Laura Koetje, Realtor

After many years of managing and owning retail and restaurant operations, I began my real estate career in 1994.

Striving to be the best choice for my clients, I decided not to leave any aspect of their real estate experience to anyone else, if possible.  With this in mind, I am not part of a real estate team.  The buck stops here and I believe your trust and friendship are the most valuable things I can hope to gain.  

Along this path, I've been involved in multiple new single-family and condominium developments--many as the leader in sales.  A few of those developments include:  Jefferson Farms and Sweetgrass in Kentwood; Brewer Farms in Hudsonville; Orchard Ridge in Walker and condominium developments such as Rose Ridge in Rockford,  Forest View in Greenville; Harvest Meadows in Wayland; Byron Hills in Byron Center, Caledonia Villas and many others.   Through these experiences, I have gained extensive knowledge and insight into new construction over the years. 

However, the bedrock of my business has been marketing and sales of existing homes, condominiums, and land,  as well as working with buyers through the detailed process of purchasing a home.  From preparing, staging, pricing, and marketing properties for sale, assisting with the loan approval process, writing and negotiating winning offers, analyzing inspection reports and hammering out repair settlements, addressing title issues, and many, many other details, my career is both all-encompassing and exciting.  There's simply nothing better than happy clients who feel they were treated right! 

Thankfully, I can say that my real estate experience didn't stop at the professional side.  I have walked in your shoes.  Personally, had homes and condominiums built, purchased existing homes, remodeled and flipped investment properties, and bought land for recreational purposes. 

Over 20 years ago, my husband and I purchased a lake front home.  Thankfully, this has made me a better Realtor for those people who are looking to buy or sell on water.  Also, I've listed and sold properties on these and other lakes:  Lake Montcalm (Six Lakes); Rainbow Lake (Trufant); Chippewa Lake (near Big Rapids); Loon Lake (Irons); Pottawatomie Bayou (Grand Haven); Camp and Olin Lakes (Sparta); Lake Bella Vista (Rockford); Pettit Lake and Hardy Pond (Newaygo); Turk Lake (Greenville); Crockery Lake (Conklin); Algonquin Lake (Hastings); Thornapple Lake (Nashville); Cedar Lake (Jenison); and river front properties on the Big Muskegon River, Rogue River, and the Hersey River. 

From helping first-time home buyers, empty-nestors, investors, deer hunters looking for acreage, families with estate properties and trusts, as well as assisting those needing direction with homeowner associations and bi-laws, land splits, restrictions, credit repair, land contracts, short sales, and foreclosures, I've been fortunate to have had such rich and varied career.

With over 90% of my real estate business coming from referrals, past clients, family and friends, I consider it an honor to be trusted to help so many people.  I am never too busy to answer a question and no property value is too small.  I believe in giving the same detailed attention to everyone.   Fewer than 2% members of the Greater Regional Alliance of Realtors (GRAR) can come to the table with over 30 years of successful, full-time experience, as I can.  Additionally, I have my Graduate, Realtors Institute and Certified New Home Sales Professional designations.  During the entirety of my career, I have been a "Member in Good Standing" with my association and as a professional, I have pledged to uphold the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Buying or selling a home is by far, the single largest financial transaction most people make in a lifetime.  Who you hire counts.  Please contact me today!