West Michigan Lake Michigan shoreline

Your Home, My Priority — Guiding Your Next Move in West Michigan

Welcome to Kippy Ellis Group with Five Star Real Estate. Dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized real estate services across West Michigan, from vibrant city neighborhoods to peaceful lakeshore retreats.

5.0 · Client Reviews
Verified Feedback

"We contacted Kippy to sell our home near Holland, and from the first walkthrough she was kind, approachable, and thorough. She was honest with us and gave us an accurate market assessment. She went out of her way during every step of the process and kept us updated constantly. She helped us find our dream home in the exact neighborhood we wanted. You cannot go wrong working with Kippy Ellis and Five Star Real Estate!"

— Candace WilliamsJuly 2024

"It was obvious from our first meeting that Kippy is deeply knowledgeable about the West Michigan market. She guided us on pricing and marketing, and our home sold in record time with multiple offers over asking. She stayed in constant touch and made everything simple."

— Emily JordanMay 2024

"Kippy was always quick and ready to help, communicating clearly and providing reassuring guidance at every stage. We recommend Kippy Ellis and Five Star Real Estate to all our friends and family looking for homes in West Michigan!"

— Elliot & DeAnna KelleyMarch 2024

"Relocating from out of state can be stressful, but Kippy spent hours on video calls walking us through neighborhoods, school districts, and lakeshore communities. When we visited, every showing was seamlessly organized. We love our new home!"

— Mark & Jennifer TorresFebruary 2025

"As first-time homebuyers, we were nervous and overwhelmed. Kippy walked us through every single step, explained options in plain English, and negotiated a great price and terms for us. We are forever grateful."

— Ava MitchellJanuary 2025

"We needed a residential lakeshore retreat and Kippy not only found the perfect spot in Saugatuck but also connected us with trustworthy local inspectors and contractors. Her knowledge of West Michigan is unmatched."

— David & Rachel CohenDecember 2024

"We had land in West Michigan and didn't know the best way to position it. Kippy came out, walked the property, evaluated comparable sales, and brought qualified buyers quickly. She treats every client like family."

— Robert HenleyNovember 2024

"Having bought and sold multiple homes over the years, we can say Kippy Ellis is in a league of her own. Her communication is instant, advice is honest, and results speak for themselves."

— Stephanie & Brian WellsOctober 2024

"Kippy Ellis sold our commercial property, and she earned every bit of the outcome. Commercial isn't a quick, easy sale — it takes patience and a realtor who keeps the momentum going. Kippy worked through a long list of interested buyers, coordinated showing after showing, and fielded several bids along the way without ever letting things stall. Her persistence paid off: we ended up with two offers on the same day and sold for over asking price. Communication was steady the whole way through, and she never let a lead go cold. If you're selling commercial property on the lakeshore, Kippy is who you want representing you."

— Lynn & Lisa LivelyOctober 2025
20+

Years combined experience

100%

Client-first commitment

24hr

Average response time

5.0

Average client rating

About Kippy Ellis Group

Your Home, Our Priority Across West Michigan

Born and raised in Newport Beach, CA, Kippy Ellis built her life and real estate career around resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for people. At Five Star Real Estate, Kippy and the Kippy Ellis Group bring exceptional dedication, deep local knowledge, and authentic personal attention to buyers and sellers across Grand Rapids, Holland, and the West Michigan Lakeshore.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning sales, strategic marketing, management, credit repair, and customer leadership, Kippy brings energy, creativity, persistence, and a people-first mindset to every transaction. Whether you are navigating your first home purchase, preparing a listing for maximum value, or investing in lakeshore acreage, you receive clear communication and relentless advocacy.

Having overcome life's toughest adversities, Kippy turns challenges into motivation—always looking for the best in people and recognizing opportunities others overlook. Backed by Five Star Real Estate's extensive network and licensed under Michigan Real Estate License #6501428764, our team ensures every client feels supported, informed, and empowered.

Honest & Dedicated

Local Market Expert

Client-First Focus

Kippy Ellis, Realtor

Kippy Ellis

Lead REALTOR® | Five Star Real Estate

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Kippy was so kind, knowledgeable, and honest with us..."

"We contacted Kippy to sell our home near Holland, and from the first walkthrough she was kind, approachable, and thorough. She was honest with us and gave us an accurate market assessment. She went out of her way during every step of the process and kept us updated constantly. She helped us find our dream home in the exact neighborhood we wanted. You cannot go wrong working with Kippy Ellis and Five Star Real Estate!"

— Candace Williams

"We absolutely loved our experience with Kippy Ellis..."

"It was obvious from our first meeting that Kippy is deeply knowledgeable about the West Michigan market. She guided us on pricing and marketing, and our home sold in record time with multiple offers over asking. She stayed in constant touch and made everything simple."

— Emily Jordan

"Thank you Kippy for all the help throughout this entire process..."

"Kippy was always quick and ready to help, communicating clearly and providing reassuring guidance at every stage. We recommend Kippy Ellis and Five Star Real Estate to all our friends and family looking for homes in West Michigan!"

— Elliot & DeAnna Kelley

Explore Listings

Here are Some Popular Listing Categories

Reach out to our team and we will help match you with homes that fit your criteria. If you know what you are looking for, contact us and we can help you find the best homes for sale.

Featured Listings

Featured Listings

Hand-picked homes currently on the market with our team.

Land and Farm

Land and Farm

Rolling acreage, countryside retreats, and wooded properties across West Michigan.

Luxury Homes

Luxury Homes

High-end estates, lakefront retreats, and executive homes in West Michigan.

Meet the Team

Our Agents

Dedicated West Michigan real estate professionals with Five Star Real Estate.

Kippy Ellis
Team Lead

Kippy Ellis

Lead REALTOR® | Five Star Real Estate

15+ Years Experience

Erin Forestier

Erin Forestier

REALTOR® | Five Star Real Estate

Five Star Real Estate

Valynn Trent

Valynn Trent

REALTOR® | Five Star Real Estate

Licensed since 2021

Cory Kraai

Cory Kraai

REALTOR® | Five Star Real Estate

Five Star Real Estate

Kyle Rhoades

Kyle Rhoades

Team Member

Kippy Ellis Group

West Michigan home for sale
Buying / Selling

A thoughtful, boutique approach to every transaction

Buyer Representation

From neighborhood scouting to negotiation, we protect your interests every step of the way. Explore buyer services →

Seller Strategy & Distinctive Homes

Pricing, staging, and marketing built around data -- not guesswork. Our listings move fast. View seller strategy →

Waterfront & Lakeshore

Residential, waterfront, and investment expertise across Grand Rapids, Holland, and West Michigan. Explore waterfront →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most from buyers and sellers across West Michigan.

How do I start buying a home in West Michigan?+
Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your budget. Then we'll match you with listings that fit your criteria and guide you through showings, negotiations, inspections, and closing -- every step of the way.
How do you determine the right listing price for my home?+
We analyze comprehensive MLS market data, recent comparable sales, current market trends, neighborhood demand, and the specific unique features and condition of your property.
What does it cost to work with a Realtor?+
For buyers, our services are typically covered by the transaction at no direct out-of-pocket cost. For sellers, our competitive commission covers professional staging advice, premier photography, targeted marketing, and full negotiation representation.
Which areas do you serve in West Michigan?+
We specialize in Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, Ada, Cascade, Rockford, Muskegon, and across the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
How long does it take to sell a home in West Michigan?+
Timeline varies based on location and price point, but with our strategic pricing and professional marketing, many of our well-prepared listings receive strong offers within days or weeks.
Can you help with land, farm, and commercial properties?+
Yes, we have extensive experience in waterfront properties, residential homes, acreage, and real estate transactions across West Michigan and the lakeshore.
Does Michigan farmland keep its tax benefits when it's sold?+
It can, but the buyer has to file the paperwork. When qualified agricultural property changes hands, the buyer files Form 3676 with the local assessor and the county register of deeds, attesting that the land will stay in agricultural use. Without it, the property's taxable value can be "uncapped" and reset closer to market value, which can raise the tax bill significantly. If the land later leaves agricultural use, some of those past tax savings may have to be repaid. We make sure farm and land buyers know about this before closing.
What's the difference between a land contract and a traditional mortgage for buying Michigan farmland or acreage?+
With a land contract, the seller finances the purchase directly and keeps legal title until the buyer pays it off, which can make rural land and farm deals easier to finance than going through a bank. A traditional mortgage transfers title to the buyer at closing, with a lender holding a lien. Land contracts are common for acreage and farm sales in West Michigan and carry their own risks and protections, so review the terms with an attorney before signing.
Is Kippy Ellis Group part of a larger brokerage?+
Yes. Kippy Ellis Group is a real estate team with Five Star Real Estate, serving buyers and sellers across Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, Ada, Rockford, Muskegon, and the West Michigan lakeshore.
Should I use one agent for a lakefront home and a separate specialist for a land or farm purchase?+
Not necessarily. Waterfront, land and farm, and higher-end homes each involve different due diligence, but Kippy Ellis Group works across all of them. Buyers looking at more than one kind of property — a lake house and a piece of acreage, for example — can work with one team instead of coordinating two separate agents.
Get In Touch

Contact Us

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you as you buy or sell your home. It's a responsibility and commitment we take seriously.

Brokerage & Office

Five Star Real Estate
Grand Rapids, Holland & Muskegon, MI

Direct Phone

(630) 479-0833

Office Hours

Monday – Friday · 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Google Business Profile

Kippy Ellis Group - Five Star Real Estate

Find client reviews, business details, and directions for Five Star Real Estate on Google Maps.

View on Google Maps

Send us a message

Careers

Join Our Team

Are you a licensed agent who values integrity, community, and thoughtful client care? We'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now