Blueprint Properties Real Estate|Nolan Miklusicak

12/18/2019 0 Comments

Is your house ready for winter?

The winter weather has arrived in Grand Rapids and while you may want to hibernate and avoid the fact that snow is imminent, there are a few things you will want to take care of first around your house. If you take time to prepare your house for the winter weather now you’ll be able to enjoy the extra time later by cross-country skiing at Millennium Park, ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle, enjoying hot cocoa with your family, or just enjoying some downtime at home.

Disconnect your hoses. If you haven’t already - make sure you do this soon! Shut off the water supply to outside faucets and drain any leftover water.

Take a look at large trees. Heavy snow on limbs can make them more prone to breaking and that can be a safety hazard. Brush the snow off tree limbs after each big snowfall, using a broom to extend your reach. If a limb does fall, have it removed as soon as the weather permits. Always use caution when doing this.

Find a space to keep winter gear. Carve out a designated space where you can keep your coats, boots, scarves and gloves. Consider clearing out space in a closet that is closest to your entryway. We recommend investing in a boot tray to keep melted snow contained.

Check your heating and air system. Take time now to change your filters and have your systems inspected. This will make your house more efficient and keep you warmer this winter.

While we’re talking about the efficiency of your house...

Save on your energy bill. Make sure you invest in weather-stripping if you have drafty areas around your house. Cold air coming through windows or doors can be sealed with material found at your local hardware store.

Prepare for upcoming winter storms now. Make sure your snow shovels and window scrapers are in good condition. Store them somewhere convenient so you can get them easily. Do you have snow sticks around your driveway? This will help you know where to shovel or plow.

Clean your chimney. By having your chimney professionally cleaned, you can have creosote buildup removed and decrease the risk of house fires.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. House fires happen frequently in the winter. Take time to make sure you’re safe by replacing old batteries or installing new detectors.

Prepare your emergency kit. Consider keeping your pantry stocked in case of power outages – bottled water, granola bars, candles, flashlights, batteries and extra blankets can be a life saver in a pinch. Consider adding a first-aid kit and a power bank to keep your electronics powered.

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11/19/2019 0 Comments

What do you love about Grand Rapids?

Earlier this year, Grand Rapids was named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “125 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”

The report states Grand Rapids is attracting young families and college students because of its healthy job market, outdoor activities and affordable housing. Whether you’re looking for something to do outside, somewhere to take the family, or you’re just looking to try out the craft brewery scene Grand Rapids is for you!

We think living in Grand Rapids is pretty great but we’re especially partial to the west side. The neighborhood is rich in history, was once populated by Polish, German, and Irish immigrants, and is inclusive of different cultures.

If you’re new to the area or just haven’t had the chance to get around town lately, we hope this list gives you a chance to explore the city a little more. (*Disclaimer! There is no way we could list every great thing that we have in Grand Rapids so the list below is just a few of our west side favorites.)

Outdoor:

John Ball Zoo – The John Ball Zoo has over 1,300 animals including lions, tigers, chimpanzees, and a red panda. The zoo offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, interactive and educational experiences, event space and more. The zoo is now closed for the season and has plans to update walking paths, restrooms and is adding space for new animals before next season.

Millennium Park – Millennium Park spans 1,400 acres with portions in Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville and Wyoming. The park features a Grand River frontage, a six-acre beach and splashpad, boat rental facilities, and nearly 18 miles of trails. Now that the winter weather is upon us, consider visiting Millennium Park for a little cross country skiing. The trails offer a great opportunity to stay active this winter.

Food & beverage:

Westside Social – Their motto matches the neighborhood mentality. “The west side is the best side” and we couldn’t agree more! They’re all about celebrating the community that we all know and love.

Butcher’s Union – They strive to provide local ingredients to create community and build partnerships with the people around them. They offer a great brunch menu on Sunday with a top notch Bloody Mary bar.

New Holland Brewing - Knickerbocker – This brewing company, conveniently located on Bridge Street, offers a full drink menu and seasonal food menu that showcases local and regional agriculture.

Long Road Distillers – The west side distillery is known for their handcrafted cocktails and farm to table menu. They recently expanded their operations to include a tasting room in Grand Haven and a tasting room in Boyne City.

Mitten Brewing – The Mitten Brewing Company opened on the west side of Grand Rapids in 2012. The craft brewery was opened in a historic engine house that was restored to its former glory. The menu features sandwiches and specialty pizzas that you can’t find anywhere else.

Shopping:

Bridge Street Market – The Bridge Street Market opened in 2018 in a 37,000 square foot store on the west side. The market offers fresh produce, local groceries and other fresh, affordable products.

Mieras – This west Michigan family shoe store has been open since 1922. They offer name-brand shoes at affordable prices. What began as a small shoe repair business has evolved into a thriving retail operation with multiple locations.

If your favorite place is missing, don't be upset! Remember, this list is just a few of our favorite places to go around town. What do you consider a "must see" in Grand Rapids? Do you have a favorite spot? Let us know in the comments below!

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10/27/2019 0 Comments

Are you looking to buy your dream home in Grand Rapids?

Is it time for you and your family to buy a new home? Our experienced agents at Blueprint Properties have helped many clients find homes in all of greater Grand Rapids.

Before you start making a list of homes you want to see, there are a few things you’ll want to make sure you do first.

1. Meet with a lender - This is a great first step. A quality lender will be able to help you decide what loan is best for you and help you determine how much you are comfortable spending. Don’t have a lender? No problem, we partner with the best lenders in town and can connect you with one that will best serve your needs.

2. Decide on a location - Where do you want to live? Do you prefer certain school districts? Do you want to be near your favorite restaurants? Do you need to live near public transportation?

3. What are your "wants" versus what are your "needs"– How large does the home need to be? How many bedrooms need you need? Bathrooms? Do you want acreage? Do you have a favorite style of home? What are you not willing to compromise on?

4. Reasons for moving – Are you outgrowing your current home? Do you want to be closer to work? Do you want a brand new home?

Once you think through some of these things, it’s time to contact Blueprint Properties. Our agents are ready to help you find the perfect home.

Now that you're ready to go looking at homes that are for sale in the Grand Rapids area, remember to bring a few things with you!

1. Notepad and pen so you can take notes – it’s hard to remember later in the day what you liked or didn’t like about a home!

2. Tape Measure – you may want to make sure your couch will fit in that PERFECT living room!

3. Camera or phone to take photos so you can remember your favorite details of each home.

4. A list of any questions you have about the home – our agents will do their research before visiting the homes with you so they will be able to answer many of your questions.

Give us a call – we’re waiting to help you find your dream home.

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4/14/2016 0 Comments

$140 Million dollar downtown movie complex and apartments coming soon!

Posted: April 14, 2016
Updated: November 11, 2019

Updated:
Studio Park is now open in downtown Grand Rapids. The city's newest hot spot offers an outdoor movie theater, music venue, residential living, restaurants, parking and more. Parking is free for those going to see movies.

Loeks Theaters inc. and 616 development have partnered on a 100 million dollar project being built on 2 city-owned parking lots on the south end of downtown Grand Rapids, in the arena district. The movie theater will be a 9 screen theater and 187 apartments for added downtown living.

The site will include a public piazza in front of the theater with ground floor retail shops. Ground breaking will begin as soon as early 2017!

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2/21/2016 0 Comments