Living in Grand Rapids

Wondering what is happening with realtor commissions in 2026? Are sellers still covering commission fees, or are buyers on the hook? In this video, Ross Bacon with The May Group breaks down the real estate rules, how written buyer agreements work, and who ultimately pays the buyer's agent. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS VIDEO: Mandatory Buyer Agreements: Before touring any home, buyers and agents mus...

Why do some Grand Rapids homes sell in a weekend while others sit for months? Josh May of May Group Realtors, RE/MAX of Grand Rapids, breaks down what really drives days on market in Grand Rapids and shares the home-selling tips that help homes sell faster and for more money. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00) Pricing Strategy (0:51) Home Preparation and Staging (2:30) Why Your First Weekend Ma...

Thinking about moving north of Grand Rapids? Rockford, Sparta, and Cedar Springs are three of the most popular small towns near GR, and in this video we break down what makes each one different, from home prices to schools to commute times, so you can figure out which one is the right fit for you. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00)
 Rockford: Rogue River & Established Downtown (1:11)
 Spart...

Thinking about a move? Here are the things to know before moving to Grand Rapids that most people don't find out until they've already lived here. From surprising commute times to what your money really buys, this is the local's guide to getting settled the right way. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00)  Commute & Getting Around (0:30)  Outdoor Life & Recreation (1:05)  Bikin...

Thinking about moving to Grand Rapids but don't want to give up lake life? Here's the truth about how close you can actually get to Lake Michigan without leaving the Grand Rapids area, plus the best lakeshore towns to check out for a day trip, weekend getaway, or your next move. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS   Introduction (0:00)  Saugatuck & Douglas (0:55)  Holland, Michigan (1:42)  Grand Haven (...

Thinking about East Grand Rapids? Amazing schools, walkable streets, and Reeds Lake views come with a real price premium and limited inventory. Here are the honest pros and cons before you buy. What This Video Covers In this video, local realtor Abby Cribbs breaks down the honest pros and cons of living in East Grand Rapids: what locals love (top-rated schools, walkability, Gaslight Village, Reeds...

Thinking about buying a home in the next six months? Getting pre-approved isn't the finish line. Here are the financial mistakes that can quietly cost you your home purchase, and how to avoid them. What This Video Covers In this video, Doren Colley with The May Group at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids walks through the most common financial missteps buyers make between pre-approval and closing, from mi...

Is Rockford, Michigan, a good place to live? In this episode of Living in Grand Rapids, Josh May breaks down the schools, home prices, commute, and lifestyle in one of West Michigan's most beloved small towns, and who actually thrives here versus who probably won't. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS   Introduction (0:00)  What Rockford, MI Is Known For (1:22)  The Rockford Lifestyle: Rogue River & Whi...

Looking for the best parks in West Michigan? In this episode of Living in Grand Rapids, Doren Colley with the May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids shares his favorite parks and outdoor spaces around Grand Rapids, from family-friendly neighborhood parks to hiking trails and hidden beaches just a couple of hours away. Grand Rapids has a big-city energy with restaurants, live music, and even...

Got first-time home buyer questions? Ross Bacon of May Group Realtors covers the hardest part of buying a house, the biggest mistakes buyers make, and whether you should buy a smaller home first. In this video, Ross Bacon of May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids answers the most common first-time home buyer questions he gets every day: how to get started, why talking to a lender comes befor...

Thinking about moving to the West Grand neighborhood in Northwest Grand Rapids? In this video, Scott Bradford with the May Group at RE/MAX Grand Rapids takes you on a tour of West Grand's boundaries, housing market, local events, and best food spots, so you know exactly what to expect before you buy or rent here. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00)  Boundaries & Location (0:21)  Housing...

Curious if Grand Haven, Michigan is as good as everyone says? In this video, we're taking you through one of West Michigan's most beloved lakeshore towns, from the beach and downtown to the food scene, schools, and the events that keep people coming back year after year. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00)Grand Haven Beach & Lighthouse (0:30)Downtown Grand Haven & Washington Aven...

What should you prioritize when buying a house? Abby Cribbs of May Group Realtors breaks down the most common home buyer questions and the answers that actually make a difference. In this video, Abby Cribbs of May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids answers the most common questions she gets from home buyers: what to prioritize when buying a house, why pre-approval matters before you start sh...

Thinking about moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan? Before you load up the moving truck, there are a few things nobody tells you until it's too late. Ross Bacon with May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids shares the honest picture of what life in Grand Rapids is actually like — and what to expect before you make the move. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00) Michigan Is a Title State (0:22...

Thinking about selling your home? Here are 5 proven tips to get your home ready to sell — and you can start before you even meet with a Realtor. What This Video Covers In this video, Josh May of May Group Realtors at RE/MAX of Grand Rapids walks you through 5 actionable steps every home seller should take before listing. From decluttering and depersonalizing your space to detailed touch-ups, deep...

Grand Rapids gets all the attention, but the best places to live in West Michigan might actually be just outside of it. In this video, Josh May with RE/MAX of Grand Rapids breaks down 4 hidden gem communities within 45 minutes of Grand Rapids that more people should be talking about. *VIDEO CHAPTERS* Introduction (0:00)  Rockford, Michigan (1:06)  Saugatuck, Michigan (2:22)  Greenville, Michigan (...

Thinking about visiting John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan? In this video, we’re covering everything families need to know before they go — from the best exhibits and ticket prices to tips for visiting with young kids. John Ball Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country and one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, and it keeps getting better every year. ⏱️ VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction...

Downtown Grand Rapids is packed with incredible restaurants, and today, we are breaking down the best spots you need to try. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or thinking about making Grand Rapids home, this guide covers everything from upscale date-night dining to the best casual bites, all walkable from the heart of the city. Introduction (0:00) The Downtown Skywalk (0:21) Downtown Staples...

If you are thinking about moving to West Michigan and researching Grand Rapids suburbs, there is a good chance Allendale, MI, has already shown up in your search. And for good reason. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Allendale so you can decide if it might be the right fit for your next move. ⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS Introduction (0:00) Location (0:34) Allendale Housing &...

Short on time but still want to experience everything Grand Rapids has to offer? Whether you are passing through West Michigan for business, scoping out the city before a potential move, or just carving out a single day to explore, Grand Rapids rewards visitors who know where to go. This guide walks you through how to spend a day in Grand Rapids, from the first cup of coffee to a nightcap downtown...

If you have been researching moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, you have probably seen it described as affordable, artsy, and one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities. Those headlines are not wrong. But they also do not tell the whole story. As a local real estate team serving the Grand Rapids area, we spend every day helping people relocate, upsize, downsize, and put down roots here. So let’s t...

If you’re considering moving to Grand Rapids, you aren’t alone. As we move through 2026, West Michigan has become a top destination for those seeking a “booming” environment that balances vibrant city growth with a high quality of life. Whether you’re coming from the East Coast, Chicago, or even the Sunbelt, here is everything you need to know about why Grand Rapids is the place to be this year. S...

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is consistently recognized as a family-friendly city, but what is it really like to raise kids here? From schools and neighborhoods to year-round activities and affordability, Grand Rapids offers a well-rounded lifestyle for families at every stage. Drawing from local experience and everyday family life, this guide breaks down what parents need to know when considering Gran...

Grand Rapids is entering one of the most exciting periods of growth the city has ever seen. With large-scale construction projects, riverfront redevelopment, and new entertainment destinations underway, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the future of Grand Rapids. In this edition of Living in Grand Rapids, we break down the biggest changes coming to the city in 2026 and why these project...

One of the most underrated aspects of living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the food. This is not just a city with a lot of restaurants. It is a city where quality, creativity, and local pride show up on plates every single day. From casual neighborhood spots to destination dining, the Grand Rapids food scene plays a major role in what it feels like to live here. In this edition of Living in Grand...