Monique Hanson - West Michigan Real Estate

01/16/2026

Housing affordability and availability impact our entire community. Ottawa County is gathering feedback to understand current housing barriers better and needs to hear from the community.

The Housing Commission Survey is open through January 27 at 5 p.m. and takes under 10 minutes to complete:

🔗 Bit.ly/hcsurvey26

01/04/2026

🏡 Housing solutions that meet people where they are. Ottawa County is unveiling free small-footprint home plans at the Jan. 8 Housing Commission meeting. Another tool to support attainable homeownership.

12/19/2025

Ottawa County Homeowners: this is an easy and free way to protect your property. Property fraud alerts notify you if a document is ever recorded in your name and add an extra layer of peace of mind.

🔗 miOttawa.org/ROD

12/13/2025

Small changes can make a big impact. Algoma Township’s decision to allow accessory dwelling units opens the door to more housing solutions and more options for homeowners.

Algoma Township changed its zoning ordinance in November to allow accessory dwelling units, giving residents the ability to add second dwellings on their property for someone to live in. Read the full story through the link in the comments.

10/25/2025

Could watch this a thousand times and never get tired of it 😍
Fall sunsets over Lake Michigan hit different 🌅🍂

08/30/2025

Register for the Michigan State University Extension Homeownership webinar at www.mimoneyhealth.org

"I did not know where to start to buy a home, I never even thought I could get a home. This class has given me the confidence to try." - real class attendee feedback

This homeownership seminar from MSU Extension will provide you with valuable information about the home-buying process.

Webinar dates are September 4, 10, 18 and 24. Times will vary.

Use the link in the comments to pre-register!

07/20/2025

Showings on 20 beautiful acres mean:

✅ Long walks

✅ Gorgeous views

✅ Me vs. Nature: loud screams when a bug lands on me (not documented, thankfully!)🦟😱

Will I still show up ready to explore every acre with you? You bet.

Looking for land like this? Let’s go see it (bug screams and all!). 😄

📞 616-805-9177

07/15/2025

😳 Grand Rapids has the largest mortgage denial gap in the country for Black home seekers. Discrimination in lending is real and unacceptable.

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, contact the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan at (616) 451-2980 or fhcwm.org.

According to a report by LendingTree, Grand Rapids has the country's largest gap in mortgage denials for Black home seekers. On average, the denial rate for Black mortgage borrowers in Grand Rapids was 23.90% as compared to 14.15% among applicants of all races - a 9.75 percentage point difference. This was the highest gap for cities evaluated. Detroit had the second highest gap.

If you suspect you have experienced lending discrimination, please contact us at (616) 451-2980 or https://fhcwm.org/report-discrimination.

To learn more and read the full report: https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/lendingtree-study-black-homebuyers-more-likely-to-be-denied-mortgages-than-other-homebuyers/

05/16/2025

U.S. households earning $75,000 a year can only afford 21.2% of home listings as of March 2025 – up slightly from 20.8% a year prior and representing the biggest gain of any income group – demonstrating that the nation's housing affordability gap persists. https://bit.ly/4kpCxoK

For-sale housing inventory increased nearly 20% nationwide in March 2025 from one year earlier, and while this gain marks progress, it remains far from pre-pandemic conditions.

05/16/2025

Recently showed this incredible new construction barndominium! These unique homes are becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. With their spacious layouts, modern finishes, and a blend of rustic charm and contemporary style, barndominiums offer something truly special.

Thinking about making a move? Whether you're dreaming of new construction, more land, or just a change of pace, I’d love to help you find the right fit.

Drop me a message if you're curious about homes like this or ready to start your search!

Monique Hanson
📲 616-805-9177
📧 [email protected]

04/16/2025

A new NAR report reveals which projects homeowners may want to prioritize if they plan to sell within the next year or two.