Monday, July 29, 2013

Wixom Lake Waterfront Home!! 5347 Oakridge Drive, Beaverton

New Listing at 5347 Oakridge Drive, Beaverton, MI
Wixom Lake Waterfront Home!!
$154,900
MLS #159640

60' on Wixom Lake! Everything you could want for your summer cottage at the lake!! 60' of frontage with a steel seawall, sandy bottom swimming & a view for miles on all sports Wixom Lake. Beautiful shade trees on this level lot make it perfect for entertaining outside. Fire pit near the water & a fishing deck overhanging the lake. Patio just off sun room is the perfect spot watch the boats go by. Concrete driveway & storage shed too. Walk into the large family room that has a laundry area, plenty of storage and room for extra sleeping space and large family gatherings. 2 bedrooms and 1.5 updated baths. Open kitchen & living room with a brick fireplace that is natural wood burning. Sun room off family room with slider to patio will become a favorite room! Recent updates that include newer laminate flooring in the kitchen and carpeting throughout living and bedrooms, well maintained & ready to use today. Come enjoy the good life!

Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!


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Wednesday, July 24, 2013


When was the last time you took a stroll through the Interlochen Arts Academy and observed the international presence of students from all over the world; or stopped by Bud’s for an awesome cup of coffee, and opened you laptop from their internet cafĂ©?

Well, beautiful Green Lake in Interlochen, MI, is just one of many all-sports inland lakes that are worth a second look when traveling through this area.  Green Lake, with its sister Duck Lake, just across the road, is situated in the SW part of Grand Traverse County and is nestled within a mile of the Village of Interlochen’s main business area.  This pristine N MI inland lake is home to several species of fish such as: black bullhead, bluegill, brown bullhead, brown trout, cisco, coho salmon, lake trout, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch.

You can also expect to find a variety of affordable waterfront properties, from cabins/cottages, to pricier year-around home when considering a purchase on Green Lake.  With a home on Green Lake, you are also afforded the opportunity to listen to some of the tunes and sounds that are echoing from the Interlochen Art Academy.  In fact, on a popular summer eve, when bands and artist travel from all parts of the world to entertain, you could be taking in the sounds from your pontoon, waterside; and did I mention, there’s no charge to listen from your ‘toon while taking in a gorgeous sunset.  If you’re looking for an affordable cottage, that will let you enjoy fishing, international sounds of a renown Arts Academy, and a cup of mojo from Bud’s, why not consider this featured home as your next up-north get-away. 

 http://www.homewaters.net/lakefront-property/view.html?page=2&ipp=20&lake[]=Green&i=1749094&d=taar&offset=21

Bring Your Dog to Work Day!

While that may not technically be a holiday (though I think it should be!), Chad & Co at Homewaters were kind enough to accommodate my dog, Juni, in the office today when her grooming appointment had to be rescheduled.

Before we walked into work, we stopped at two different downtown Traverse City shops where Juni was not only welcomed but gushed over.  Then we passed the State Theatre where she was offered a treat as we walked by.  This got me thinking about another great aspect of living Up North: people here are dog-friendly.  Many dog owners, like myself, consider their pooch to be one of the family and I'm sure that I take the warm welcome Juni gets in most places we go to for granted (she has even roamed the aisles of Home Depot while we searched for the perfect grass seed!).  

So I hopped online and found that TC is the most dog-friendly city in Michigan.  No surprise there I guess, but an added bonus of the lifestyle this area offers, and a good reminder to ourselves about the different ways the TC area is a unique place to visit and live!

-Britt

Juni working hard at the Homewaters office in Traverse City today





Gladwin County Smallood Lake Home! Price Reduciton at 882 Rivers Terrace

Price Reduction at 882 Rivers Terrace, Gladwin, MI
Smallwood Lake Waterfront Home
$119,900
MLS #158825

Sprawling ranch along the banks of all sports Smallwood Lake! 133' of scenic water frontage on a lake known for its all sports activities as well as its great fishing! Catch bass, pan fish & more right from your dock. The paved driveway leads you to the attached 1.5 car garage. Step into the foyer & into the "bonus room" which has a slider door to the outside patio overlooking the lake. Kitchen & living room are open to each other and give you warm & cozy feel of up north living with the wood beams on the ceiling. Wood burning fireplace & brick surround add to the charm. 2 spacious bedrooms & 2 baths provide space for everyone (cottage sleeps 12). 4 seasons sun room off the living room offers panoramic views of the yard & the lake & provides additional sleeping space if necessary. Enjoy the bon fire pit after a day on the lake! The easy winding steps to the water & newer boardwalk along the lake & suspended dock complete the package! 2 storage sheds too! Newer roof! Sold turn key!

Click HERE to visit our website to see more!!

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Why Houghton Lake may be among the best buys in northern Michigan

For years, families from southern Michigan have been making the relatively short drive north to Houghton Lake for their family vacations.  With such easy access off I-75, it's been a historic favorite for those heading north on Friday evening and back on Sunday.  Property values on the lake have been historically tied to the success or failure of the automotive industry which resulted in falling prices in recent years. Conditions have stabilized now and prices have begun to creep up but there are still opportunities to take advantage of before things climb dramatically.  Houghton is the largest inland lake in Michigan by surface area.  It offers a number of great festivals including Tip Up Town in the winter, it's in the heart of terrific snowmobiling and hunting on public land and the nearby communities offer plenty of dining options, phenomenal golf destinations and other activities when you're looking to get off the water.
 Here's a perfect example of a property that has been completely remodeled, has fantastic sandy bottom, is right in the heart of plenty of amenities but is still priced very low relative to other similar properties in other areas of the state. It features hardwood and tile flooring, completely remodeled kitchen and baths with granite tops and tile.  It even has a 3-car garage for all the toys you're going to need on the lake.  Priced at only $258,500, it's an incredible bargain relative to other lakefront properties in northern Michigan.  If you've been looking farther from home, stop in Houghton Lake on the way up and see what type of properties are still available at very good prices.  Just click the image above for complete details on this property or go HERE for all available properties on Houghton Lake right now.

Smallwood Lake Waterfront in Gladwin!! 204 Lockwood Drive

New Listing at 204 Lockwood Drive, Gladwin, MI
Smallwood Lake Waterfront
$56,000
MLS #159635

Ready for a waterfront home or cottage but haven't found one within your budget? Wait no more! 74' on all sports Smallwood Lake with an amazing view. Smallwood Lake is one of the best kept secrets in Northern Michigan....with the great boating it offers, the scenic up north atmosphere and the great fishing (including some of the best bass fishing around). Home offers a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, and a living room that walk out to the deck overlooking the lake. Master bedroom has a private bath and there are 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath. With just a short drive from thousands of acres of state land you can make this your recreational headquarters....boat, fish, hunt, snowmobile! 

Click HERE to visit out website for more details!!









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The AuSable River and Its Historic Lodges

There are a number of reasons that The AuSable River is among the most revered trout streams in the nation.  It certainly offers some of the best dry fly fishing in at least the eastern United States.  The pace of the river, consistent depth and primarily gravel bottom provide ideal conditions for angling, especially in the areas downstream of Grayling.  I believe the primary reason that The AuSable is so extensively recognized in literature is because of its long standing and continuing angling history.

There are few rivers where the guides still pole hand crafted wooden boats much like those used at the turn of the last century.  If you look in the box of just about any fly angler on the river, you'll certainly find flies originally designed decades earlier by locals named Roberts, Smock, Borchers, Gates and Burtch and tied with fur and feather instead of modern foam and synthetics.  You'll also likely be able to easily learn about local legends who taught the current generation of anglers to fish the same waters they grew up on .

Another unique feature of The AuSable are her spectacular lodges.  Some have since been moved or destroyed but a handful remain and instill a wonderful sense of the areas history in anyone who visits.  Previously owned by names like Griffith, Mason, Devereaux and Rayburn, they're now enjoyed by subsequent angling families who have the unique opportunity to carry on a rich tradition.  As you drive through communities like Grayling, Roscommon and Lovells, take a close look around and hopefully you'll recognize that these communities are unique in their embrace of times gone by and and angling traditions that make them special.

We've had the unique opportunity to represent the sale of a number of spectacular, historic properties on the river over the years.  It's been a great honor to be involved in the passing of properties with not only addresses but names like The Barbless Hook, Spent Wing, The Bourbon Fly, and Rayburn Lodge.  We now have the pleasure of representing this classic full log lodge once owned by Mort Neff of Michigan Outdoors T.V. fame.  The current owners did a wonderful renovation in recent years bringing the log structures back into great condition and adding tasteful modern touches.  Situated on 15 heavily wooded acres with nearly 700' of frontage it's among the most private parcels to become available in years.  Take a moment to view a brief video of the property or click the image above for complete details.


Do you remember why you began the journey you're on?

As we all grind through our days, it's sometimes easy to forget the reason we originally began doing what we do.  Whether you became a teacher to improve your community or went to school to become a veterinarian because of your love of animals or went to work in a factory to carry on a long family tradition, we all began our journey for some specific reason.  For me it was striving to find a way to tie my passion for the outdoors and fly fishing with a business career of some sort that could provide financial security for my family.  I didn't necessarily find the profession of real estate, it found me as I stood in a fly shop tying flies. 

Since that time I've been very fortunate to assemble a number of other like minded individuals who were seeking a way to provide for their families without giving up their passion for the waterways and woodlands of northern Michigan.  We have the unique opportunity to introduce grandparents to the cottage where they'll teach their grandchildren to swim and ski and cook the perfect s'more.  We get to help retirees realize their dream of living in northern Michigan after a lifetime of hard work and responsible financial decision making.  We even get to help first time home buyers take that truly monumental leap of faith in purchasing their first home. 

Like everyone else, we don't always keep these thoughts at the forefront of our minds as we go through our busy work lives, but it doesn't take much to remind us of why we do what we do.  Watching a buyer's child skip a stone into the lake as we tour a possible property is usually more than enough.  If you're looking for a property in northern Michigan because of the lifestyle it provides and the setting to the water or woods is more important than the wallpaper, consider reaching out to one of the agents or brokers of Homewaters, L.L.C.  We share your passion and truly appreciate every opportunity we get to help people realize their dream of owning a northern Michigan property.  Click the image above to learn more about the agents, brokers and staff of Homewaters.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Own a slice of the Pine River

22496 21 Mile Rd, Tustin, MI

$439,900


Set on 1,000 feet of beautiful Pine River frontage, this rustic log home is a hunter and fisherman's dream. Spacious lower level and open floor plan make this an ideal getaway with room to entertain. The main level features a deck that overlooks a large natural stone retaining wall and stairway leading down to the river. The Pine River is not only teaming with brook and brown trout but also has the states largest non migratory rainbow trout population. Click HERE for more details.



Friday, July 19, 2013

Wixom Lake Waterfront! Price Reduction at 5105 Pleasant Drive, Beaverton

Price Reduction at 5105 Pleasant Drive, Beaverton, MI
Pleasure Island Wixom Lake Waterfront
$124,900
MLS #158538

162' on a Wixom Lake canal. Enjoy the 2,000+ acre all sports & begin making memories now. Located on Pleasure Island, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home or cottage sits on 2 large lots offering outdoor space that main lake lots cannot. Walk into the family room with beautiful knotty pine walls and tongue & groove ceiling. Eat in kitchen w/ door to patio for easy summertime grilling! Step down into the spacious living room with plenty of windows & a sliding door that allow the natural light to pour in. Sliding door leads to the concrete patio as well. Living room offers a cozy wood stove with brick surround. There are 2 bedrooms, one of which is quite large & offers room for multiple beds. Full bath has washer and dryer which is such a bonus for a cottage. Exterior offers an attached garage, storage shed, covered picnic pavilion, fire pit for summer bonfires & a deck at the lake side with power. Neighborhood offers paved roads for great walks or bike rides & there is a park! 

Click HERE to visit our website for more details!!

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I am Instantly in LOVE!

I am Instantly in LOVE!

Like many of you out there I am somewhat addicted to Instagram.  I love taking my pictures using Instagram and making them looking extra cool!  From making each person look just that much more beautiful to turning a picture black and white for that dramatic effect.  Today I stumbled across a website that I fell instantly in LOVE with.  www.stickygram.com turns your Instagram images into 2" square magnets!!!  The best part it costs just $14.99 for 9 magnets!!! 


Now I am not one for too much clutter on my fridge but I can see I will need to find other places to place magnets because this may soon become an addiction!  If I was this excited about stickygram.com I thought you might be too...check it out and have fun!



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Monday, July 15, 2013

Real Estate Market Conditions for Gladwin and Clare Area Homes

June Real Estate Market Snapshot for the Gladwin and Clare County Area Homes

Secord Lake Waterfront
3423 Lakeshore Drive, Gladwin $144,900
MLS #159491

Active Listings: 1116 (196 new listings came on the market in June)

Average Asking Price: $111,333

Average Days on Market : 233

Range of Asking Prices: $7,995-$875,000

Sold: 59 Sold in June (62 sold in May)

Average Asking Price of Sold Listings: $74,538
Average Selling Price of Sold Listings: $68,323

Average Days on Market of Sold Listings: 302 (45 days more than May)

Sellers Received: 91.6% of their asking price

 

Total Residential Sales Volume: $3,747,381 (down from $4,266,950 in May)
Listings Sold by Price Range
0-99,999: 47 (down 9 from May)
100,000-199,999: 10 (down 1 from May)
200,000-299,999: 1 (down 2 from May)
300,000-399,999: 1 (down 1 from May)
400,000 and above: 0 (same as May)

sonya looseSold in June!!  Wixom Lake Waterfront for $85,500
 
**37 Homes Expired off the Market in May

Absorption Rate = 1.5 Years


*This information was provided by the Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors. The report was generated from the Multiple Listing Service, where all CGBR members' transactions are recorded. The report covers all the members' residential transactions for the month of January. Although there are no geographical boundaries defining members' service areas, the majority of CGBR transactions take place in Clare and Gladwin County.
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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Secord Lake Waterfront!! 3423 Lakeshore Drive, Gladwin, MI

3423 Lakeshore Drive, Gladwin, MI
Secord Lake Waterfront
$144,900
MLS #159491

Nestled on a deep lot amongst the beautiful shade trees along the shoreline of Secord Lake! 56' of great WF. What a wonderful cottage, summer home or year round weekend retreat. Inviting back porch steps you into the entry room that could be a washer/dryer room or as it is used now as a sitting room or extra sleeping space. Entry room also has a patio door to the deck. Eat in kitchen with newer tile back splash and decorative light over the sink. Kitchen opens up to the living room & the entire open area offers a panoramic view of the lake!! A patio door in the kitchen leads to the large deck perfect for entertaining. Hardwood flooring in LR and 2 bedrooms. 1 full bath with additional half bath in garage & a room that can be used as a guest quarters. Beautiful yard w/ perennials, a gazebo for relaxing evenings, a lake side deck and boardwalk over the wood seawall w/ a removable dock. Lake pump connected to several spickets throughout the yard. 1.5 car detached garage too!
Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!




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Wixom Lake Vacant Waterfront Lot! New Listing on Rogers Lane, Beaverton

Parcel A Rogers Lane, Beaverton, MI
Vacant Wixom Lake Waterfront Lot
$29,900
MLS #159521



Large buildable lot on Wixom Lake! 167' of Wixom Lake (Tobacco River) water front is part of this .90 acre parcel. Perfectly suited for a home with a walk out basement! The high bank allows for gorgeous views of the lake and creates privacy. Parcel is on a private road just off a paved road. Don't put your dreams of living on the water on hold any longer.

Click HERE to visit our website for more details!!








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Monday, July 8, 2013

Boardman River Now Offers More to Kayakers and Paddlers



During a recent drive near the removal of the Brown Bridge Dam, I snapped the above photo.  Though this picture is only a week or so old, I'm sure the green banks are filling in rapidly making for even more lush vegetation (especially after the amount of rain we got last night!  Yeesh!).  Though the landscape around the area is a reminder that a large dam once stood here, the river itself seems to be finding its way very happily and naturally as it meanders through and on its way to Grand Traverse Bay.  Not only does the recovery of this river to its natural, meandering state mean it's a healthier river, it now offers an adventurer the opportunity to paddle more seamlessly through the landscape.

From the Forks Campground to Grand Traverse Bay, the Boardman River is considered to be a moderate to fast current, making a fun day trip (you can choose to go about 27 miles from the Forks area) on a canoe/kayak.  A newer sport spreading through the area, stand-up paddleboarding, is also a great way to enjoy the Boardman.   I stand-up paddle often and river paddling is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Northern Michigan; the perspective of standing allows you to see the fish, turtles, and wildlife from a completely different angle.  A leisurely paddle down the river used to more often than not end at the Boardman Pond (unless you were willing to get in some weight-lifting too and schlepped your mode of transport to the other side - nothankyouverymuch!), but now, with no dam you can just keep calm and paddle on.

Historically, the Boardman is an expensive river to buy property on, however, we've just listed a charming log cabin for just $129,900 on a terrific stretch of water.  See the info below or contact me right away to schedule a showing!