Generational Turnover

While there are a lot of properties available right now from people who are adjusting to the current economic downturn, a very large number of the waterfront properties available in Northern Michigan are being sold due to generational turnover. Basically these are properties that were bought by the parents of baby boomers who did a great job of caring for their property, but weren't as concerned about having the latest in design. Now that the owners are getting up in years and the family doesn't visit very often, it makes sense to sell. I had the good fortune of spending a lot of time on Higgins Lake each summer at my grandparents' cottage. Like many other people in their generation, they purchased their cottage in the late 60's and really only spent weekends and a few holidays there. This means that the same green shag carpeting and harvest gold appliances that were originally in the cabin are still in prime condition. While a lot of buyers overlook these properties because of the dated interiors and the less than ideal proposition of doing the remodel, they're missing the boat! These cottages, overall, were very well maintained and are often times on some of the nicest parcels of land on any given body of water. A minor investment of time and money, some new flooring, appliances and paint can turn many of these homes into absolutely ideal waterfront cottages. Next time you're looking at photos online and pass by one with green, orange, and yellow wallpaper, take a closer look and you just may find your next dream cottage hidden somewhere underneath.

Little Log Lake

Have you considered a very affordable waterfront option in Kalkaska County? Little Log Lake is located just east of the village of Kalkaska in a serene and pleasant area with many nice homes. Little Log Lake is an 8 acre lake with a 32 foot deep hole in the center with no access to the public. Great fishing, loon nesting and wildlife visits. This charming home has custom cabinets and stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, tile, and Jacuzzi tub in the Master Bedroom. This home is affordably priced at $149,900 and state land and snowmobile trails are right across the road. Located on Timber Trail just east of the Twin Birch Golf Course boasting .50 acre parcel with 110 ft. of your own private waterfrontage.

Up North Business Opportunity

Fantastic opportunity to purchase commercial property on beautiful Fife Lake with 270 feet of private frontage right in the center of a charming village in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. This property boast two living quarters - one for the owner and one rental unit by week or month - plus and entire commercial space waiting for your new business idea. The property also has up to 24 rental boat docks providing good seasonal income. Many updates have been completed and it is waiting for new owners with a desire to open their own business in the heart of a recreational paradise. Boating, fishing, snowmobiling, hunting are all here plus all the amenities of Traverse City 20 minutes to the west. Retail, restaurant, marina are but a few of the endless possibilities here in the heart of the village.

Commercial Real Estate Needs?

While we think you've already found the finest real estate firm in Northern Michigan if you're looking for waterfront property, we're also friends with a terrific company that can service your commercial real estate needs. "Three West is a team of business experts -- licensed real estate agents -- but also CPAs, attorneys, engineers, developers, and small business owners. These are the smart and experienced professionals helping Businesses reach their goals. From start-up medical centers to established ‘mom and pops,’ accurate evaluations of the real estate market and each client’s individual circumstance results in measured, sound advice." Selecting the rite site for your business, whether new or relocating, is likely the most important factor in it's likely success or failure. The team at Three West can help choose the site and building that is most likely to drive your business forward. Just click on the logo above to visit their new site and learn more. Let them know that Homewaters, L.L.C. said, "hello".

Homewaters Launches First Mobile Site Nationally?

We knew when we were working on our new mobile real estate website that we were going to be the first firm in Northern Michigan to create such a platform. What we didn't realize is that we may very likely be the first independent broker to build a mobile platform for real estate searches anywhere in the United States! In a recent post on "The Future of Real Estate Marketing" newsletter, it was announced that Homes.com has joined Trulia and others in the launch of their mobile version. The article goes on to talk about the ineffectiveness of those sites because they do not pull data directly from local mls boards so the information is often incomplete and inaccurate. m.homewaters.net has no such problems because it is fed directly from four Northern Michigan MLS Boards, so the information provided is always very timely and accurate. Technology has once again proven to be the great field leveler. When a relatively small firm like ours consistently beats the Goliaths of our industry to the punch, it is really satisfying!!! Our agents have found the new site very helpful when we're showing property to clients and we come across a property with a for sale sign in front that we didn't find previously. With just a few clicks, we can see the complete data for that property including all available photos, pricing, description and more. Next time you've got a few minutes, check it out for yourself. Click Here to read the article and more about how technology is shaping The Real Estate Industry.

Homewaters brings Northern Michigan real estate to the palm of your hand!

Flightpath Creative of Traverse City has once again helped us to pull off the release of an industry leading website. Custom designed from the ground up, the mobile version of our very popular desktop site will allow users to access complete mls information for not just our properties, but any listed property in Northern Michigan from participating brokers. Go to m.homewaters.net from your web capable phone or handheld device to check out this new tool. Whenever you see a property for sale in Northern Michigan, just enter the street name or address to view the complete mls information for that property, formatted to fit the screen of your device. If it's a waterfront property, the site recognizes the body of water and suggests other properties that may be of interest. River and Lakefront searches are also available on the home page. Other features found with a single click are, Google Mobile Maps, links to text, e-mail, or phone an agent, multiple photos for each property, and more. It's a great way to keep up on the market next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes. If you get a chance to check out the site, please let us know your thoughts. We're always striving to provide the most advanced sites available in the industry and we truly appreciate your comments.