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	<url>https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cropped-Sniply-1-32x32.jpg</url>
	<title>West Michigan Archives - 616Homes.com</title>
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<site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">121259007</site>                    <item>
                <title>Think Like an Investor, Even If This Is Your Forever Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/think-like-an-investor-even-if-this-is-your-forever-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/think-like-an-investor-even-if-this-is-your-forever-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[A lot of buyers say the same thing when they find the house they want. “This is our forever home.”...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
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                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What Would You Do If You Had to Move in 90 Days?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-to-move-in-90-days/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-would-you-do-if-you-had-to-move-in-90-days/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Family explores new house and gets ready to move carrying packages. Preschooler boy and junior schoolboy enjoy moving into new...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=ffb61bbf631fda77bb853f8e6635452176ac7de49fbbab70647cc7d0e0df91a34e3a182a.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Some Homes Sell in Days and Others Sit for Months</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-some-homes-sell-in-days-and-others-sit-for-months/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-some-homes-sell-in-days-and-others-sit-for-months/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[This is one of the biggest questions sellers ask. Why did that house down the street sell right away while...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=20b0fe0037e5b78026a1a9e8a578d64f7a869ece17baa58c6d7760b1f576cd93f628ddcf.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Buying a Home Starts Before House Hunting</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/buying-a-home-starts-before-house-hunting/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/buying-a-home-starts-before-house-hunting/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Home For Sale Real Estate Sign in Front of New House. This is where a lot of buyers get themselves...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=fd73f029e924e3f0e5af82c47fc68befb98d1152f27a7cd87ecacce3f4b1ac1fb227bbe8.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Waiting for the Market to Settle Usually Costs More</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-waiting-for-the-market-to-settle-usually-costs-more/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-waiting-for-the-market-to-settle-usually-costs-more/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Happy family on the floor with cardboard boxes moving in their new home &#8211; isolated It sounds like a smart...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c4c7ad4e737f53fc34fa8e8582e25f887399fee3dd925cedf4a5b0d3ade7dd35f05de34a.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Presentation Beats Renovation: Why Clean, Staged, and Well-Positioned Homes Win</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/presentation-beats-renovation-why-clean-staged-and-well-positioned-homes-win/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/presentation-beats-renovation-why-clean-staged-and-well-positioned-homes-win/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Detroit, Michigan -USA- November 10, 2022: new home has been staged and is ready for sale Many homeowners preparing to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3b3636f30352cf77c51376bd0790a2199ac285efc7153fb13380b0b0ae16a38d7a4c0bb3.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The New Commute in Real Estate: How Remote Work Changed What “Location” Means</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-new-commute-in-real-estate-how-remote-work-changed-what-location-means/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-new-commute-in-real-estate-how-remote-work-changed-what-location-means/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For decades, one phrase defined real estate decisions. Location, location, location. Traditionally that meant one thing. How close a home...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c74fac9912875c19f822ea1ac53b02387256bbf659c91cf27df0f644ab630d974a957b42.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Navigate a Changing Real Estate Market: The Market Isn’t Good or Bad — It’s Different</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/navigate-a-changing-real-estate-market-the-market-isnt-good-or-bad-its-different/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/navigate-a-changing-real-estate-market-the-market-isnt-good-or-bad-its-different/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Every year someone asks the same question. “Is this a good market or a bad market?” The truth is, the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=d1a2265afc777d44947a134ec32079ff6256ec86e830acfaab164736fdd4fbae3f9fbcce.webp&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Right Order to Make Home Decisions</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-right-order-to-make-home-decisions/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-right-order-to-make-home-decisions/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Homeownership comes with choices. Renovate the kitchen. Turn the property into a rental. Refinance the mortgage. Sell and move on....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=6918a1138045a350bfbd6816ecaf2847d5b39515b64f7e5af722bfceb7c41d438cc3038d.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The 8 Seconds You’ll Love a Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-8-seconds-youll-love-a-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-8-seconds-youll-love-a-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Find the home you love in 8 seconds you know When buyers walk into a property for the first time,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7e36e46c7050ebc631f8a17c5cf82cf0ba98e2c15b529847615361355a182363eeea6120.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Prepare Emotionally to Sell Your Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-prepare-emotionally-to-sell-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-prepare-emotionally-to-sell-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Most people focus on pricing, repairs, and timing when they decide to sell. But one of the most overlooked parts...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=9e0e04108851d80f177a9d72f3fe515d0d7614b9bbd8954e15812c171fad9b2ed75a8a76.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How Life Stages and Real Estate Decisions Matter More Than the Economy</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-life-stages-and-real-estate-decisions-matter-more-than-the-economy/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-life-stages-and-real-estate-decisions-matter-more-than-the-economy/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Happy multi-generation family portrait in the countryside When people talk about buying or selling a home, they often focus on...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=73a237958aa766702e77374a53bdf4f921847b4253488876e298af424e2d1e5393bbe85e.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Renovate or Leave It Alone? How to Decide What Actually Pays Off</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/renovate-or-leave-it-alone-how-to-decide-what-actually-pays-off/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/renovate-or-leave-it-alone-how-to-decide-what-actually-pays-off/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are preparing to sell, one of the first questions you will face is simple but expensive: renovate or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=f646d8b308cac3dcd3f6df76abee9bfabc8d60f193dc2d9f25d1f77a0100ffc54669a507.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Buyer-broker agreements: what buyers need to know now before touring</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/buyer-broker-agreements-what-buyers-need-to-know-now-before-touring/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/buyer-broker-agreements-what-buyers-need-to-know-now-before-touring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are planning to buy a home, you may notice something different the first time you ask an agent...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=fd6b2e6c8e52878029ef23e0ca1b3789fd65d563329c1b4ca25a9e10ee667e5740176062.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Negotiation power is back for buyers: how to ask for credits, repairs, rate buydowns, and timelines without killing the deal</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/negotiation-power-is-back-for-buyers-how-to-ask-for-credits-repairs-rate-buydowns-and-timelines-without-killing-the-deal/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/negotiation-power-is-back-for-buyers-how-to-ask-for-credits-repairs-rate-buydowns-and-timelines-without-killing-the-deal/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For the past few years, many buyers felt like they had one job: compete. Offers were rushed, contingencies were trimmed,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=b1fa2c0138343f0a1d3db302c79fec548dc3929f2876523d24f0a28916455778a393bf66.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Buy (That No One Talks About)</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-to-buy-that-no-one-talks-about/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-hidden-costs-of-waiting-to-buy-that-no-one-talks-about/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Sad man sitting on sofa home, holding tablet PC, making facepalm gesture. Frustration and disappointment on face palpable, as if...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=6980f09354f7e04fe172d0fa723df05297dbb26543da425488650a221d995aa98c8df591.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Make Smart Home Decisions. Before you renovate, rent, refinance or sell. Read this!</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/make-smart-home-decisions-before-you-renovate-rent-refinance-or-sell-read-this/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/make-smart-home-decisions-before-you-renovate-rent-refinance-or-sell-read-this/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Owning a home comes with choices. Renovate. Rent it out. Refinance. Sell and move on. Each option sounds reasonable on...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=f91ad17b83797c9e01cd2be7f730dae639a9e25c51e238a5ce00ba4b21ae165b6e6b8fd9.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>2026 Housing Market Trends for Buyers and Sellers: What You Need to Know</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/2026-housing-market-trends-for-buyers-and-sellers-what-you-need-to-know/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/2026-housing-market-trends-for-buyers-and-sellers-what-you-need-to-know/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As we settle into 2026, the housing market continues to evolve in ways that directly impact home buyers and sellers....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=16a3d8d1d7834079c12fdb36f02b77e0ecd072f60e50a7e99aa14b07df70bbc9a0514496.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Homesteading Homes: The Next Big Trend for Home Buyers and Sellers</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/homesteading-homes-the-next-big-trend-for-home-buyers-and-sellers/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/homesteading-homes-the-next-big-trend-for-home-buyers-and-sellers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s shifting real estate market, many home buyers and sellers are asking: Are homesteading homes the next big trend?...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=9f5e686444fad087540b103dadb3947a9368b4cb50ea322f909c990dbd35abc20158f458.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Real Estate Timing Matters More Than Waiting for Things to Settle</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-real-estate-timing-matters-more-than-waiting-for-things-to-settle/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-real-estate-timing-matters-more-than-waiting-for-things-to-settle/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[&nbsp; Every year there is a reason people hesitate to buy or sell a home. Interest rates feel uncertain. Inventory...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=55994efa76b9709a4007676bb8e41cc9194f248bc415169c4ebb5aad74e310ed669b3b11.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Selling a Home in 2026: Why Presentation and Positioning Matter More Than Ever</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/selling-a-home-in-2026-why-presentation-and-positioning-matter-more-than-ever/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/selling-a-home-in-2026-why-presentation-and-positioning-matter-more-than-ever/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[&nbsp; The process of selling a home in 2026 looks very different than it did even a few years ago....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=617ef1cc6671096e1b0f4b2667ae0fba837a28bee590e20d64204bb67f6984940b830ff0.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>High Interest Rate Home Buying: How Buyers and Sellers Can Win in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/high-interest-rate-home-buying-how-buyers-and-sellers-can-win-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/high-interest-rate-home-buying-how-buyers-and-sellers-can-win-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The rules of buying and selling homes have changed. Interest rates remain elevated, mortgage costs are rising, and deals that...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=75dd30abf243ec607e42109b78cbc51e0296669c72649c5130ad26d635af309ad3378f93.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Real Estate Revitalization Opportunities: How Abandoned Cities Are Becoming Prime Markets for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Investors</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-revitalization-opportunities-how-abandoned-cities-are-becoming-prime-markets-for-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-revitalization-opportunities-how-abandoned-cities-are-becoming-prime-markets-for-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Entire towns across the United States and Europe once sat empty. Factories closed, industries relocated, and populations steadily declined. For...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=9ef5fa3f1e24e2df24da015e564fcc3318c5d09625bf0556704c9528a029a9544e999698.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Niche Real Estate Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers: How Life Transitions Are Shaping the Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/niche-real-estate-opportunities-for-buyers-and-sellers-how-life-transitions-are-shaping-the-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/niche-real-estate-opportunities-for-buyers-and-sellers-how-life-transitions-are-shaping-the-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The housing market is evolving, and opportunities now exist beyond the typical listings. While traditional properties dominate online searches, niche...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=b30e0fd15ad65d58e7bfdff1bca3d59e261eb49a79c74ca311b0fd741bbbfd27553f8f88.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Downsizing Homes for Buyers and Sellers: Smart Tips for a Smooth Transition</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/downsizing-homes-for-buyers-and-sellers-smart-tips-for-a-smooth-transition/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/downsizing-homes-for-buyers-and-sellers-smart-tips-for-a-smooth-transition/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Downsizing has become one of the most significant trends in today’s housing market. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to simplify,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c0b48afda7e4fd702bfe9b32f54c8d85f355cfa2f289fb61203f216e7c10f5aa1c15cd30.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Every Buyer and Seller Needs a Home Walkthrough Checklist in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-every-buyer-and-seller-needs-a-home-walkthrough-checklist-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-every-buyer-and-seller-needs-a-home-walkthrough-checklist-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying or selling a home today means being more cautious and informed than ever. Repair costs are rising, labor is...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=362d722dca278623b9c4b0c9f252f0c724c3695d39415045f83ae0c1e935b28c532dbc25.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Big Brokerage Shuffle: How Brokerage Consolidation Impacts Agents and Clients</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-big-brokerage-shuffle-how-brokerage-consolidation-impacts-agents-and-clients/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-big-brokerage-shuffle-how-brokerage-consolidation-impacts-agents-and-clients/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The real estate industry is in the middle of a major reshuffle, and it is not happening quietly. Brokerage consolidation...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7d620a82166790da52cc6413f4beb4f885e958d2e5c25bd30424106b8c02ca4b2b568c00.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Lifetime Client Strategy for Real Estate Agents: Staying Top-of-Mind After the Sale</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-lifetime-client-strategy-for-real-estate-agents-staying-top-of-mind-after-the-sale/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-lifetime-client-strategy-for-real-estate-agents-staying-top-of-mind-after-the-sale/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In real estate, closing a transaction isn’t the end of the relationship; it’s the beginning of a long-term opportunity. That’s...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=fd9443be31198b2d3e39f5695a1f1a7ec734ca5db5092277b4f0700cb6388177054444fc.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Real Marketing Problem: Siloed Thinking in Real Estate Agents</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-real-marketing-problem-siloed-thinking-in-real-estate-agents/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-real-marketing-problem-siloed-thinking-in-real-estate-agents/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-moving real estate market, one of the biggest obstacles to effective marketing is Siloed Thinking. Many agencies treat...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=20b0fe0037e5b78026a1a9e8a578d64f7a869ece17baa58c6d7760b1f576cd93f628ddcf.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why Digital Marketing for Real Estate Agents Is Here to Stay and Why 3D Thinking Matters</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-digital-marketing-for-real-estate-agents-is-here-to-stay-and-why-3d-thinking-matters/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-digital-marketing-for-real-estate-agents-is-here-to-stay-and-why-3d-thinking-matters/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s real estate market, understanding digital marketing for real estate agents is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=add0b4d78e7d4da1100c8fe91a8b06c420b14923c3786b99c7bdebae6e620c390c14cbb8.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Buying a New Build? New Construction Home Trends Shaping Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/buying-a-new-build-new-construction-home-trends-shaping-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/buying-a-new-build-new-construction-home-trends-shaping-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Buying a newly built home looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Shifts in interest rates,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=12fc9c16a361aa2cd55e16884832eac02448b420add3e75dd304fe9a6eafca3e5aefbf65.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Strategies for Real Estate Investing in a High Rate, High Insurance Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/strategies-for-real-estate-investing-in-a-high-rate-high-insurance-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/strategies-for-real-estate-investing-in-a-high-rate-high-insurance-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Focus on Properties with Strong Cash Flow Potential In a high cost environment, cash flow becomes more important than ever....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=362d722dca278623b9c4b0c9f252f0c724c3695d39415045f83ae0c1e935b28c532dbc25.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Holiday Curb Appeal Tips to Wow Buyers This Winter</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/holiday-curb-appeal-tips-to-wow-buyers-this-winter/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/holiday-curb-appeal-tips-to-wow-buyers-this-winter/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Winter may be a slower season for listings, but it can be a powerful opportunity for real estate agents who...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Cash Is King: Navigating a Housing Market Dominated by Cash Buyers</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/cash-is-king-navigating-a-housing-market-dominated-by-cash-buyers/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/cash-is-king-navigating-a-housing-market-dominated-by-cash-buyers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When cash buyers are a major force in housing markets, sellers and agents feel it, and so should anyone tracking...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Why High Mortgage Rates Aren’t Keeping Buyers Away (Yet)</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/why-high-mortgage-rates-arent-keeping-buyers-away-yet/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/why-high-mortgage-rates-arent-keeping-buyers-away-yet/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Whether you are a real estate agent, investor, or prospective homebuyer, you have probably noticed what feels like a standstill...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Holiday Home Staging: What to Add and What to Avoid</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/holiday-home-staging-what-to-add-and-what-to-avoid/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/holiday-home-staging-what-to-add-and-what-to-avoid/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you are listing your home this season, well-thought-out holiday home staging can make all the difference. Using holiday home...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Selling Your Home: How Higher Capital Gains Can Save You Thousands</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/selling-your-home-how-higher-capital-gains-can-save-you-thousands/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/selling-your-home-how-higher-capital-gains-can-save-you-thousands/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you&#8217;re thinking about selling your home, understanding how higher capital gains work could actually save you thousands, not just...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3e60965aad54e947fcf1e185cf5f8c586b861c22f314472f26e2e815781cf2293419f2c6.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger During the Holidays</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-a-small-space-feel-bigger-during-the-holidays/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-a-small-space-feel-bigger-during-the-holidays/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Getting cozy for the holidays can feel like a challenge when you’re working with limited square footage. But with smart...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=f05798f78f83bfded10841284894452e8d6d60ab8f86a81a0c31ea39af84643edd4514a4.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The True Cost of Buying a Home: What Buyers Forget to Budget For</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-buying-a-home-what-buyers-forget-to-budget-for/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-true-cost-of-buying-a-home-what-buyers-forget-to-budget-for/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction When you&#8217;re focused on saving up for a down payment, the true cost of buying a home can feel...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c2f7e92fa87e63e23210c5d2531390dd641f33d809fa6ea79f911abaf8797732818a2b28.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Competitive Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-get-your-offer-accepted-in-a-competitive-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-get-your-offer-accepted-in-a-competitive-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-moving real estate environment, knowing how to get your offer accepted in a competitive market is more important...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c509e04a30e57969a9620c8799d5e346d1ba4be819165edd6d03fdc7ca1ec9591ce7fc0d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Real Estate Tax Tips for Sellers and Investors</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-tax-tips-for-sellers-and-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-tax-tips-for-sellers-and-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction If you are preparing to sell property or grow your portfolio in 2026, mastering the most effective real estate...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=30a8e1afb20deb8e7322b4aa20bcb587016503d406e0a57d13b02db1f2769373379607e1.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What to Expect During the Home Appraisal Process</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-the-home-appraisal-process/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-the-home-appraisal-process/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, understanding the home appraisal process becomes essential. Whether you’re a first-time...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c509e04a30e57969a9620c8799d5e346d1ba4be819165edd6d03fdc7ca1ec9591ce7fc0d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/home-buying-mistakes-to-avoid-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/home-buying-mistakes-to-avoid-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In a real estate climate where conditions are shifting rapidly, understanding how to navigate the home-buying process is more...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=93d5a9164ca34d31ad9d1069e92efbb92d992a0d90bf22a5a8dcb0d27b6d474caa07af72.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Getting Your Home Ready for Winter: What Every Homeowner Should Do</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/getting-your-home-ready-for-winter-what-every-homeowner-should-do/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/getting-your-home-ready-for-winter-what-every-homeowner-should-do/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Winter is just around the corner, and preparing your house can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and costs....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7d876eead81607d3124ed9b0aa64428f458f12289d1ef20bb04532f0fe811bca5072a743.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Home Inspection Tips Every Buyer and Seller Should Know</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/home-inspection-tips-every-buyer-and-seller-should-know/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/home-inspection-tips-every-buyer-and-seller-should-know/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When you’re navigating today’s real estate market, a thorough home inspection is more important than ever. Whether you’re buying or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=2176c3b3bd16cc72faa915cace43ab7e707dd97ce9e040a0de8ed14824c986924e5751ad.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Using Home Equity to Move Up: Smart Strategies for Sellers</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/using-home-equity-to-move-up-smart-strategies-for-sellers/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/using-home-equity-to-move-up-smart-strategies-for-sellers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Looking to leverage your equity and step into a new home? The strategy of using home equity to move up...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7d5a639e11efed6a2ae121708964258bb5fc9fe34e279fcf05b9f4ad1024e1cca6d81b59.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Want to Start Investing in Real Estate? Here’s the Smartest Way to Begin</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-heres-the-smartest-way-to-begin/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/want-to-start-investing-in-real-estate-heres-the-smartest-way-to-begin/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about building long-term wealth? You’re not alone. More Americans are turning to investing in real estate as a strategic...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=6ebe59cf4e2a5214b7dc2981e00c15f839d1c6f673eb3bbbce08bc9f32e5d70b330c63d7.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How Rising Interest Rates Affect Your Monthly Payment and What Buyers Can Still Do to Lower It</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-rising-interest-rates-affect-your-monthly-payment-and-what-buyers-can-still-do-to-lower-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-rising-interest-rates-affect-your-monthly-payment-and-what-buyers-can-still-do-to-lower-it/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’ve been keeping an eye on current housing trends, you’ve likely noticed one major theme dominating headlines: rising interest...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7d5a639e11efed6a2ae121708964258bb5fc9fe34e279fcf05b9f4ad1024e1cca6d81b59.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Best Time to Sell a House: Should You List Before the Holidays or Wait for Spring?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/best-time-to-sell-a-house-should-you-list-before-the-holidays-or-wait-for-spring/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/best-time-to-sell-a-house-should-you-list-before-the-holidays-or-wait-for-spring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’re trying to decide when is the best time to sell a house, you’re not alone. Timing matters, and...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=6af538a570a9609ce73a2aa5563825eba599f6f7641b88c01f1fa775dcda3165b46cb504.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown And Can It Actually Save You Money?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-is-a-mortgage-rate-buydown-and-can-it-actually-save-you-money/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-is-a-mortgage-rate-buydown-and-can-it-actually-save-you-money/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s housing market, where mortgage rates fluctuate more than ever, many homebuyers are searching for creative ways to make...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7337e8433d55d716ca9556aec518ccafa5ee1e29656abe18966bb12c8189a64f3ba04abc.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Smart Homes &amp;amp; Tech: What Buyers Are Looking For</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/smart-homes-tech-what-buyers-are-looking-for/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/smart-homes-tech-what-buyers-are-looking-for/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s competitive real estate market, smart homes &amp; tech are no longer optional &#8211; they’re expected. As homebuyers...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=59dbd95644dfde4ac7548b078a6b8508b4ccbcb114d0901e3b9f9d0d7d3b7ca6d8a4eb65.png&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Haunted or Historic? How to Market Homes with a Spooky Past</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/haunted-or-historic-how-to-market-homes-with-a-spooky-past/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/haunted-or-historic-how-to-market-homes-with-a-spooky-past/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Every property has a story, but what happens when that story is a little unsettling? From rumored hauntings to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c2f3059321291f665c631aa6f09caf5282fb4409762bac5d0d0e17efd936068b6d15de37.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>First-Time Homebuyer Guide: What Costs Most People Overlook</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-what-costs-most-people-overlook/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/first-time-homebuyer-guide-what-costs-most-people-overlook/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Navigating the housing market as a newbie can feel like walking through a minefield. That’s why this first-time homebuyer...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=0a6924a9ac7727c940c0c4c90c1116534e6b9474b2d7c8788cf29a412373cfaea9fb53b1.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Win a Bidding War Without Overpaying</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-win-a-bidding-war-without-overpaying/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-win-a-bidding-war-without-overpaying/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s fast-changing world of real estate, knowing how to win a bidding war without overpaying can make all...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c509e04a30e57969a9620c8799d5e346d1ba4be819165edd6d03fdc7ca1ec9591ce7fc0d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? 2025 Real Estate Trends</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/is-it-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market-2025-real-estate-trends/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/is-it-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market-2025-real-estate-trends/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The real estate question on many people’s minds as we are about to wrap up 2025 and head into...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3778c834e863fdb5e43389a16263bb09aabb09c45ee3a43a2d584198c687c6c1d98f4f79.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Buy with Less Than 20% Down in Today’s Market</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-buy-with-less-than-20-down-in-todays-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-buy-with-less-than-20-down-in-todays-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Buying a home is one of the biggest financial steps most people will ever take, and many buyers assume...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7d5a639e11efed6a2ae121708964258bb5fc9fe34e279fcf05b9f4ad1024e1cca6d81b59.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Homebuyers Right Now</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-lower-mortgage-rates-mean-for-homebuyers-right-now/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-lower-mortgage-rates-mean-for-homebuyers-right-now/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[After months of fluctuating interest rates and financial uncertainty, there&#8217;s a glimmer of relief for buyers: lower mortgage rates are...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=93d5a9164ca34d31ad9d1069e92efbb92d992a0d90bf22a5a8dcb0d27b6d474caa07af72.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Price Drops, Bidding Wars, and Mortgage Rate Madness: What’s Really Happening This Fall?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/price-drops-bidding-wars-and-mortgage-rate-madness-whats-really-happening-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/price-drops-bidding-wars-and-mortgage-rate-madness-whats-really-happening-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The real estate market has always had its ups and downs, but this season feels particularly unpredictable. From surprising...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3778c834e863fdb5e43389a16263bb09aabb09c45ee3a43a2d584198c687c6c1d98f4f79.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Autumn Aesthetic: Why Fall Colors Help Sell Homes Faster</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-autumn-aesthetic-why-fall-colors-help-sell-homes-faster/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-autumn-aesthetic-why-fall-colors-help-sell-homes-faster/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Crisp air, golden leaves, and cozy curb appeal, autumn is one of the most underrated yet powerful seasons for...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=0fe5375cffcf1585d6c6bc5b5660e06faf76a98ae040eba88fbc9cdae26ad8c8d86556f8.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Airbnb vs. Long-Term Rental Debate: What Makes Sense This Fall?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-airbnb-vs-long-term-rental-debate-what-makes-sense-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-airbnb-vs-long-term-rental-debate-what-makes-sense-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction As the seasons change, many real estate investors are asking the same question: which strategy is smarter right now,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=d368fb899cfa98e2432b0af685150fb2e8d6dbf65675016e331f5ed6f74523eb7643c136.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How Gen Z Is Redefining Homeownership This Fall</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-gen-z-is-redefining-homeownership-this-fall/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-gen-z-is-redefining-homeownership-this-fall/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The landscape of real estate is shifting, and a new generation is leading the way. How Gen Z is...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7de02b46baa8ca7205e4bc1b168b67a1d75bc573eafad87df206ba0418a76077e728f33d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Is Fall the Best Time to Buy a Home? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Spring</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/is-fall-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-heres-why-you-shouldnt-wait-for-spring/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/is-fall-the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-heres-why-you-shouldnt-wait-for-spring/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction When it comes to real estate, timing can make a big difference. Many buyers assume that spring is the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=38c63ac0d8a5da4457386712996119a45cc5499894e32011b53482549f5b3920bc09701e.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Football, Fire Pits &amp;amp; Front Porches: Fall Features Buyers Crave</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/football-fire-pits-front-porches-fall-features-buyers-crave/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/football-fire-pits-front-porches-fall-features-buyers-crave/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Fall brings cooler evenings, changing leaves, and a shift in what homebuyers want most. From cozy fire pits to...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=91b0a2245471c3a8dbad44e642f79c776fa5e32a7f4632f249915de72ef0a05d9082a8b5.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Your Fall Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Investment Before Winter</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/your-fall-maintenance-checklist-protect-your-investment-before-winter/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/your-fall-maintenance-checklist-protect-your-investment-before-winter/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As cooler temperatures settle in, homeowners know that preparation is key to safeguarding their property. A fall maintenance checklist ensures...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=96ca492fe846fb5bbf35183335ba21836bb08a25367a6f2ea1ae8fbc22c26f63d100d499.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What Zillow Can’t Tell You This Fall (But a Local Agent Can)</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-zillow-cant-tell-you-this-fall-but-a-local-agent-can/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-zillow-cant-tell-you-this-fall-but-a-local-agent-can/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the fall real estate season unfolds, many homebuyers and sellers turn to online platforms like Zillow to gauge the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=032ac70e4435b2c1583046e4f90ca16ab6b530889f7edb6e03c3ac0151e4c8eda8cf4c85.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Smart Home, Smart Investment: Which Tech Increases Resale Value?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/smart-home-smart-investment-which-tech-increases-resale-value/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/smart-home-smart-investment-which-tech-increases-resale-value/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s fast-paced real estate market, savvy buyers and sellers alike are looking for features that make a home more...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=e1d7fc1a6b237d8987d534dcbe6bd9da029da79d94540b3a9e5a7b9d2ed0aa6208603b1f.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Wellness Real Estate: The Rise of Health-Conscious Home Design</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/wellness-real-estate-the-rise-of-health-conscious-home-design/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/wellness-real-estate-the-rise-of-health-conscious-home-design/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The way we think about our homes is evolving. More than just a place to live, our homes are...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=4f54e15e656774580ab6411969c360d9da29f6429f0d9398085ebf93370fffa6955bee81.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Make a Small Home Feel Bigger (and Why Buyers Love It)</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-a-small-home-feel-bigger-and-why-buyers-love-it/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-a-small-home-feel-bigger-and-why-buyers-love-it/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s real estate market, one thing is clear: size isn’t everything. With rising interest in compact living, learning...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=cf7a4e73c548bd89bf5ed352a4904e07cd5ae4e16b42b2720dbf120781250bfb6e3303f5.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Renovations That Actually Add Value to Your Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/renovations-that-actually-add-value-to-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/renovations-that-actually-add-value-to-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners are increasingly searching for renovations that actually add value to their homes....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=80ae5a5a19d14f75f3a2918dad7a4489edd361fd46ceb4af8a58b60866dff57a5b6d1476.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What’s Really Driving Today’s Real Estate Prices?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/whats-really-driving-todays-real-estate-prices/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/whats-really-driving-todays-real-estate-prices/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s ever-evolving housing market, one question continues to pop up for buyers, sellers, and industry pros alike: What’s really...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=a0a94b107f00d1e9e88cd761f3f3302967d853a60c7fdf4fb1d1d26daae689bdaf4d93f8.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How Long Does It Really Take to Buy or Sell a House?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-buy-or-sell-a-house/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-long-does-it-really-take-to-buy-or-sell-a-house/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Whether you&#8217;re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or planning to list your property, you&#8217;ve likely wondered: How long...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
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                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s and Seller’s Market?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-and-sellers-market/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-buyers-and-sellers-market/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Understanding the dynamics of the real estate market is essential whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping tabs on current...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=4dd45c2fff4e185dd80f3562cdd9cdb2c2587da2ae1302273034fd55116b7b7226ecd050.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/do-you-really-need-20-down-to-buy-a-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/do-you-really-need-20-down-to-buy-a-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For many first-time homebuyers, the idea of saving up 20% down to buy a home can feel like climbing a...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=4f286cfde7d925af14fb1cb6a04c067b136bc77441a0f54be76170441da4b4e15a52d103.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Minimalist Design in Real Estate: Does Less Sell for More?</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/minimalist-design-in-real-estate-does-less-sell-for-more/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/minimalist-design-in-real-estate-does-less-sell-for-more/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today&#8217;s visually saturated world, clean lines, neutral tones, and uncluttered spaces are more than just design preferences—they’re powerful selling...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=a7531dfa0a5b8878221e35263e12d7092974086e48f99cb3aa023293dbe196e639fb8f90.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Using Light and Space to Your Advantage in Summer Listings</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/using-light-and-space-to-your-advantage-in-summer-listings/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/using-light-and-space-to-your-advantage-in-summer-listings/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In the fast-paced world of real estate, first impressions are everything, especially during the summer season. Buyers are more active,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=a7531dfa0a5b8878221e35263e12d7092974086e48f99cb3aa023293dbe196e639fb8f90.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas That Look Great All Season</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-that-look-great-all-season/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-that-look-great-all-season/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When it comes to curb appeal, few things make a more immediate impression than a well-maintained yard. But not everyone...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=4964f665b6ab5820269c4f090478456df2e19fe5477481264248da0f01a187dbece878e5.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Sustainable Home Features That Add Real Value</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/sustainable-home-features-that-add-real-value/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/sustainable-home-features-that-add-real-value/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[In today’s real estate market, sustainable home features that add real value are more than just trendy upgrades—they’re smart investments....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=0d2e5d6cd61dd85d79ae6e7bc2afc3aa7e377091b6dc1dc0270d9c5fba69f436e7214c50.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Should I Buy or Sell This Summer? Questions to Help You Decide</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/should-i-buy-or-sell-this-summer-questions-to-help-you-decide/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/should-i-buy-or-sell-this-summer-questions-to-help-you-decide/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction As summer heats up, so does the real estate market and if you’ve been wondering, “Should I buy or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=bddc4d24da9339f881266b9de12c0dcfa3fe3e45632a4bc77130f381ec4af05c1a3344cb.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Summer Staging Secrets to Make Buyers Fall in Love</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/summer-staging-secrets-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/summer-staging-secrets-to-make-buyers-fall-in-love/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When it comes to selling your home during the sunny months, setting the right seasonal tone is essential. That’s where...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=089b59eeda747018af525b5fd57a66837ecc2666f0cc1855b7e6c68614f52c93a3e14513.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The Backyard is the New Living Room: Outdoor Trends for 2025</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-backyard-is-the-new-living-room-outdoor-trends-for-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-backyard-is-the-new-living-room-outdoor-trends-for-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As more homeowners continue to prioritize comfort, connection, and creativity at home, the line between indoor and outdoor living keeps...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=21d70711b4441b5eb613323a689dc5b36bb538c0a8915974bf3938cf6162c63d09c18f40.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space This Summer</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-outdoor-space-this-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-outdoor-space-this-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As summer rolls in with longer days and warmer nights, there&#8217;s no better time to transform your backyard, patio, or...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=1653e50f7704a4370a028d766d55dacd2338489c50ee0ba59e7640a2b998cf1916b6e0e7.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Eco-Friendly Yard Ideas for a Greener Summer</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/eco-friendly-yard-ideas-for-a-greener-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/eco-friendly-yard-ideas-for-a-greener-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but what if your yard could look great and help...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=d839f2a0d72f69e0c83b18f04428ef124ba12aa7ee1f282fdfb28c48ca0894d91255c346.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What to Know About the Housing Market This Summer</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-know-about-the-housing-market-this-summer/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-know-about-the-housing-market-this-summer/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction The housing market this summer is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about topics in real...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=93d5a9164ca34d31ad9d1069e92efbb92d992a0d90bf22a5a8dcb0d27b6d474caa07af72.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How Interest Rates Impact Your Buying Power in 2025</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-interest-rates-impact-your-buying-power-in-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-interest-rates-impact-your-buying-power-in-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you’ve probably noticed that mortgage rates have been making...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=018ae8f510a65f2f7f952b53a6e8f49c23ff77a6f0beeae923f8cccacfb016f8f63a8f12.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Easy Summer Updates to Refresh Your Space Without Renovating</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/easy-summer-updates-to-refresh-your-space-without-renovating/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/easy-summer-updates-to-refresh-your-space-without-renovating/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[When the warm weather rolls in, it’s natural to crave change, including your living space. If your home is feeling...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=7e307439e3304d6e77d513ce95b53ae462d3b1fc02244dd0d6de23e82de12b8af5112724.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Summer 2025 Interior Design Trends That Make Your Home Feel Fresh</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/summer-2025-interior-design-trends-that-make-your-home-feel-fresh/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/summer-2025-interior-design-trends-that-make-your-home-feel-fresh/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the weather warms up, it’s not just our wardrobes that get a seasonal refresh; our homes deserve one too....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=99738c1f963a90923d8fa564df36c11847874d069c3796fff5e113874ae210f872007b80.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Real Estate Terms Explained: What You Need to Know Before You Dive In</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-terms-explained-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-dive-in/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/real-estate-terms-explained-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-dive-in/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Starting your real estate journey can feel like learning a new language. With all the industry jargon, escrow, contingency,...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=a4bb105b49af635b90f34c2a091a9c228461007f4107a8704acfc700d2fadd2830e8b82d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Smart Home Essentials for Modern Living: Top Tech Upgrades for Today’s Homebuyers</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/smart-home-essentials-for-modern-living-top-tech-upgrades-for-todays-homebuyers/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/smart-home-essentials-for-modern-living-top-tech-upgrades-for-todays-homebuyers/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction: Why Smart Homes Are Leading the Way As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s no surprise...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=9cfb04fb58dd57a715d6adeba127648f56b1f561656bc41e45ef4467025ad7e8ac8fa978.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>What to Declutter Before You List Your Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-declutter-before-you-list-your-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/what-to-declutter-before-you-list-your-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Getting ready to sell your home? One of the most important steps in the pre-listing process is tackling clutter. Whether...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=8e53ab22dc930a843ccf1150330dc2bbe748af2a458731b3dcf9b44b41abc41674c293d8.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Open Floor Plans or Cozy Corners? What Buyers Are Looking for in 2025</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/open-floor-plans-or-cozy-corners-what-buyers-are-looking-for-in-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/open-floor-plans-or-cozy-corners-what-buyers-are-looking-for-in-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[The real estate world is always evolving, and as we move through 2025, design preferences are shifting in exciting new...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=1bf0924f3c61aa7d5ed1c90dd3a42f8f607ddffa1284ec445079d6729a9469ae10c899b6.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Every Homeowner Should Follow</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/spring-home-maintenance-checklist-every-homeowner-should-follow/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/spring-home-maintenance-checklist-every-homeowner-should-follow/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the days get longer and flowers start to bloom, spring is the ideal time to give your home a...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=785c187a14dc2d38830020f9c9148904a77c8db6323844cf8c44f574b0ea1ee8b08db60d.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Turn a Fixer-Upper into a Goldmine: Spring Tips for First-Time Investors</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/turn-a-fixer-upper-into-a-goldmine-spring-tips-for-first-time-investors/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/turn-a-fixer-upper-into-a-goldmine-spring-tips-for-first-time-investors/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about diving into real estate for the first time? Spring is the perfect season to explore the world of...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3927863d52590bac252833e074e58fcdab9031ca573f5e8d74a79bbf546fefa16f9d8c12.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Maximize Your Airbnb or Short-Term Rental for Today’s Real Estate Trends</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-maximize-your-airbnb-or-short-term-rental-for-todays-real-estate-trends/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-maximize-your-airbnb-or-short-term-rental-for-todays-real-estate-trends/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[If you’ve been keeping an eye on current real estate trends, you already know that short-term rentals like Airbnb have...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=51b96e86b353e518a707321a1832f3877cdbc9bfc1c9509a883fedbbaad3a3a043a4a36f.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Spring Cleaning Goes Green: Non-Toxic Products &amp;amp; DIY Hacks for a Healthier Home</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/spring-cleaning-goes-green-non-toxic-products-diy-hacks-for-a-healthier-home/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/spring-cleaning-goes-green-non-toxic-products-diy-hacks-for-a-healthier-home/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, spring offers the perfect excuse to refresh and reset your space....]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=3bbbb120981fd832aab347efbabc0f07fc4f37986dcd1802d3f1514ed1239d92722ae750.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Eco-Friendly Spring Upgrades: Solar, Smart Tech, and Energy Efficiency</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/eco-friendly-spring-upgrades-solar-smart-tech-and-energy-efficiency/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/eco-friendly-spring-upgrades-solar-smart-tech-and-energy-efficiency/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[As warmer weather approaches, homeowners and buyers alike are turning their attention to eco-conscious living, and spring is the perfect...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=c35ba281fde81cb53ac0f9c6b77478b319b1f261ccd680d0b483d56f363c2d04ba3b86aa.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Interior Refresh: 2025 Paint Color Trends for a Spring Home Makeover</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/interior-refresh-2025-paint-color-trends-for-a-spring-home-makeover/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/interior-refresh-2025-paint-color-trends-for-a-spring-home-makeover/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Spring is the perfect time for a home refresh, and nothing revitalizes a space quite like a new coat...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=8181930a430e8e98761ed6efbcbd089064b5a0e6aa5a99f70f49baf05e2a0c4892c5ff07.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>The ROI of Outdoor Living: Patio, Pergola, and Landscaping Trends for 2025</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/the-roi-of-outdoor-living-patio-pergola-and-landscaping-trends-for-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/the-roi-of-outdoor-living-patio-pergola-and-landscaping-trends-for-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction Outdoor living spaces are more than just a luxury—they’re a smart investment. As homeowners seek ways to enhance property...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=1653e50f7704a4370a028d766d55dacd2338489c50ee0ba59e7640a2b998cf1916b6e0e7.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>How to Stage Your Home to Sell This Spring in Grand Rapids</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-stage-your-home-to-sell-this-spring-checklist-inside/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/how-to-stage-your-home-to-sell-this-spring-checklist-inside/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Thinking about selling your home in Grand Rapids this spring? You’re not alone—and that means standing out is key. With...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=f1bf3e4dbbbc14a91a92bcd8c831c3731103c1f0133cdb249b8e28cee9f2da03b2085873.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Top 5 Home Features Buyers Want in Spring 2025</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/top-5-home-features-buyers-want-in-spring-2025/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/top-5-home-features-buyers-want-in-spring-2025/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[Introduction As the housing market heats up for the new season, it’s clear that buyer preferences are shifting. Knowing the...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=14f5655b8cbbcf128ba455da1a7abc699ddfcc3cd8ad314d216829e51d67e79f7cf8208e.jpeg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
                    <item>
                <title>Is Spring the Best Time to Sell Your Home? Here’s Why Experts Say Yes</title>
                <link>https://616homes.com/blog/is-spring-the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-heres-why-experts-say-yes/</link>
                <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:40:51 +0000</pubDate>
                <dc:creator>Jamie Krier</dc:creator>
                <guid isPermaLink="false">https://616homes.com/blog/is-spring-the-best-time-to-sell-your-home-heres-why-experts-say-yes/</guid>
                <description>
                    <![CDATA[For years, spring has been known as the unofficial “home selling season,” and according to real estate experts and current...]]>
                </description>
                <content:encoded>
                    <![CDATA[<h1>Five Bullet Friday</h1>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>

<span class="">Hi All,</span>

Welcome to another addition of Five Bullet Friday, a short list of 5 things you might find interesting, amusing, or helpful.

</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>My Favorite News Headline This Week</h2>
<table border="0" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<h3 class="droparea"><strong>Twinkie co-owner buys the Playboy Mansion -- with one catch</strong></h3>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="height: 312px;" border="0" width="540" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div220" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>The playboy mansion, listed for $200M, has been purchased by 32-year-old heir Daren Metropoulos. Metropolous is the namesake of a private equity company which owns Hostess Brands, Pabst Brewing Co, and more.<img class="wp-image-994 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/640_playboy_1-300x192.jpg" alt="640_playboy_1" width="284" height="182" /></div>
<div>The catch? The buyer agreed to let 90-year old Hugh Hefner live out the remaining years of his life in the mansion, which was one of the required conditions of the sale from the start.</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Weekend Entertainment in Grand Rapids</h2>
<h3>The Book of Mormon</h3>
<table style="height: 458px;" border="0" width="520" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div231" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div><span class="">New York Times called it "The Best Musical of this Century", and I can personally attest to it being hilarious. My face hurt the day after I saw it from laughing so hard.<img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-995" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/book-of-mormon-222x300.jpg" alt="book of mormon" width="222" height="300" /></span></div>
<div><span class="">It isn't for the faint of heart, however. If you're easily offended, you may want to prepare yourself. From the maker's of South Park, it pushes the limits of offensive humor.</span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Grand Rapids Luxury Home of the Week</h2>
<table style="height: 392px;" border="0" width="501" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div221" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top"><span class="">Who knew that this MTV Cribs-Style home was hiding in Alto Michigan, on the Thornapple River. On 1.36 acres with 110 feet of private frontage on the Thornapple River, it's one of the coolest houses on the market right now.  <a href="http://www.flexmls.com/share/Vgke/7675SANDYHOLLOWLaneSEAltoMI49302" target="_blank" data-ac-default-color="1">See More Here</a>.
</span><img class=" wp-image-996 aligncenter" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Alto1-300x200.jpg" alt="Alto1" width="426" height="284" /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Realtor Rant</h2>
<table style="height: 60px;" border="0" width="499" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div247" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div>
<div>

<span class="">It's unbelievable to me how many homes are marketed on the MLS with just a few photos snapped from their cell phone. It really shouldn't take a marketing background to figure out how things work today. Maybe some Realtors get too caught up with marketing THEMSELVES with fridge magnets and cold calls, and they forget their job is to market the HOME to potential buyers. Or maybe some Realtors don't understand that over 80% of buyers start their home search online looking at photos from real estate websites. Or maybe they're just lazy or cheap? One thing I know for sure is that it happens way too often.</span>

I'm not talking about all Realtors, obviously. Most homes for sale in Grand Rapids are in good hands. Just make sure you hire someone who understands marketing, and isn't going to skimp on hiring a professional photographer.

</div>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<h2>Home DIY Fix</h2>
<table style="height: 411px;" border="0" width="399" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="text_div250" class="td_text td_block" align="left" valign="top">
<div class="droparea"></div>
<div><span class="">Ever been caught with your hand in the leftover pizza box during your midnight snack because the squeaky wood floors woke up the house? <img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-997" src="https://616homes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x-300x200.jpg" alt="repair-squeaky-floor-with-baby-powder-800x" width="300" height="200" /></span><span class="">Do this: Grab yourself some baby powder (aka Talcum Powder) and generously sprinkle onto the squeaky floor. Then sweep it into the cracks and voila, no more squeaky floors. </span></div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>]]>
                </content:encoded>
                                                    <media:content medium="image" url="https://images.easyagentpro.com/images-by-id?id=ba0ac6a8b48ae11c3962bdcc1d2d26a9524b914e4a597a2d30d0d1fe48081b2808f7a7bd.jpg&#038;w=800"></media:content>
                                <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">993</post-id>            </item>
            </channel>
</rss>