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How A Grand Rapids Mortgage Loan Officer Helps Home Buyers

by Benchmark

Those who are looking to buy a home in the Grand Rapids area should strongly consider using a local loan officer when going through the mortgage process. A good loan officer will find financing that is best for the consumer while protecting the interests of the bank.

Your Loan Officer Is Your Partner

The loan officer who you work with is going to be your partner in your quest to get a mortgage. Applicants who are applying for their first mortgage can lean heavily on this person as a source of knowledge and help each step of the way. There is a good chance that you are going to learn about loan types, down payment assistance programs and other ways to help you qualify for a mortgage that you may never have heard of before.

Get the Best Rate for Your Loan

The loan officer who you work with is going to be in the know when it comes to any deals or loan promotions that the bank may be offering. This can help you get the best possible interest rate on your loan and save you thousands of dollars off the cost of your loan.

Know What You Can Qualify For

Your loan officer will tell you exactly what you can qualify for and how to improve your chances of qualifying for the terms that you want. For example, your loan officer may be able to give you strategies for lowering your debt-to-income ratio, how to increase your credit score to get a better rate or how to make your application look better to the bank if you are self-employed. Knowing this information can help you improve your odds of qualifying for a traditional loan or help you prepare to get a loan as soon as possible.

Anyone who is thinking about buying a home in the near future should talk to a loan officer as soon as possible. Doing so can help you learn how to get the best rate on your loan, what you need to do to qualify for a loan and help you move into your new home as soon as possible without paying too much.

Grand Rapids Hosts “Who Is My Neighbor?” Conference and Art Show

by Benchmark

Spring is here, and arriving along with warmer water in the Grand Rapids area are many exciting local events, such as the upcoming “Who Is My Neighbor?” Conference and Art Show. This unique event invites people of all ages to explore art and creativity within both the church and the community at large. With a number of workshops and seminars at different locations throughout downtown Grand Rapids, the conference aims to help participants understand the call to “love your neighbor as yourself” through creativity and an appreciation for the arts.

Guiding this exploration of the church and creativity from April 27 to May 11, 2014 are theologians Cecilia González-Andrieu and Nicholas Wolterstorff, who will provide unique insight through the lens of their Catholic and Calvinist perspectives, respectively. Helping the two demonstrate the intersection of faith, service, community, and creativity will be 11 artists and more than 300 works. Eight churches will act as hosts for the conference, demonstrating how art can not only bring us closer to our neighbors but also ignite spiritual passion and social change in the community.

A brief look at the numbers can help demonstrate the impact of the “Who is My Neighbor?” conference. This exciting event spans 14 days and unites seven denominations across the city of Grand Rapids, with a total of 25 workshops, including nine that feature hands-on instruction from the artists. In addition, there will be two full days of seminars and workshops available to all visitors. Another very significant number is 0, which is the cost of admission. That’s right, all of the incredible art, stimulating workshops, and inspirational discussion of church, community, and creativity is free for all to enjoy. And because of the staggering amount of exhibits and information to take in, guided ours are available for interested individuals.

Spring is the perfect time for this conference, as it can help inspire growth and rebirth of passion in faith and community. And attending the exhibits and workshops offers ample opportunities to enjoy the warmer weather, as all eight of the neighborhood churches hosting events are within walking distance, though trollies are also available.

Spanning from April 27 to May 11, the conference invites people from all walks of life – from parents to students, both those who attend church regularly and those who do not – to experience this celebration of creativity and community. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Anna’s House In Grand Rapids Was Voted Michigan’s Best Breakfast

by Benchmark

Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start off the day, or just crave chocolate chip pancakes for dinner, Anna’s House does not disappoint. In fact, this cozy local favorite was recently named “Michigan’s Best Breakfast Joint” by MLive Media Group. Writer John Gonzalez personally taste- tested over 30 area restaurants, so Anna’s faced some steep culinary competition.

What makes Anna’s stand out from the rest? It might be their made from scratch meals and unique flavor combinations. Or, maybe it’s there fresh, quality ingredients that really make their dishes pop. Most of their ingredients come from the local area, such as their Michigan-based turkey sausage and fresh, local produce. As if that weren’t enough, they also bake their own breads, English muffins and pastries. You have got to try their cinnamon rolls with homemade icing! With so many tantalizing taste bud explosions, it’s no wonder that Anna’s came out above the rest. If there’s any downside to Anna’s, it may be narrowing down your dining choices to just one.

Here are some recommendations from their expansive menu. The review suggests trying a plate of the Twilight French toast or Red Velvet pancakes. Egg lovers may prefer huevos rancheros with carnitas, the unconventional breakfast lasagna or one of their skillets and scrambles, which are heaped high enough to satisfy even the hungriest diner. Diners who prefer lunch or dinner menu options won’t be disappointed, as Anna’s offers a wide array of sandwiches , wraps and thick hearty burgers.

While the menu offerings may make your mouth water, it’s the warm friendly atmosphere that will keep you coming back for more. In fact, go there enough and the waitresses will even learn your name and your regular order. That kind of personal interaction is what’s lacking in many of today’s rushed, fast food atmospheres. It’s also what make’s eating at Anna’s seem like going to your grandma’s for a meal.

Congratulations to Anna’s House restaurant for a well deserved validation of what many Michiganians already knew. You’re the best. Visit Anna’s House, located at 3874 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, for your next meal. You won’t regret it.

Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids Presents “Save Grey Gardens” May 1, 2014

by Benchmark

Real estate is about investing – not just in your home, but in your community. Community means more than just an address; it’s a network of friendship and mutual trust and companionship as well. It’s about neighborhoods.

Which is why, as a real estate broker in the Grand Rapids area, I am always pleased to announce events that help foster our community – like theater showings, musical events and the like. This week’s announcement is particularly heartfelt, as the Actor’s Theatre of Grand Rapids is presenting Grey Gardens, a funny, and at times heart-rending musical about what happens when people are cut off from their community, and the way people adapt.

In Grey Gardens, the aunt and cousin of Jackie Kennedy Onassis have their lives explored in two periods – when times were good, and Big Edie and Little Edie were socialites. The play flashes forward to events in 1973, when the two of them, having run out of money, still live in the mansion that Big Edie purchased in the 1920s, even though it’s had utilities cut off, water service turned off, and is infested by vermin, and is being patched up as their funds permit…but the house is decaying faster than they can fix it. It provides a riches to rags exploration of the powerful in American society, and the cost of ever lowering horizons.

The production, put on by the Actor’s Theater of Grand Rapids, is very much in line with that organization’s mission of providing, through theater, a glimpse into the common experiences that shape the human character. Founded in 1980 by Fred Sebulske, the Actor’s Theater of Grand Rapids puts on a limited number of plays per year, and is an integral part of the arts community of Grand Rapids.

Dedicated to bringing inclusiveness to the community, Actor’s Theatre brings upwards of 50 new volunteer performances out for the community, and provides paying jobs to over 55 Michigan artists each season – not just actors, but painters, makeup artists and costuming professionals, along with the technical aspects of theater that make the entire show run.

Most of the productions done by the Artist’s Theater are innovative works that, due to challenging content, social issues, or the size of the required production, aren’t shown at any other community theater.

I look forward to seeing the Grey Gardens there this season. I sincerely hope to see all of my clients and associates there as well, in a celebration of community for Grand Rapids.

Spring Holidays And Traditions Around The World

by Benchmark

From a global standpoint, spring is one of the busiest times of year for festivals and celebrations. Nearly every corner of the world observes some unique aspect of their religion during the first quarter of the year. The following list describes some of the most important spring holidays and traditions from around the world.

Easter

Easter is one of the most important celebrations on the Christian calendar. This holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God.

Easter is not held on the same date each spring. Instead, this moveable feast follows a dictum made by the First Council of Niacea that Easter is to be held on the first Sunday following the equinox in March. In 2014, this date is March 20.

Most Christians celebrate Easter by beginning their day with a special celebration at church. Afterwards, families will usually come together for a large meal and a gift exchange. Children hunt for Easter baskets and brightly colored plastic eggs that are filled with bite-sized candy.

Holi

Although Holi is not widely celebrated in North America, this ancient Hindu religious festival is a celebration of both love and color. The festival, which is primarily observed in Nepal and India, is held on the full moon that falls nearest the vernal equinox. This year, the fall moon happens to occur on Monday, March 17.

Holi begins the night of the full moon. The celebrants build a large bonfire, and then spend the night singing and dancing around the flames. The following morning, people throw water balloons containing colored water at each other. Teenagers shoot water guns with colored water, while adults cook food and converse with each other. At the end of the festival, celebrants are covered in colored dye.

Songkran

Although the United States celebrates its new year on January 1, Buddhists in Thailand commemorate the holiday during a three-day water festival that begins on April 13. Known as Songrkan, the festival’s most distinguishing feature is the use of water as a celebratory element. More specifically, Thai citizens fill up water guns and shoot water at each other.

May Day

May Day is England’s most established springtime celebration. Historically, farmers would take a holiday on May 1 observe the fertility of their crops and livestock. These days, British citizens use the day to sing, dance, and drink.

The Hometown Heroes Celebration Honors Grand Rapids Community Heroes

by Benchmark

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one fantastic place to live and raise a family. There is not only a litany of great homes but a wealth of museums and attractions. I have affections for the John Ball Zoological Garden and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. But those things lean towards my taste. Grand Rapids also offers beaches, fishing, golf, dune rides and more.

But one of the great things I really love about Grand Rapids is this powerful sense of community. I am consistently taken aback by the city’s desire to recognize, embrace and celebrate those who have put themselves before others. This is especially true of the annual Hometown Heroes Celebration.

This annual event is sponsored by the Red Cross. This year it will be held in the Steelcase Ballroom at the DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue. It’s a wondrous evening that acknowledges those within the community that have committed themselves to the service of others locally, nationally and globally.

It’s always an inspiring night. We don’t tend to know what our neighbors are doing until an event like this and it’s a great reminder of how much we all have to offer. Like every year before this one, 2014 brings us a new group of people and organizations that are getting up every day looking for ways to help others. Here are just a few of this year’s winners recognized for their work.

The Clara Barton Humanitarian of the Year Award is going to Jamie R. Mills. Jamie is a leading Michigan businessperson that is also passionate about educating the community about health. And if that didn’t keep her busy, she supports and volunteers with over a half dozen charitable organizations.

The Spectrum Health AeroMed Team has transported over 15,000 patients to emergency rooms across West Michigan for needed medical care. This dedication has earned the team of physicians, nurses and pilots the Jane Delano Lifesaver Award.

The General George Marshall Patriot Award goes to individuals that have provided exemplary service and support to our troops. This year Lt. Colonel John and Mrs. Nancy Colburn receive the award for not just local volunteer work but traveling to military installations around the world for the Red Cross.

I am personally proud of Grand Rapids and the Hometown Heroes Celebration. There will a strolling dinner and a silent auction, as well as the presentations. I hope to see you there.

Credit Card Myths Uncovered

by Benchmark

Advice can be helpful in many cases, but following misguided or erroneous advice, even when well-intended, can have a devastating impact. The same is true of advice on bolstering your credit score. Unfortunately, there is a variety of mistaken credit advice floating around that can actually make yours worse. Here are some common myths that […]

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The Grand Rapids Ballet Presents Spring Break For Kids 2014

by Benchmark

There’s no better way to celebrate the upcoming spring break with your children than by taking them to The Grand Rapids Ballet featuring, “Spring Break For Kids!”. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Grand Rapids Ballet is known as Michigan’s only professional ballet company. Visitors come from all over to celebrate the art of dance through outstanding performances throughout the season. This popular spring break event returns April 8 – 10th, 2014 and provides children as well as their parents with something fun and entertaining to enjoy this spring.

Spring Break For Kids! Features
The Spring Break For Kids! event starts out with pre-show activities for all ages. Here you can try on amazing dance costumes, get your very own temporary tattoos, participate in Gymco activities, browse through a selection of SchoolZone books and merchandise that are available for purchase and even try out a free ballet class. The pre-show activities are then followed by a fun and exciting 30-minute ballet performance called, “A Different Tune”, aimed towards children of all ages. Visitors also have the chance to win some great prizes from local arts organizations such as the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the Grand Rapids Civic Center.

Ticketing Information
Shows for Spring Break For Kids! are known to sell out quickly, so it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets are just $5 per person with reserved seating only. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or at the Ballet Box Office. All children entering the theater, ages 2 and up, must have their own ticket in order to enjoy Spring Break For Kids!

About The Venue
The Grand Rapids Ballet performs at three different venues throughout and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. This includes the Peter Martin Wege Theatre, DeVos Performance Hall and the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. The Spring Break For Kids! event can be enjoyed the 8th through the 10th of April at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre only.

Educational Programming
The Grand Rapids Ballet offer educational programming and classes that are available regularly for children to take advantage of. Because the arts and dance can have a positive impact in any child’s life, these programs provide wonderful opportunities for children of all ages. Some educational programming includes Escape to the Ballet, Master Dance Class, Meet a Dancer, Costumes of the Ballet, School Performances and more.