Foreclosure Listings - Weekly Update

Foreclosure Listings - Weekly Update

For comprehensive information about purchasing a foreclosure listing, HUD home, Homepath (Fannie Mae) listing or any other repo please read my weekly foreclosure blog posts. Each posts includes links to view the available foreclosure listings!!

Click here to read the Harrison, Michigan (Clare County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Gladwin, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Beaverton, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Island Life in Traverse City!

Calling all cabana boys and island girls! If you've ever wanted to get away from it all, but yet wanted to be close to everything, now's your chance! Here's a rare opportunity to own your own private island on all-sports Silver Lake. Approximately a 1/2 acre in size, the island is nicely wooded, has 700+' of waterfront and a delightful sandbar perfect for lounging or playing Frisbee. Where else can you get both sunrise AND sunset views for $75,000? It's just a short jaunt from the DNR public boat launch off of E. Silver Lake Rd. For your personal tour contact susan@homewaters.net.

Fed Statement Positive for Mortgage Rates

The chance for additional Treasury purchases by the Fed helped mortgage rates improve early this week. Stronger than expected economic growth data trimmed the gains later in the week. The net result was that mortgage rates ended the week a little lower.
As expected, the Fed made no change in the fed funds rate at Tuesday's meeting. Its statement was very similar to the last one, but investors focused on one important difference. Fed officials stated that they are "prepared to provide additional accommodation if needed to support the economic recovery." Investors interpreted this to mean that additional bond purchases by the Fed could take place in coming months. While the Fed is expected to purchase Treasury securities rather than mortgage-backed securities (MBS), increased demand for Treasuries would be favorable mortgage rates. As usual, investors immediately priced in this information, and mortgage rates improved. Of course, if this action by the Fed never becomes necessary, then mortgage rates could give back this week's gains.
The housing data released during the week generally matched expectations. While there are differences in regional performance, overall the housing market is holding steady above the lows reached during the recent financial crisis or improving modestly. August Existing Home Sales rose 8% from July. Inventories of unsold existing homes declined 1% to an 11.6-month supply. August New Home Sales were unchanged from July. August Housing Starts rose 11%, and Building Permits, a leading indicator, rose 2%. The September NAHB home builder confidence index was unchanged from August. For more information and free mortgage advice, please e-mail Keith Gillow at: keith@frontstreetmtg.com.

Tight Lines,

Keith

4748 Hill St Beaverton Michigan $79,900 MLS#154205

4748 Hill St Beaverton, Michigan

Immaculate log sided home that features a great room with flooring in maple hardwood, beautiful windows that allow plenty of natural light and a view of Wixom Lake across the street. Kitchen with ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets and center island. 2 bedrooms, a full bath with solid surface counter and sink and laundry closet complete the package. Large deck in back yard and 2 car pole barn and storage shed. Nicely treed yard in a neighborhood great for walks and bike rides. Wixom Lake is directly across the street! Must see this move-in ready home that is priced to sell and offers desirable features!

$79,900 MLS#154205

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Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 989-429-2600 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

Foreclosure Listings - Weekly Update

For comprehensive information about purchasing a foreclosure listing, HUD home, Homepath (Fannie Mae) listing or any other repo please read my weekly foreclosure blog posts. Each posts includes links to view the available foreclosure listings!!

Click here to read the Harrison, Michigan (Clare County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Gladwin, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Beaverton, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Proposed Trout Regulations Changes

The State of Michigan is in the process of reviewing and changing the trout stream regulations in Michigan to expand the number of miles of "special regulations" water. Click the photo to the right to view the proposed changes. This could have a very big impact on a tremendous number of riverfront properties. A quick review of values on various rivers over time shows a clear trend of higher values on more heavily regulated sections of river. There are a lot of interests on all sides of these decisions, so please contact The State of Michigan with your views or "forever hold your peace."

Introducing Matt Geib, our newest agent!!

Matt Geib, Realtor

We're extremely proud to announce our newest Realtor, Matt Geib. Instead of me writing a brief bio on Matt, click his image to read his brief autobiography. It will be obvious why we chose to invite Matt to join us and why we're so excited he accepted. Hard work, integrity, strong family values, and a love of the outdoors are all essential traits among our agents and brokers and we could not be happier with the team we've assembled. If you have any real estate needs in Eastern Grand Traverse County or Southern Antrim County, please contact Matt at your first convenience.

Real Estate Lingo

It's always interesting to see how various Realtors choose to describe the properties they represent. While the goal is to call out the attractive features of the property while still portraying an accurate picture of it's true condition, a little "literary license" can sneak in. Here are a few terms commonly used in property descriptions and the potential true definition. Sometimes you just have to put your feet on the ground and take a look at some homes or put your faith in one solid Realtor who you know will not steer you wrong and waste your valuable time with properties that wont' suit your needs. Enjoy the weekend!!!

• Old charmer – an old and ugly house
• Stunning house – the house is not ugly
• Tudor – two bedrooms are in the attic which is not insulated; very hot in summer and very cold in winter
• Cape Cod – styled after Third World slum dwellings
• Sunny corner lot – noisy intersection of two busy streets
• Easy freeway access – noisy arterial street close to freeway
• Low maintenance lot – no yard; the kids will have to play in the street
• Meticulously maintained in the original condition – the appliances are 50 years old
• Ready to remodel – the house is about to collapse; you will have to invest twice the asking price in remodel before you can move in
• Newly remodeled kitchen – 50-year old cabinetry and faucets have been replaced with cheap modern equivalents
• Ready to move in – the interior has been painted with one coat of cheap paint
• Desirable neighborhood – this little house is extravagantly overpriced because the neighborhood has a snobbish reputation
• 1-car garage – you can drive your Ford Escort into the garage but there is no room to open the door
• In-city living – it is not safe to walk in this neighborhood after dark
• Recreation room with wet bar – basement has been painted and has a faucet
• Large family room – large basement
• Bedroom in basement – basement has a 1′ by 2′ window
• Lots of storage space – basement too small to be called a family room
• Partial mountain view – you can see the tip of Mt. Olympus if you climb the roof
• Territorial view – good view of your neighbor’s bedroom window
• Build sweat equity – the house is not inhabitable
• Storybook – the house is old and the roof is not flat
• Efficiently designed kitchen – the kitchen is too small to fit two people at the same time
I have a few of my own to share:
• Great water pressure – the house is next to a water tower
• Quiet neighbors – the home backs to a cemetery
• Cozy bathroom – you can shower while sitting on the toilet
• Won’t last! - this property will never sell as the agent just jinxed it
• Unique – it’s weird, just weird.
• Park-like setting – you will spend all weekend, every weekend, doing yard maintenance

Mortgage Rates Move Higher Again

Stronger than expected economic data pushed mortgage rates a little higher again this week. Following a string of weekly drops since the middle of June, mortgage rates have now risen for two straight weeks.
Over the summer, mortgage rates have fallen substantially. Weaker than expected economic reports and the debt crisis in smaller European countries caused investors to reduce their forecasts for economic growth and produced a flight to the relative safety of government guaranteed bonds, resulting in the lowest mortgage rates in decades. Now, however, some investors are asking whether they can fall further. Weaker than average economic growth, low inflation, and an "unusually uncertain" economic outlook still make the current environment supportive of low mortgage rates, but some investors feel that these factors have been fully "priced in." These investors feel that economic growth must falter significantly for mortgage rates to drop much from here.
Also contributing to the fall in rates was the possibility that the government would take action which would push mortgage rates lower. The political climate has turned less favorable for this, though. Growing opposition to fiscal spending of any type has reduced the chances for additional government support for the housing market and mortgage rates. For more information and free mortgage advice, please e-mail: keith@frontstreetmtg.com.

Tight Lines,

Keith

Foreclosure Listings - Weekly Update

For comprehensive information about purchasing a foreclosure listing, HUD home, Homepath (Fannie Mae) listing or any other repo please read my weekly foreclosure blog posts. Each posts includes links to view the available foreclosure listings!!

Click here to read the Harrison, Michigan (Clare County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Gladwin, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Beaverton, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

3808 Roehrs Beaverton Michigan $239,900 MLS # 154133

3808 Roehrs Beaverton

170' of Ross Lake frontage that offers panoramic, tranquil views of an all sports lake. 4 BR, 2 BA home completely renovated in 2007. This over 2,500 sq ft home is truly a showplace fit for entertaining. Spacious kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, separate dining room easily able to accommodate large family dinners, 3 main floor bedrooms including the master suite with slider door to balcony, walk-in closet and luxurious bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower with custom tile work. Extra large living room with slider to balcony that offers a view of the water and cozy fireplace! 28x32 bonus room with a 9' maple bar,and games galore that can be included in the sale, tv area and windows overlooking the lake. Walk out basement offers a 4th bedroom, den/home office and laundry room. Attached garage with workshop, kids play area, extensive water side decking with reinforced deck for a hot tub, sandy beach and dock with sandy swimming. $239,900 MLS # 154133

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Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

4886 Maxson Beaverton, Michigan $82,500 MLS # 154131

4886 Maxson Beaverton, Michigan

71' on a Wixom Lake canal! Short canal ride to main lake! Canal front and view of main lake! 3 BR, 2 BA home is 1,200 sq ft and offers a light, bright kitchen with plenty of cupboards, an eating bar and still room for your dining set. Master bedroom suite with walk in closet and private bath. Newer carpet, central air, deck on lake side and large 2 car detached garage on corner lot. $82,500 MLS # 154131

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Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

3032 Lakeshore Gladwin, Michigan $27,500 MLS # 154132

3032 Lakeshore Gladwin Michigan

A shady lot with beautiful mature, oak trees with a view of Secord Lake is the setting for this 2 BR, 1 BA singlewide with addition and shingled roof over. Home is very well maintained and is light and bright! Tastefully updated...appliances included and some furnishings. 2 Car detached garage and storage shed. The whole package makes for easy living at an affordable price...perfect year round home or weekend get away! $27,500 MLS# 154132

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Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

Manistee Lake Cottages - Huge Price Reduction

Great opportunity to own 100 feet of sandy frontage on 860 acre all-sports Manistee Lake in Kalkaska County. Price reduced to $224,900 and owner says he will look at any and all offers. Laing's Cabins have been rental cottages providing income to the owners throughout the year. Click on the link to see full interior and exterior photos of the two cottages. There is a 3rd cottage which with some additional investment could provide more rental income or a third cottage for a family investment.
The lot is deep and private and location is on the east side of the lake providing great sunset views. Many updates including new well and septic system. Lots of storage in the 20x30 garage and perfect location for year around recreational activity. Manistee Lake is one of the most popular all-sports lakes in Kalkaska County known for its fishing, boating and ease of access to groomed snowmobile trails.
Owner will entertain all offers and wants to sell as soon as possible. Contact mary@homewaters to schedule a showing.

Foreclosure Listings - Weekly Update

For comprehensive information about purchasing a foreclosure listing, HUD home, Homepath (Fannie Mae) listing or any other repo please read my weekly foreclosure blog posts. Each posts includes links to view the available foreclosure listings!!

Click here to read the Harrison, Michigan (Clare County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Gladwin, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Click here to read the Beaverton, Michigan (Gladwin County) foreclosure update.

Happy Labor Day!

Well it looks like Mother Nature is throwing a bit of a curve ball at all those travelling North for the weekend. After a ridiculous summer of hot, sunny boating weather, we're going to have highs in the 60's and spotty rain. Don't let that stop you from having fun, though. Pull out that old hoodie from the drawer and enjoy a boat ride with a cozy blanket covering you and the person sitting next to you! Everyone will just cozy up to the campfire a little closer and the s'mores (my girls like theirs with the strawberry marshmallows) will taste that much better!!! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend all!!

Real Estate Market Conditions in Gladwin, Michigan August 2010

Real Estate Market Conditions for August 2010.

Gladwin County is located in rural Northern Michigan and is conveniently located within 3 hours of Detroit and 2-2.5 hours of Flint and Lansing making it easy to come "Up North" for the weekend. But, we encourage you to stay longer. After visiting Gladwin you will want to spend much more time here! Gladwin, Michigan is an area popular for its scenic lakes (including Wixom Lake and Secord Lake), plentiful state land, quaint parks, Amish communities and down town shopping. Gladwin is primarily a second home/resort community due to the amount of waterfront homes. Gladwin, Michigan has real estate to accommodate every buyer from very affordable cabins to luxurious homes. As a life long resident of Gladwin I know the area well and the real estate market even better!

219 Lakeview, Beaverton Michigan $109,000

4237 Grant, Beaverton Michigan $45,900

The real estate market conditions in Gladwin, Michigan along with most areas of Michigan, remain challenging, but appear to be improving and stabilizing! A stagnant economy and a lack of qualified buyers remains. However, if you are interested in buying your first home or your vacation home, it is a fabulous time to buy! Interest rates are low for qualified buyers, there is a lot of inventory to choose from and homes are more affordable then they have been in years! There is less available inventory and more buyers in the market now, so don't delay if you are thinking of beginning a search to buy this Summer. Sellers: don't delay any longer as our busy season comes to a close in early to mid-November.

Here are the latest real estate market conditions for Gladwin, Michigan and the surrounding areas of Beaverton, Harrison, Clare, Rhodes, Bentley, Wixom Lake and Secord Lake. August has proven to be a busy month and my personal observations show me a stable market with more buyers actively looking and making purchasing decisions. I had 2 closings in the month of August. I also currently have 5 pendings sales.

The Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors currently has 1,099 homes for sale through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and 88 of those were new to the market in August 2010. The number of new listings is down by 30 listings. Our inventory is still down by about 300-400 listings from last year at this time! The average asking price of the homes currently on the market is $126,180 and the average days on market for those homes has been 645 days. These stats are only slightly different than the last 12 months clarifying my theory that the Gladwin, Michigan real estate market conditions are stable! Residential asking prices range from $6,900 - $2,400,000.

During the month of August we saw 45 homes sell/close in Gladwin, Michigan. This is 4 less than in July. The average asking price was $83,308. The average sales price was $73,906 and the average days on market for these homes was 260 days. The sellers received an average of 89% of their asking price. The average days on market is 3 days less than last month.

101 homes expired from the market unsold in August in Gladwin. The main reason homes don't sell during their listing period is that they were priced incorrectly for the real estate market conditions and or condition of the home. In any market it is imperative that a listing be priced as competitively as possible for its condition in order to have the best chance of selling. To learn more about why homes expire from the market visit this link to a page on my website. If you're thinking about selling your Gladwin area home one very important fact to know about your real estate market conditions is the absorption rate. The absorption rate will tell you how long it will take for the current inventory of homes in Gladwin, Michigan to be absorbed by the market if no other homes come on the market. The absorption rate for August 2010 is 2 years! This number is holding stable from last month and is working its way to a more balanced market each month. If you want your Gladwin, Michigan area home sold you need to know this number to help you price your home accordingly.

Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600 or email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

Price Reduction @ 921 Second Gladwin Michigan 48624

NOW $10,000 921 Second Gladwin Mi

Nice, level and open .5 acre parcel within the city limits of Gladwin. Older home with smart layout. Perfect spot for building or a remodeling project for the ambitious! Take a look! MLS #153265

Are you thinking about making Gladwin County, Michigan your new home? Gladwin County is home to both Wixom Lake and Secord Lake! Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven? Contact me today and lets gets started! I know the area very well and I know the market even better! You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

West Michigan Named a Top Drive

Once again, Northern Michigan ranks among the most scenic destinations in The U.S. Here's an article from Yahoo Travel calling out The West Michigan Shoreline as a top drive for Labor Day. click the image above to view the article.

Fantastic Article on Fly Fishing Northern Michigan

While many people know little of Michigan other than the auto industry and the problems that have come with the troubles that industry has seen, there's a very good argument to be made that Michigan is the finest state in our nation to be a fly angler. Here is a terrific article written by our very own, Brian Pitser, about all the opportunities available to the Fly Angler in Northern Michigan. For those of you who don't fly fish, Michigan is "Kind of a big deal" within those circles!! Click the image to view the article.