SPRINGTIME 2020 IN KALKASKA COUNTY

As we all are sheltering in place during this unprecedented event in world history, I am counting my blessings that here in Northern Michigan we have an abundance of opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful unspoiled woods and water surrounding us. My 7 year old granddaughter and I made a commitment to walk one mile every day while we are under the shelter in place rules. It is a great time to chat and learn from each other plus the exercise and fresh air lead to better health and better sleep.

Spring is typically the time of year when our recreational and waterfront property sellers  start to prep their homes and properties to be placed for sale  The most recent high water levels and subsequent erosion are something that many of us are dealing with.  Your Michigan county conservation district can always be your local point of contact for resources. In addition, I can provide you with lists of reputable lawn care, painting, plumbing, heating and electrical  professionals.  If you are considering selling or just want know the market value of your property I would be happy to sit down with you and discuss - once the all clear is given for you and I to have face to face meetings again. I am always available by phone, email or video chat. Kalkaska County sales in 2019 saw their highest sale prices ever on a number of lakefront homes on our inland lakes and residential properties throughout the county.
If you are looking for outside options in Northern Michigan to hike and social distance I offer this list of protected land courtesy of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. The abundance of nature and fresh water surrounding our "little piece of paradise" provide endless opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of  outdoor recreation.
Please visit my webpage to learn more about me. I can be reached at mary@homewaters.net, 231-384-1207.

3 BD/2BA City of Harrison Home! 102 Elm Street, Harrison, MI

3 BD/2 BA City of Harrison Home w/Garage!!

102 Elm Street, Harrison, MI 
$89,900
MLS #172751

Bedroom: 3
Bathroom: 2
Square Feet: 1512
2 Car Garage
.37 Acre Lot




Call or Text Shannon at Homewaters Real Estate at 989-339-1326 or call (877)820-1194 ext 711 to schedule a showing!
Within the City limits of Harrison, known as the "Gates to the North", this large three-bedroom home is ready for a family to move in and call it home. Home has an office that could be used as a possible fourth bedroom without a closet. Spacious, updated kitchen with an island includes appliances. Knotty pine touches and recessed lighting add to the comfy up north feel. Corner city lot allows for some privacy, well still being within walking distance to all the amenities the city has to offer. Two porches, one covered, allows the perfect space to relax on upcoming summer days, nice backyard with space to enjoy a bonfire, or two. Schedule a showing and see what this home has to offer for you! 

Click HERE to view more images of this Harrison Home for Sale!

Shoreline Erosion Resources

Our Great Lakes basin is currently in the high point of its cycle, affecting both the Great Lakes proper as well as our inland lakes. We hear from a lot of folks wanting to know what they can and cannot do to protect their shorelines.

We are providing this list of resources to assist current and prospective shoreline property owners in investigating the available options and navigating any permitting procedures required to implement mitigation techniques.

Contact your county conservation district as a local point of contact. Here's a list for the state of Michigan.

Excellent resource from Michigan State University regarding inland lake shorelines

MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy High Water Levels page with a list of links to permit application information, shoreline protection contractors, safety, frequently asked questions, and more.

One thing is certain, shorelines are never static. When purchasing a waterfront property of any kind, it is important to recognize that the interface of land and water will always be changing!

Kalkaska County Gems

Favorite Places and Spaces, from Mary Janik:

When I chose to make Kalkaska County my home it was because of all the natural resources and recreational opportunities that were readily available. I am someone who needs to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine for a daily walk, preferably in a beautiful unspoiled place. There are so many nearby, but here are a few of my favorites, all protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (Descriptions courtesy gtrlc.org).

Seven Bridges: Protected & Managed by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned by the State of Michigan.

Once slated for subdivision, this amazing place is now a jewel for all to enjoy. Known for its beautiful rustic bridges with over a mile of frontage on the Rapid River, this property is truly enchanting. A

	gtrlc.org

trail and boardwalk wander through cedar trees to the bridges spanning the Rapid River and many of the tributaries that braid together here. The remains of a sawmill built in 1882 can still be seen when crossing the first three bridges. Despite its name, only four bridges exist today. There are 2 loop hikes which are serene and beautiful and typically not heavily used.

South Boardman Preserve: Protected by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned & managed by Boardman Township.

Visitors to this property will find hiking trails, bridges over creeks and rivers, a viewing platform and interpretive signs marking tree species. The path wanders through many landscapes including Hemlock Forest, Red Pine Plantation and Cedar Swamp. Its a beautiful property encompassing Boardman River headwaters.

Skegemog Wildlife Area: Protected & Managed by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned by the State of Michigan.

Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area (SLWA), encompassing much of the southern end of Skegemog Lake, offers a wealth of non-motorized outdoor recreation opportunities within a uniquely diverse property teeming with plant and animal life.

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve.

Open to the Public on July 25th with a Preservation Celebration and Property Grand Opening. 

Rarely does the Conservancy have the opportunity to protect a place a special as the former Camp Tapico in central Kalkaska County. This property, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts for about 80 years, spans an impressive 1,288 acres and includes a wide variety of high-quality wildlife habitat. Of particular interest is the near complete lack of invasive species, making this property extremely valuable from a conservation standpoint.

In addition to about a mile of the north branch of the Manistee River, this property includes its own 130-acre spring-fed lake, multiple types of wetland habitat and several kettle-hole ponds. The property supports a large number of species, including loons, bald eagles, smooth green snakes and other species of special concern.

2020 Real Estate Market Comes In Like a Lion!

March is always an interesting time in 

Northern Michigan.  We are in that season "between" where there's just not enough snow or cold weather to enjoy winter activities but warmer days, cherry blossoms, and getting the docks in are still a ways off.  Typically it's a month where we start to get very busy talking to sellers about listing their properties come spring.  More than any year I can remember, we really need that inventory!  

We're coming out of our best January ever, had a strong February, and are on track to set another monthly sales record in March.  This was really unexpected with the middling weather keeping a lot of people from coming up north, but we're thrilled to see it and confident the momentum will continue into spring.  

The only thing holding the market back is a severe lack of inventory.  We've sold many of the listings we carried into the fall and are scrambling for ANYTHING to show potential buyers.  It's created a perfect scenario for sellers looking to take advantage of the strong market and maximize their sale price.  If you, or anyone you know is considering the sale of their property, there's never been a better time to sell in many of our markets.

Please contact a HomeWaters agent near you to find out the best way to ensure you make the most of the strong market.  We have a number of strategies that allow us to help sellers overcome some of the common concerns with listing their property: the thought of dozens of agents and their clients trampling through the house, figuring out the timing to ensure it works with a possible next purchase, and just dealing with the unknowns that are a part of any sale are all factors we can overcome with smart strategies and realistic expectations.  

Most of the forecasts we're looking at are calling for an early, warm spring.  Don't wait to contact your HomeWaters agent!  Learn more about all of our agents and brokers by clicking HERE.  We've assembled some of the finest agents in the business, all servicing their own local territory where they are the "go to" expert in their region. 

Teal Lake Waterfront Lot in White Birch Lakes Recreational Assoc.! 1631 Laurel Lane, Farwell

Teal Lake Waterfront Lot in White Birch Lakes Recreational Association!

1631 Laurel Lane, Farwell, MI 
$18,900
MLS #172643

.80 Acre Lot
86 Feet of Waterfront
No Wake, Private Lake

Call or Text Shannon at Homewaters Real Estate at 989-339-1326 or call (877)820-1194 ext 711 to schedule a showing!

3/4 of an acre camping or building site with 86 feet on Teal Lake, which is a small, no wake, no gas motor lake. Perfect for kayaking and fishing! Nice level spot for parking your camper, driveway, and electric already in and ready to start using. White Birch Lakes Recreational Association offers so much! You can enjoy camping all summer long and leave your camper on your wooded, semiprivate property from Memorial Day weekend thru October 31st of each year. Enjoy the 3 other private lakes, which offers great fishing and swimming at the 2 nice beach areas. You can't pass up visiting the club house that has an indoor heated pool, sauna, free WiFi, relaxing lounge area with beautiful lake views, game room, putt putt golf, tennis and basket ball court. You and your guests also have access to the private campground with electrical hook-up, playground and bathhouse. There are several roads and trails to ride your off road vehicle or even take a nice bike ride on. Camper not included. 

Click HERE for more images of this Waterfront Lot for Sale in Farwell!