Author: Michelle Teitsma – Kim Munch

  • New Home Sales Rise Amid Affordability Challenges

    New Home Sales Rise Amid Affordability Challenges

    We're seeing an encouraging uptick in new single-family home sales—up 6.4% in August, reaching an annual rate of 684,000. While that’s still 2% below last year’s pace, it’s a positive sign for buyers and sellers navigating today’s market. Inventory has held steady at 483,000 units, giving about an 8.5-month supply to work with. The median price rose slightly to $393,700 but remains 5.8% lower than a year ago, which may offer a bit of relief for those concerned about affordability. At The Teitsma Homes Team, we keep a close watch on these trends so our clients in Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon have the insight they need—whether you’re considering new construction or finding your next waterfront property.

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  • Noto’s at the Bil-Mar

    Noto’s at the Bil-Mar

    Noto’s at the Bil-Mar is a Grand Haven destination where great food, waterfront scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere come together. Located at 1223 S Harbor Dr, this local favorite offers an inviting way to enjoy the character and energy of the harbor area.

    Whether you are planning a relaxed meal, celebrating a special occasion, or showing visiting friends what makes Grand Haven special, Noto’s is an easy place to add to your itinerary. The setting makes it more than a restaurant—it is part of the experience of spending time by the water.

    For home shoppers, local favorites like Noto’s offer valuable insight into everyday life. A neighborhood is shaped not only by its homes, but also by the restaurants, gathering places, and recreation nearby. Exploring these spots can help you picture what living in Grand Haven could feel like.

    Save this spotlight for your next waterfront outing, and reach out when you are ready to explore Grand Haven homes and the lifestyle each neighborhood offers.

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  • Can You Sell a House in Michigan That’s Still Under a Land Contract?

    Can You Sell a House in Michigan That’s Still Under a Land Contract?

    We’re often asked: Can you sell a home in Michigan that’s still under a land contract? The answer is yes—but there are a few important details to keep in mind. With a land contract, the seller holds onto the title until the contract is paid off in full. If you’re looking for the most efficient way to move forward, selling to a cash buyer who can handle the payoff and ensure a smooth title transfer is typically the quickest route to closing. Our team at Teitsma Homes has guided many clients through this process throughout Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, so if you’re navigating a land contract or just want to know your options, we’re here to help you make sense of every step.

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  • Bones About Town Oct 1 – 24

    Bones About Town Oct 1 – 24

    Bones About Town returns to Grand Haven from October 1 through October 24, 2026, bringing more than 150 five-foot decorated skeletons to Downtown and Centertown Grand Haven. Each display offers a creative reason to explore the community and enjoy the festive fall atmosphere.

    As you stroll through the area, look for displays competing in three public-voting categories: originality, funniest, and spookiest. Bring family and friends, compare your favorites, and cast your vote for the skeletons that stand out most.

    This event is also a great opportunity to support local businesses while experiencing one of Grand Haven’s unique seasonal traditions. Make an afternoon or evening of it by visiting downtown shops, grabbing a meal, and taking photos along the way.

    Ready to see which skeletons capture your vote? Plan your visit between October 1 and 24, and find event details at https://visitgrandhaven.com/events/bones-about-town-2/bones-about-town-2-2026-10-10/.

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  • 18400 N Ridge Court 17, Spring Lake, MI 49456

    18400 N Ridge Court 17, Spring Lake, MI 49456

    Welcome home to 18400 N Ridge Ct #17 — a beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo offering easy, low-maintenance living in Spring Lake. In-unit laundry adds everyday convenience, while the location puts you close to the bike path and county parks along Lake Michigan, with beaches and walking trails just minutes away. This pet-friendly community offers an outstanding lineup of amenities — pool, clubhouse, fitness room, tennis, pickleball, basketball courts, a dog park, and a playground — giving you resort-style living right outside your door. A great fit for anyone looking to simplify without giving up lifestyle.

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  • New Home Sales Reach 684K

    The latest numbers show US new home sales have climbed to 684,000 annualized units—well above the 615,000 forecast and outpacing the previous 643,000 mark. This uptick speaks to renewed confidence in the single-family home market, and it’s a trend we’re seeing firsthand with buyers here in Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon. Favorable mortgage rates, a resilient job market, and steady demographic demand are likely fueling this momentum, while builders are finally getting some relief from supply chain pressures. As a Certified Residential Specialist who’s guided clients through decades of market shifts, I know how closely housing trends like these shape our local neighborhoods. Strong new home sales aren’t just a headline—they reflect broader economic strength and consumer optimism, and they set the tone for what buyers and sellers can expect ahead.

  • U.S. Builder Sentiment Hits 12-Month Low

    Builder confidence has hit its lowest point in a year, with the latest index dropping 3 points to 32 in late Q3. Current sales conditions fell to 35, and expectations for the next six months eased to 37. Buyer traffic remains steady at 23. Interestingly, 38% of builders nationwide have chosen to cut prices, and two-thirds are now offering incentives—an increase since mid-Q3. Meanwhile, mortgage applications for new-home purchases declined for the fifth straight month, as average 30-year rates stayed in the high-6% range. Larger builders are responding by offering rate buydowns, giving buyers a chance at below-market mortgages without depending solely on price reductions. With 30-year rates near 7%, two leading housing forecasters expect these higher rates to continue through 2027. As a team with deep experience in new construction and representing clients throughout Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, we’re watching these market shifts carefully—especially as they impact those considering building or buying a new home. Our focus remains on helping clients navigate these trends, whether you’re looking for waterfront properties, single-family homes, or the latest in new construction.

  • 4 Questions Shaping US Housing Affordability

    Housing affordability is top of mind for so many of our clients right now, and recent trends across the US market are shaping the landscape here in West Michigan as well. We’re seeing some disinflation in housing, with buyers and sellers often missing each other on price—and more sellers are offering concessions, which can translate to savings for those determined to make homeownership a reality. The real challenge, though, remains borrowing costs: benchmark Treasury yields have hovered around 5%, and average 30-year mortgage rates have climbed above the low-7% range. For the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment reached about $2,600—a 3% increase from last year—underscoring how higher rates continue to stretch affordability for buyers.

    Locally, like much of the country, we’re seeing a tight resale market: many owners are holding onto their homes with low-rate loans, keeping inventory low, while sellers are still hoping for pandemic-era prices. Industry experts describe this as a correction toward stability, not a crash, thanks to strong equity positions and solid lending standards. For buyers and sellers in Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, there are still opportunities to be found—even in a challenging market. As a team that’s navigated every kind of market since 1992, we know how to help clients adapt and succeed.

  • 565 Tournament Circle, Norton Shores, MI 49444

    565 Tournament Circle, Norton Shores, MI 49444

    Welcome to 565 Tournament Circle. This end-unit condo in a private wooded setting is directly across from Oak Ridge Golf Club and offers 3-bedrooms 2-baths and 1,243 sq ft of main-level living. The living room is anchored by a fireplace beneath a cathedral ceiling, with a sliding door leading to the deck, where mature trees provide a quiet, natural backdrop. Built-in bookshelves add character and storage throughout. The kitchen features plenty of counter space, a snack bar and a window over the sink. The primary bedroom has its own private full bath, with two additional bedrooms and a second full bath for guests or a home office. Accessibility features include a ramp from the attached 2-stall garage into the home and a lowered kitchen and primary bathroom sink designed for wheelchair use. Golf is across the street, and the Lake Michigan beach, dunes, and trails of P.J. Hoffmaster State Park are just minutes away.

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  • Ranked: Housing Costs in Every U.S. State in 2026

    Ranked: Housing Costs in Every U.S. State in 2026

    When it comes to housing costs across the U.S., the range is striking—Hawaii leads with a cost index of 302.4, while Oklahoma sits at the lowest point with 66.9. States like Massachusetts, D.C., California, and New York also rank among the most expensive, whereas much of the South and Midwest remain more affordable. As a local team rooted in Spring Lake, Grand Haven, and Muskegon, we keep a close eye on these national trends to help our clients make informed decisions, especially as Michigan consistently offers accessible options for homebuyers. Whether you’re interested in waterfront living, a single-family home, or a new build, understanding how our local market fits into the broader national picture is key—something our team is proud to offer every step of the way.

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