I hope you enjoyed your summer, and are ready for a beautiful autumn in Greater Grand Rapids, whether it’s spent in the football stands, on fall color kayaking tours, or socializing at upcoming ArtPrize. Autumn is a fabulous time to count our blessings and celebrate abundance. One of those blessings for me is living in this terrific community. With that in mind, I’d like to encourage you to spend a moment this Sunday remembering 911 and those most closely affected by this national tragedy. Ten years cannot erase the sorrow, but it’s important to honor the heroic actions and sacrifices of the many people who came together to support the victims and defend our country in a number of ways.
I thought the article I’ve included below, by Stacey Moncrieff, editor in chief for REALTOR® Magazine, was a timely reflection. NAR’s Housing Relief Fund collected $8.5 million to assist the surviving families of victims of the 911 attacks. Through the 911 initiative, the REALTORS® Relief Foundation was formed, and has gone on to help victims of natural disasters throughout the decade.
It’s true that some of the sweetest things come from bitter seeds!
Homes in France blush at the authenticity captured by Jeffery Roberts in this French Farmhouse on Reeds Lake. Grand Rapids Magazine and participating sponsors of Design Home invite you to experience first-hand Jeffery’s artistry during a one-time-only private tour of the home. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross. Please save Thursday, September 22nd to join us to support the life-saving mission of the Red Cross. You’ll be wined, dined, and exhilarated, all the while doing your part to help those who never question helping uVisit the event on 
New-home sales dropped in June, but a sharp increase in prices and declining inventories may be signs that the sluggish new-home market is finally rebounding, the Commerce Department reported.
A new program is offering financial assistance to first-time home buyers who are veterans or active-duty military members. The Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation, a nonprofit national organization, is offering the assistance through its Dream Makers program.
Within the next decade, 16 million new housing units will be needed to meet population growth and shifting demands, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies in its latest annual “State of the Nation’s Housing” report.
