads of an era gone by. This is great work or relaxation space. Living space features gleaming hardwood floors, and a bonus 4th bedroom or office. The kitchen is well appointed with included appliances, new countertops and refurbished cabinetry. Conveniently located off the kitchen is a main floor laundry/full bath. Upstairs you will find 3 good bedrooms and a bathroom with many possibilities yet to be discoverd. Warm summer nights will be enjoyed on the deck overlooking the ample backyard. A refurbished 3 story barn with overhead garage doors offers all the space you need for parking vehicles, and storing all the toys you need for great country living. Experience a peaceful and relaxing life in a location perfectly located near the highway.

For each of the categories there were two winners- the official winner as determined by the NBA comittee, and the people’s choice, as determined by over 800 votes submitted by the general public via Rapid Growth Media’s website.  For additional information on the awards and the other categories and winners, check out Rapid Growth’s article: www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/devnews/NBA1112.aspx

Blu House Properties was nominated for the ‘Best New Business’ Category. And while we didn’t win, we were still honored for the recognition. The winner was the Wired Espresso Bar, a coffee shop that’s open 24/7, located at 1503 Plainfield Ave. NE in the Creston Neighborhood. Wired offers a variety of coffee and espresso drinks along with sandwiches and soups. Check out the website at http://wiredgr.com.

And the People’s Choice Winner was Commute Bicycle Shop, located at 120 S. Division #125 in the downtown Heartside neighborhood. Commute is owned by Daniel Koert, former Head Mechanic of Ada Bike Shop. It offers service and repair along with sales of new and used bicycles. Check out the website at  http://www.commutegr.com.

Other nominations in the Best New Business category included Beauty House, Unlocal Clothing Co. and Wing Heaven.

Enjoy your own private, all sports lake frontage with this beautiful 3000 square foot home including four bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room and rec room located only ninty minutes from Grand Rapids. Situated on Pettibone Lake, a 44 acre lake in Northern Newaygo County, you could enjoy fishing, boating and skiing in the summer months right outside your door. In the cooler months, it could be a great weekend getaway for hunting or snowmobiling nearby trails. Located in the Baldwin school district, this home is being sold as fully furnished.

316 Ford Street also makes a great rentable lodge. Owner has several annual renters varying from $205 per night to $1,080 per week. Summer stays, deer hunters and snowmobilers are all viable renters in this area.

For additional photos, please click the link below:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluhouse/sets/72157623486924290/

Call Blu House Properties today at 616-776-9055 to learn more or to schedule your private showing.

While the winter months are still upon us here in Michigan, heating bills are high. To reduce the costs, there are six easy steps that a home owner can take. And making energy efficient changes to a home can not only benefit an owner now, but in the future if the desicion to sell is made.

1. Low Emissive Windows- these windows are made from low-E glass, which has a metallic coating on the inside of the insulating glass unit. This lowers the glass’s ability to transfer heat, reflects UV rays and saves energy. When replacing single pane windows, there is the potential to save up to $450 a year (depending on how many windows are in the home and how warm/cold the weather has been).
2. Appliances-Typically 20% of energy costs are used up by appliances. And even if the initial price of an appliance is less, the long term cost may be more because of it using more electricity and water. Energy Star appliances can save up to 50% on bills compared to older, standard models.
3. Seal & Insulate- A lot of air can escape a home through various cracks and holes. Caulking and patching these leaks can save a lot on heating and cooling costs. For more information, check out http://sealyourhome.info/homedepot/projectpages/FindAirLeaks.aspx. Installing insulation in the attic space of a home can also keep heat trapped in the home, preventing it from escaping.
4. Lightbulbs- CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs) use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than Incandescent bulbs. Changing the bulbs in your home will be slightly more upfront, but the lightbulbs will pay for themselves in savings within a year.
5. Heating & Cooling- Programmable thermostats can save up to 33% on heating and cooling costs, because they keep the temperature from varying too greatly and a home owner needing to manually make the temperature suddenly rise and using a larger amount of energy.
6.  Tankless Water Heaters- Tankless water heaters operate at a 98% efficiency rating, compared to 80% of standard water heaters, so an improvement of 18% can make a big difference in energy costs. Another benefit of tankless water heaters is that they are significantly smaller, so they use less space in the home.

For more information on these energy efficient ideas, check out http://www6.homedepot.com/ecooptions/index.html

Well cared for one owner home located in desirable Kenowa Hills School District. Oversized yard with plenty of room to play. Three bedrooms and two baths with room for expansion. Various appliances along with home warranty included.