Iceman Cometh to Kalkaska and Grand Traverse Counties

Saturday, November 7, 2009 bike riders from throughout the U.S. and Canada converged to participate in one of the premier cross country bike races in the country - The Iceman Cometh . Having watched the start of this race many times in its 20 year history, the weather was outstanding on Saturday. I also watched the start of the race last year with 6 inches of snow on the ground and it was still coming down. Racers started in the Village of Kalkaska, rode a grueling 27 mile race through the trails of the Pere' Marquette National Forest and finished in Traverse City at Timber Ridge. Economically, these bike riders were a huge boost to the area's tourism. Why not find your homewaters and discover all the fun to be enjoyed in Northwest Michigan.

Where Blue Meets Green

Where Blue Meets Green is the new logo for the Environmental Committee of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors. Our environment is so fragile and being good stewards is supported by the Realtor Association. 20% of the World's Fresh Water supply is located in the Great Lakes Basin. Northwest Michigan boasts some of the most pristine Lakes, Streams and Rivers in Michigan. Northwest Michigan is home to thousands of acres of inland lakes, Lake Michigan, rivers and streams providing sport fishing, boating, recreation and unsurpassed beauty. We have nature in abundance. Why not find your Homewaters
and discover for yourself what makes our part of the World so special!

SNOWMOBILE DREAMING IN KALKASKA COUNTY

Yes, Winter Fun is just around the corner and Kalkaska County offers one of the best groomed snowmobile trails in Northern Michigan - the Blue Bear Trail which provides miles and miles of outdoor fun!! Trails throughout Kalkaska County taking you through forest wonderland and picturesque rides. Now might be the time to think about purchasing that get away that can be used year around in Kalkaska County. There are 183 properties on the MLS today in Kalkaska County up to $100,000 and many of these are located within minutes of state land and snowmobile trails. Why not consider purchasing your Homewaters on one of Kalkaska County's 90 lakes or 3 rivers and enjoy it year around. Kalkaska County provides easy access to I-75 and a short trip to Boyne Mountain, Shanty Creek or Crystal Mountain for skiing and snowboarding fun. An investment in your recreational property will provide 12 months of fun for the entire family!! Come visit and see the possibilities of owning real estate in Kalkaska County, Michigan.

8 Tips for Your Home Search

Tips for looking for a full time residence or your ideal recreational property can be exciting and fun. It also can be exhausting and frustrating. The choice is up to you. There is a great inventory available on the market; you’ll never have the time to see everything that strikes your fancy. Nor do you want to. Chances are that many of these listing will not be right for you for one reason or another. Narrow down your list before you set out in your car to look at property. Consider contacting a buyer’s agent who can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Here are some general tips to get you started:


1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving time line. Is there a job transfer involved? Do you have children who need to be enrolled in school? In Michigan, sometimes the weather plays a role; want to be settled before the snow arrives? Review your calendar and set a date.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s agents are usually paid out of the seller’s commission fee.

Real Estate Needs? Mark Bear, Home Waters ~ 989-889-5037