The Buying Process IV

Congratulations to the new home owner!
When I began the blog posts about this specific transaction, I have to admit that I had hoped for some oddities or bumps in the road that might help our visitors gain an understanding of how to maybe work through unforeseen issues that might come up. Fortunately for the seller and buyer it was the smoothest transaction we've had in quite a while!! It closed a week or so ago and the new owner has had an opportunity to already enjoy the property. In fact, the second time he fished there, he caught two Brown Trout of 20" or more during a Hex hatch!!! What a way to start out with the new property!! They owned a property for a few years prior to that on a different river and he'd never taken a trout of more than 16" there. He's definitely happy with the purchase and the seller loved that the property went to such a great young family. He'd owned this property since the early 1970's and had some wonderful memories, but was ready to pass the torch and let someone else build memories of their own.

Get A Manistee Cabin While There Are Some Left!

Based on what we're seeing so far, buyers have been much more aggressive in 2009 as compared to last year. If you've been waiting to buy until your late summer vacation, you may have already missed out on some of the best cabins on The Manistee, in particular. Just this weekend, we put together deals on two more Manistee River cabins to go along with the two we've already sold this year. That's more than half of our inventory already gone!

Even more interesting is the ratio of list to sale price has been very impressive. It's taken a while for sellers to reduce their prices to reflect market
conditions, but it appears many list prices are now reflecting fair market values, at least on The Manistee. Here's the run down on the cabins pictured to the left from top to bottom. You may recognize one or more as a place you've had your eye on.

Top left; Sold! Was listed for $325,000 and sold for full price at $325,000 with multiple offers in place. Second from top; Sold! Was listed for $139,900 and sold for $135,000. Third from the top; Sale Pending! Is listed for $237,500, but I cannot divulge the sales price until close. The bottom property on the left is listed for $199,900 and has an accepted offer to purchase for an undisclosed amount.

Hopefully you haven't missed out on one of these properties. With the warm weather now upon us and more people travelling north to take their summer vacations, the real estate market is really heating up. We look forward to hearing from you soon so we can help you find just the right property.

Stay Connected

“Stay connected with Mark Bear & Home Waters”

• You found your way here…so you already know you’re at Home Waters. Visit often to view highlights and showcases of Northern Michigan properties. Sit back and enjoy the scenery!

• Want some more fun on the net? Visit me at Twin Bridge Gillie & tbg home journal for the ramblings of a Realtor living on a trout stream in Northern Michigan.

• When you’re ready for some personalized service, contact me at bear@homewaters.net or call (877) 820-1194 ext. 4

“Looking forward to hearing from you!… thanks for staying in touch, Bear”

Rare AuSable River Acreage

With sales of $750,000, $640,000 and two of $600,000 on The AuSable River in recent years, the argument could be made that it is among the strongest markest in the state or even this part of the country! Every high dollar listing on The AuSable last year sold, except for one that was listed at $1,395,000. This property is the only acreage parcel availabe on The Holy Water section of the river and will be a terrific family estate for some lucky buyer.

Breathtaking AuSable River Estate

We're very proud to have been chosen to represent perhaps the finest private estate on The AuSable River. The lodge is a terrific mix of Classic Northern Michigan charm and modern conveniences. Granite counters, stainless appliances, slate flooring and tiled baths were all chosen to completement the classic lodge character.

Be Resourceful, Get Results!

I have some wonderful clients, Bill & Mardi who love to send me some weekly humor. Here's one that reminded me that we live in times where being creative and resourceful is integral to getting the job done!

An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey . He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:


Dear Vincent,
I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot.. I know if you were here my troubles would be over.. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.
Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son:

Dear Pop,
Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried.
Love,Vincent

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies.. They apologized to the old man and left.That same day the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Pop,
Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.
Love you, Vincent

Visit Bill & Mardi's Property

Oooh Honey, Take Me Fishing!

Looking for a place to call your own "Home Water"? It's all about trout fishing on this...

Wonderful fishing retreat on the flies only water of the AuSable North Branch. This well maintained getaway offers great views and privacy. Major updates have been done to the cabin. Very close to the river with fabulous stone barbecue. You'll enjoy for years to come! Make an appointment to see this one and bring the waders & fly rod!


For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Grayling, MI, $179,900

Offered through Homewaters LLC
Listing Agent ~ Mark Bear
877 820-1194 Ext 4

Just listed this stunning AuSable River Home

No Place Like Home

Perhaps the best thing about living in Northern Michigan is coming back from travelling to other places. I had an opportunity to spend the last five days touring through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Southern Michigan. While we saw some great scenery and had a wonderful trip, it made me reaize just how special and unique the lakes and rivers of Northern Michigan are. I cannot wait to get back home (just 1 1/2 hours to go)! If you haven't been Up North in a while, come visit and remember what you'be been missing!