Timber Ridge Resort in T.C. is a HIdden Treasure

One of my favorite aspects of living in Northern Michigan is learning those secret little places that re difficult to find on a short weekend. One such place is Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. In the winter, it's an amazing place to cross country ski, snow shoe, or just enjoy a classic lodge. They have a lighted groomed trail that ties into The Vasa Trail System. For a leisurely glide or for your first try at cross country skiing choose the short loop and head right back to the lodge to warm up by the fire. If you're more ambitious, head out from the lodge and enjoy as many miles of trails as you'd like on The Vasa Trail. The lodge has a ton of seating and it's normally arranged so that small groups can congregate in a more intimate setting. The giant stone fireplace normally has a roaring fire going this time of year and it's a perfect place to sit and reflect on the day. They also provide banquet facilities if you want a casual setting for your next event. We're actually holding our next company wide meeting there next month. In the summer it's an ideal place to camp with tent sites and full service RV sites. There's a pool, track for these great four wheel carts and much more. If you're a mountain biker, it allows you to step right out your door and onto the trails. Next time you're in town, head out to the Eastern end of Hammond Road just South of Traverse City and check it out for yourself.

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.

Price Reduction @ 1441 Douglas Harrison Michigan 48625 $149,900!!! MLS #153801

1441 Douglas Harrison Michigan $149,900

MLS #153801

Budd Lake beauty! 72' of sandy beach frontage in a desirable neighborhood! 2 story home offers 1,384 sq ft with a well maintained home. Paved drive, beautiful perennial platings, shade trees and sandy beach frontage along waters edge. Expansive deck with steps to waters edge and stone patio overlooking lake. Interior offers a functional layout with large, heated breezeway , living room, family room, galley style kitchen, separate dining area and family room with a water view. 2 main floor bedrooms and full bath. Upstairs is a a private master suite with office/sitting area, vanity and full bath. Budd Lake is an 175 acre all sports lake. Boat launch is located nearby for your convenience. Harrison is home to Wilson State Park as well. Appliances included and some furnishings to stay. Schedule an appointment today! MLS# 153801

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.

Mortgage Rates Climb

Stronger than expected economic data with a hint of higher inflation was negative for mortgage markets this week. Concerns about the level of demand for US securities from China added to the pressure. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week higher.
A number of factors combined during the week to push mortgage rates higher. The recent trend of improving economic data continued this week in the housing sector. The inflation component of the Philly Fed manufacturing report also revealed a sharp increase. Later in the week, a Treasury auction for securities which provide protection from inflation showed that investor concerns about future inflation are growing. Investors also worried about a decline in demand for US bonds from China. The Treasury reported that China was a net seller of Treasury securities in November. As the largest foreign holder of US fixed-income securities, any sustained drop in demand from China would have a large impact on US bond markets, including mortgage-backed securities (MBS) markets.
Overall, this week's housing sector data was positive. December Existing Home Sales rose 12% from November to an annual rate of 5.28 million units. The inventory of unsold existing homes declined 4% to an 8.1-month supply. First-time buyers purchased 33% of existing home sales. December Housing Starts fell 4% from November, but December Building Permits, a leading indicator, rose 17% to the highest level since March. The performance of the housing market varied in different regions, but to see improvement on the national level is encouraging
For more information and/or free mortgage advice,please e-mail Keith at: 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.

Price Reduced!

The price on this amazingly clean move in ready tri-level has just been reduced. Now listed at $156,900. This 3/2 home on over an acre is beautiful on the inside and out. Cathederal ceilings in the LR which opens to a large deck perfect for summer BBQ's. 3 bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and a partially finished lower level has tile floors and a full bath. The garage has been finished to keep you warm doing those winter projects.
The house is nestled in a wonderful neighborhood that is close to Interlochen, the state park, and countless lakes yet provides for an easy commute to Traverse City.
The lot has been landscaped and has a sprinkler system allowing for more fun in the summer.
Don't miss this one, contact Cheri Wickman for a showing today.

Price Reduced 5470 Wellington Gladwin Michigan 48624 now $94,900

5470 Wellington Gladwin Michigan 48624

MLS #154258 $94,900

Immaculate Chalet with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on over 1/2 acre within the community of Sugar Springs! Move in ready home offers an open floor plan with a main floor master and laundry room. Upstairs has 2 additional, roomy bedrooms with a newer full bath. Central air. Over 1/2 acre landscaped lot overlooking a natural commons area, large 12x18 deck with a sunsetter awning. A 24x46 three car garage has room for a workshop, storage and parking. Concrete driveway and landscaping add to the curb appeal. A must see that includes all the amenities Sugar Springs has to offer; 2 all sports lakes with boat docking available, indoor swimming pool, championship golf course, tennis courts and an airstrip.

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.

2685 Sugar River Rd Gladwin Michigan 48624 $180,000

2685 Sugar River Rd $180,00

MLS #154614

Sellers require all offers to include a pre-approval letter form Quicken Loans. Please contact a Quicken Loans Representative at 800-493-4574. Over 55 acres!!! 3 BR, 2 BA on a full walk out unfinished basement. Open kitchen and living room with eating bar and fireplace. Separate dining room. Large master suite walks onto deck. Sun room as well as attached garage! Open and wooded acreage and pond....property appears to have many deer call it home!

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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.

2010 Market Conditions Yearly Report

2010 Market Conditions Yearly Report

The following data was obtained from the Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service and reflects Residential home sales only.

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.

Important Supreme Court Decision on Watefront Rights in Michigan

State Supreme Court Reaffirms Property Rights of Lakefront Owners
By RUSS HARDING 1/4/2011 3:52 PM
The Michigan Supreme Court gave all private property owners in the state a belated Christmas gift with a ruling handed down on Dec. 29, 2010, that reaffirms that landowners in Michigan still have private property rights. Voting 4-3, the Michigan Supreme Court reversed the 2000 Baum Family Trust v. Babel appellate court decision regarding riparian property rights along Lake Charlevoix. Justices Markman, Kelly, Corrigan and Young voted with the majority, while justices Davis, Cavanagh and Hathaway dissented.
At issue in the case was whether owners of property fronting a lake but separated from the water by a public road have riparian rights to a portion of the lake. The lower courts had ruled that property owners with land fronting Lake Charlevoix did not posses riparian rights due to a platted road running parallel to the lake. The Michigan Supreme Court disagreed and reversed the decision of the lower courts.
Most people understand that secure private property rights are essential to their liberty as U.S. and Michigan citizens. It is less commonly understood that the protection of private property rights is essential to the economic rejuvenation of Michigan’s economy and the creation of jobs. Without the legal assurance of secure private property rights, it is difficult to attract private capital investment in the state — which is essential for job creation. The recent Michigan Supreme Court decision affirming the private property rights of Charlevoix lake front property owners is an important step in the right direction.

Homewaters Introduces QR Codes

If you haven't heard about QR Codes yet you will start to notice them just about everywhere very soon. Basically they are a two dimensional bar code that can be generated to direct those who scan the code to a website or other location. Anyone with a smart phone can download a free reader at any number of sites. I pulled one down on my phone from i-nigma.mobi and it seems to work well. Once you have the reader, just hold your phone's camera over the code and it will redirect the browser on your phone to the intended location. We've begun to use them on our mailings and will likely start using them on our yard signs to direct users to details on specific properties. Keep a look out in your favorite magazine or on products in the store and you'll be amazed at how many companies are already incorporating them into their marketing strategy. We've chosen to direct most users to our mobile website since it's formatted to fit the screen of a phone or smart phone. If you haven't checked out QR Codes or our mobile site before, here's your chance to do both! Just download the reader and scan the code below to view details of one of our newer listings on The AuSable North Branch.

155 River Rd Gladwin Michigan $108,900 MLS# 154566

155 River Rd Gladwin Michigan

$108,900

Secluded from the road via a paved, winding drive and 17.4 wooded acres is the setting for this 3 BR, 2 full bath home with almost 2,000 sq feet. Spacious home offers large bedrooms, kitchen with separate dining room, den, living room, bath with whirlpool soaking tub and wrap around decking. Exterior offers detached garage with space for parking 2 cars as well as a 12x24 workshop in back. Garage offers an upstairs with 2 rooms. 12x36 storage shed as well. A separate parcel has a 1.5 car garage & another well and septic. With all sports Smallwood Lake just down the street and the included acreage, this house offers the best of both worlds!Every offer submitted shall have a seller's addendum signed by prospective buyer. All offer subject to sellers approval. All non-cash offers must be submitted with a Nationstar Mortgage professional pre-approval letter. Buyers can call 8888-820-0168 to be pre-approved by a Nationstar Mortgage professional (pre-approval is free). MLS#154566

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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.

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.

Real Estate Market Conditions for December 2010

Real Estate Market Conditions for December 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!

5470 Wellington, Gladwin Michigan MLS #154258

$98,000

2493 Knox Rd Beaverton, Michigan MLS#152996

$134,900

The real estate market conditions in Gladwin, Michigan along with most areas of Michigan, remain challenging, but appear to be stable! 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! Buyers this time of year there are less buyers in the market, but still good inventory. Pair this with good prices and less competition from other buyers and it is a good time to be looking. Sellers it is also a good time to have your home on the market because serious buyers do look in the winter. Homes priced right, that show well sell all year long!

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. December has proven to be a busy month and my personal observations show me a stable market with buyers actively looking and making purchasing decisions. I had 2 closings in the month of December, and currently have 8 pending sales as we move forward into the month of January.

The Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors currently has 807 homes for sale through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and 43 of those were new to the market in December 2010. The number of new listings is down by 22 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 $118,081 and the average days on market for those homes has been 328 days. These stats are only slightly different than the last 16 months clarifying my theory that the Gladwin, Michigan real estate market conditions are stable! Residential asking prices range from $6,490 - $2,400,000.

During the month of December we saw 24 homes sell/close in Gladwin, Michigan. This is 23 less than in November. The average asking price was $81,069. The average sales price was $73,208 and the average days on market for these homes was 278 days. The sellers received an average of 90% of their asking price. The average days on market is 93 days more than last month but more in keeping with the typical average.

244 homes expired from the market unsold in December 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 December 2010 is 2.8 years! This is much higher than last month due to significantly less sales in December. 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, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com or visit my website.

Market Report Past, Present and Future?

The combination of a declining stock market, growing unemployment and uncertainty about the results of the 2008 elections made 2009 a real estate market to forget for most! While we’re still a long ways off from the hay days of 5 or 6 years ago, 2010 did feel like a period of stabilization to some degree. People took some time to save a few pennies, get their finances in order and realign their financial priorities. While this will be a terrific shift in the long term, it will definitely keep real estate values on Northern Michigan vacation homes in check for some time to come. There just are not a lot of young families anxious to put themselves at risk with the purchase of an expensive weekend getaway. More difficult financing requirements will keep those who might be willing to take the plunge from being able to complete the sale.
Fortunately for us, we’re seeing the leading edge of The Baby Boomers heading north to retire. While many in this generation were hit hard with declining investment portfolios, most have put themselves in a position to comfortably retire and Northern Michigan is becoming an increasingly popular place to do so. Statistically, this generation of individuals is really a couple years away from retirement age, but they should continue to drive the market for the next 10 to 15 years.
This shift from vacation buyers to retirees is the reason that some segments of the market are performing much better than others. There simply aren’t a lot of people looking for a modest cottage to get away for the occasional weekend. Because this was the largest segment of available properties over the past few decades, there are a lot more available cottages than buyers looking to purchase. Until the economy takes a dramatic turn upwards and confidence climbs, we believe prices in this segment will likely decline a bit more until the supply reaches the demand. Having said that, many sellers have done a good job of setting their prices at a fair market value. Looking at comparables that have actually sold will provide the best gauge on whether or not to purchase a particular home and for how much.
The flip side of that coin is properties well suited for retirement buyers. Low maintenance, energy efficient homes with single story floor plans, easy walkout access to the lake or river and in need of no cosmetic updating should be in a good position to sell for reasonable dollars. Proximity to city centers and amenities like dining, shopping and cultural events are also big bonuses. Competition for these homes remains fairly high and sales prices reflect it.
There are a lot of terrific homes out there that were built in the 80’s and early 90’s that were never updated aesthetically because they were used only on the weekends. The green shag in some looks as if it were installed yesterday. Today’s buyers seem unwilling to take on a home of this type which will require substantial effort and cost to bring the home up to today’s standards of finish unless the price is set extremely low. Other properties that will continue to be difficult to sell are those with split level floor plans that were so popular over the past few decades or those that have steep slopes to the water. Baby Boomers are looking ahead to the days when their knees and other joints may not allow them to attack a set of stairs like they can today.
The best advice we can give sellers today is to do everything possible to update your property to make it as appealing as possible. “Turn Key” is what most buyers are looking for. Paint old brown paneling with light neutral tones and change dated carpet to something more modern. Change dated linoleum flooring to tile. Get rid of any fixture or appliance that is Harvest Gold or Pea Green and, if your refrigerator has a Ford logo on it, replace it with a new one! The site of Rose Formica counter tops is not going to be an attribute in the minds of most buyers. Make small floor plan changes if possible to allow for a main floor master bedroom and bath or a laundry on the main floor instead of in the basement. Also do what you can to improve access. If you have a narrow goat trail leading down a slope to the lake, invest in a nice stairway with a bench halfway down.
In many segments we feel the “bottom” may have been reached while others have a ways to go most likely. Do what you can to make your property stand out against the competition, set your price relative to other similar properties that have actually sold, and listen to the advice of your Realtor so long as you’ve chosen one that’s forthright in letting you know what “needs” to be heard.