681 Quillette Drive, Beaverton, MI 48612

681 Quillette Drive, Beaverton, Michigan 48612

$644,000.00

MLS # 155095

Experience luxurious living on Wixom Lake with this magnificent home built in 2005 by Wolfe Custom Homes. Located in a desirable neighborhood with 100' of Wixom Lake frontage with steel seawall and a deck overhanging the water which is perfect for fishing! 4 BR, 3 full bath with 2,048 sq ft on main level. Kitchen offers solid surface counters, maple cabinets with ambient lighting, center island, walk in pantry and built in desk. Large living room with knotty pine, vaulted ceiling, black marble surround on gas log fireplace and patio doors to composite decking which overlooks the lake. Ceiling fan on deck for added comfort. Master suite with patio door to deck, walk in closet with custom shelving and master bath. Separate laundry room on main floor with sink, cabinets, phone, and built in ironing board. 2nd bedroom on main level as well. Walkout lower level is an entertainers dream with custom wet bar with refrigerator, surround sound and included slate pool table. Lower level offers a separate entrance from garage and a sliding door to covered patio. "Man" room in basement is perfect for the hobbyist, 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and mechanical room with storage and room for a home gym! The attached 2.5 car garage is finished and offers a heated floor and built in cabinets and sink area. With Concrete drive, sprinkler system, whole house generator back up, central air, central vac this home has it all. Experience sunset views over Wixom Lake today!

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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.

Trout Opener Riverfront Open Houses and Events!

The last Saturday in April marks the beginning of the traditional Trout Season in Michigan and takes on the feel of Christmas if you're a trout angler!! I've been talking all week with all the friends and family that will be coming up to play cards, share a few sodas and even fish a bit for the weekend!! It's always a great kickoff to the season. As part of the opening weekend festivities we'll be holding a couple of open houses at prime riverfront properties on Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00. We'll have drinks and snacks and it will give you an opportunity to check out some great private water away from the crowds often found at public accesses this weekend. Stop in and meet Matt Geib, Sales Associate, on The Boardman River at this spectacular home on Boardman Acres Drive. It's off River Road between Keystone and Garfield at the end of Schumsky road. The custom built home overlooks 750' of phenomenal trout water and offers 10 heavily wooded acres. Click the photo above for details.

At the same time, Broker/Owner, Chad Brown, will be holding another open house on The North Branch of The AuSable on Twin Bridge Road just North of Lovells. This cedar sided home offers sweeping river views and a wonderful open floor plan. Click the photo to the left for more details.

Of course you'll want to bring your rod to either of these properties if river levels are safe so you can check out the important stuff... the quality of the fishing! Have a terrific weekend. We hope to see you Saturday. Below is a list of other opening weekend news and happenings.

The Northern Angler in Traverse City

The Old AuSable Fly Shop in Grayling Party Friday

Lovells Leaky Wader 1K Fun Run

National Trout Festival in Kalkaska

Kalkaska County 75th National Trout Festival

75 years of celebrating the opening day of Trout Fishing in Northern Michigan. Kalkaska County is home to three rivers and numerous streams with an abundance of state land. What better place to spend your time casting on the beautiful clean 3 rivers and 90 lakes in Kalkaska County.

The National Trout Festival was born in Kalkaska in the 1930s. Here is an excerpt from Ashes of Years by author Fred H. Tomkins. "For a great many years the trout season opened May first, and so it was when we landed in Kalkaska. Le Roy Greenman, long since deceased, and I started a campaign, to close all business in Kalkaska, except eating places, on May first, except when it fell on Saturday.
We soon acquired the name of "The town that closes all business to go fishing." Roy and I had dreamed up a map of the county, made in the form of a large sign board, and erected where the McLean Barber Shop now stands, and it showed all the lakes and streams in the county.
This map, later moved down by the Boardman Pond, was the best piece of advertising for outdoor devotees. In the summer there was always someone studying the map, trying to decide where to fish or hunt. Many commendatory notices were received from other towns."

To continue the history click on the link above for the National Trout Festival. Kalkaska continues the tradition set so many years ago and while our businesses do not shut down our schools do and we proudly are the only school system in the country who closes for "Trout Friday". Many celebrations and parades over the week-end; red carpet has been rolled out for all those visiting the community and there is a sense of pride among the Kalkaskians that we continue the vision set so many many years ago.
Kalkaska County is among one of the most beautiful natural areas in Northern Michigan with abundance of nature. Visti www.homewaters.net or contact mary@homewaters.net for information on waterfront real estate in this charming area.

Mary Janik, Homewaters' Kalkaska County Expert

As part of my series on The Agents of Homewaters, I'd like to take a few minutes to introduce you to Mary Janik, our Kalkaska County representative. Mary is the past president of The Traverse Area Association of Realtors where she pushed forward an agenda focused on the overall professionalism of agents and brokers within that organization. That is at the core of why we love Mary so much. She is among the most honest and forthright people I've had the please of meeting and takes immense pride in the level of professionalism she brings to her work. She works diligently for her clients to ensure they find the property that best suits their needs and at the best possible terms. Here past service as a volunteer with The Biederman Cancer Clinic, The Board for the Kalkaska Public Schools and The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy are great examples of her generosity with her time and energy. Mary grew up in Cadillac and lived for a number of years on The Manistee River not far from Fife Lake. She knows the lakes and rivers of her area incredibly well and is anxious to share that base of knowledge with her clients. If you haven't considered Kalkaska County as an area for your next home or cottage, give Mary a ring and she can let you in on one of the best kept secrets Up North! Amazing hunting, fishing, trail systems, golf and more are all available in Kalkaska County at very reasonable prices relative to some of the more well known destinations. If you're a seller in Kalkaska County, contact Mary at your convenience to find out how she may be able to help sell your home in today's market! For Mary's complete bio, click her picture above.

840 Ridge, Gladwin, MI 48624

840 Ridge, Gladwin, Michigan 48624

$175,000.00

MLS # 155042

Many nice bucks have been taken on this 40.5 wooded acre parcel! QDMA practices followed here for many years. Acreage is home to all kinds of wildlife including many turkeys and has deer blinds and tree stands throughout with a nice trail through property. 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath home was built in 1993 and remodeled in 2005 and offers newer carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and appliances. Open living, dining and kitchen with 3 large bedrooms, 1 full bath and laundry/mechanical room with back door. Exterior offers a covered porch and cement patio with fire pit. Peaceful yard with oaks and pines and state land across the road! Perfect year round home or up north get away for enjoying the great outdoors!

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Price Reduction on Wixom Lake Access Home

Price reduced at 1177 Ashton, Beaverton, MI 48612

$36,900.00

Price Reduction!!

MLS # 152910

With Wixom Lake a short walk from the house and plentiful state land within a short drive, this is the perfect place to come "Up North"! Get away from it all and enjoy the 3 BR, 2 BA updated single wide home on 4 lots. Remodeled kitchen with wood laminate flooring, newer appliances, and solid surface counters. Separate laundry room and master suite with full bath and walk in closet. Central air, municipal sewer, front and back decks and maintenance free exterior. Affordably priced and sold fully furnished!

Mortgage Rates Improve on Inflation Data

On target inflation data and strong demand for the longer-term Treasury auctions were favorable for mortgage rates this week. The other major economic reports contained few surprises. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower.
In recent weeks, the primary influence for mortgage rates has shifted from global events in Japan and the Middle East to the outlook for inflation. Last week's rate hikes in Europe and China to fight inflation raised concerns that the Federal Reserve was falling behind with its lack of tightening, and mortgage rates moved higher. This week's tame inflation data eased those concerns, however, and mortgage rates improved. The March Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5% from February, matching the consensus forecast, and was 2.7% higher than one year ago. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased at a low 1.2% annual rate, which was a little lower than expected.
Rising commodity prices have focused attention on the distinction between overall inflation levels and core inflation levels. Core inflation excludes the volatile food and energy components, so it is often viewed as a better indicator of short-term inflation trends by economists and Fed officials. While consumers certainly struggle with higher gas prices, longer-term inflation trends generally are more influenced by other factors such as wages and housing costs, which recently have been increasing very slowly. In short, stronger than expected demand for commodities and violence in the Middle East have pushed energy prices significantly higher, but Fed officials forecast that this represents a temporary increase in overall inflation levels. Commodity prices are not expected to climb at this pace indefinitely. If food and energy prices stabilize, then the gap between overall and core inflation levels will likely shrink.

For more information or free mortgage advice contact me at corey@frontstreetmtg.com or 231-946-6300.

Tight Lines,

Corey Phelps
Front Street Mortgage

3679 Lakeview Drive, Beaverton, MI 48612

3679 Lakeview, Beaverton, Michigan 48612

$85,000.00

MLS 155011

Affordable cabin on all sports Wixom Lake. Enjoy the nearly 2,000 acre all sports lake from your 2 bedroom, 1 bath cozy cottage! Great room with knotty pine and newer natural gas space heater. Sun room walks out to the large deck and patio and offers a relaxing view of the lake. A few steps down a gradual slope to the water where you'll find a permanent dock. Smaller cottage but offers plenty of sleeping space!

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856 Pawtuckett, Hope, MI 48628

856 Pawtuckett, Hope, Michigan 48628

$399,900

MLS # 155003

Contemporary home that has been meticulously maintained w/ 151' on a natural channel of Wixom Lake. Built in 1994 this fabulous home offers 3000 square feet that includes 2 stories & a finished walk out basement! 3 bedrooms plus an office/den that could be a possible 4th bedroom & 3.75 bathrooms! The welcoming front entrance leads you into the foyer where a beautiful chandelier & oak staircase greet you. Spacious living room w/ floor to ceiling windows offering a grand view of the lake & patio door to deck. Well equipped kitchen w/ rolling butcher block island & patio door to deck. Second level master bedroom suite is extra large & offers a balcony overlooking the lake & a master bath with jacuzzi tub & full shower! Finished walk out basement has a gas log fireplace in the family room, storage closets & another bedroom w/ a door wall to covered paver patio. Attached, heated 2.5 car garage & 24x36 barn with 12' side walls with bonus room above. Beautiful landscaping & small beach!

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Fabulous Kalkaska County Bear Lake Home

Great opportunity to enjoy shared access on Kalkaska County's Bear Lake and enjoy the outstanding fishing, swimming and boating. Bear Lake is among the top five cleanest all-sports lakes in the state of Michigan, Bear Lake in Kalkaska County is truly one of the few great remaining secrets up north. With water clarity to 25' or deeper, a hard sand bottom, very little weed growth and 65 foot depths, it is a terrific all-sports lake. Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow and Brown Trout and various panfish are all found in good numbers and impressive size. Located in the heart of Northern Michigan's snowbelt, it is also a mecca for snowmobilers and other winter sports enthusiasts.

This 3BR/1.5 home is immaculately clean and move-in ready. It boasts a new kitchen, new steel roof, woodburning fireplace, attached 3-car garage and detached 2-car garage. It sits on two lots providing lots of privacy and is only 500 feet away from an absolutely stunning shared access beach on Bear Lake. Additional detail on this home located on the West side of Bear Lake will sell you on the house and the price, $139,900, will motivate you to act before it is too late. This home would make an excellent retirement home or recreational home. It is perfect for year-around living but also easy access to I-75 for the week-end visitor. For more information, contact mary@homewaters.net or to schedule a showing.

4480 Mockingbird Circle Farwell, Michigan 48632 $90,000

4480 Mockingbird Circle Farwell, Michigan $90,000

MLS # 154965

White Birch Estates is a gated community offering 3 stocked lakes, an indoor heated pool,tennis court, game room and lounge, picnic/party pavilion, a park, and trails for walking or riding. Located on a private, wooded 1.25 acre lot sits this 3 BR, 2 BA Cape Cod home built in 2000. Large kitchen with patio door to deck, living room with fireplace, main floor master bedroom, main floor laundry. 2 bedrooms and one full bath upstairs. A great buy on a newer home in a great recreational area.

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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.

Market Direction

You would have to be living in a cave not to know that it's been a Buyer's market for the last several years. While I'm not prepared to predict a reversal of that is quite here, recent events suggest that there may be a shift in that direction.

In the last several weeks I have written two full price offers for Buyers seeking waterfront properties only to find ourselves competing with multiple offers that resulted in "bidding wars". Certainly an enviable position for a Seller to be in, but somewhat frustrating for a Buyer who, if interested in pursuing, ends up paying over the asking price.

Can this be true? Yes it is. And I'm hearing similar stories from some of my colleagues. If you are a Buyer who may be waiting for that right opportunity, the opportunity is now. With good lending rates and attractive properties priced right, this is an ideal time to find that Home Water you've been dreaming of. Don't get caught in the Seller's Lane...Head on down the Buyer's Road!

Thanks for visiting our blog. You can also keep up with Bear at Exploring River Country & Twin Bridge Gillie.

Spectacular AuSable Log Lodge

The attention to detail in this AuSable log home cannot be overstated. From the Viking appliances, to the shake shingles to the copper flashing, every aspect of the home was given great thought. A wonderful location on The Holy Waters between Stephan and Wakeley Bridges on the North side of the river. A truly special home on one of the nation's most revered streams. Enjoy a little jazz and take a tour.

My Home Water

The North Branch AuSable has been my home water for years. Great wading, great hatches and great fishing! Just found and listed this ideal little fishing retreat on a great stretch below Lovells. Wonderful opportunity at $179,000. Want to know more? Contact  me at bear@homewaters.net See more river properties at Home Waters Recreational Real Estate

Mark Bear, The Original Homewaters Agent

As with any small company, our agents are our business. Without their hard work and dedication, our firm would not be possible. I've decided to do a series of posts about each of the amazing agents and brokers who represent Homewaters, L.L.C. in part to thank them for doing such a great job, but also to introduce you, the general public, to the finest Real Estate sales staff in Northern Michigan.

When our company was founded in late 2006, it was made up of myself, Brian Pitser, who has since become owner of The Northern Angler fly shop in Traverse City and Mark Bear. Mark has property along The North Branch of The AuSable River and originally began servicing the area North of Grayling and parts East of there. He quickly became a dominant agent on The AuSable system and The North Branch in particular. Last year he took on the entire AuSable River System as his service area and now represents all of our clients on that famous stream for Homewaters, L.L.C.. In addition lakes like Otsego, Margrethe, East and West Twin Lake and others are making up a larger share of his business each year.

Mark goes to great lengths to ensure he's knowledgeable about the market conditions in each of the markets he services and is a tremendous resource to both buyers and sellers who choose to work with him. He spends all of his free time either in the stream or in the woods and loves to share his passion for Northern Michigan with his clients. As one of the "founding fathers" of Homewaters, he definitely holds a special place within our firm. We're very lucky to have him and wholeheartedly suggest you contact him at your convenience if you are in need of property in the Grayling/Gaylord/Lewiston area.

5390 Blue Lake Drive Gladwin Michigan $94,000

5390 Blue Lake Drive Gladwin Michigan $94,000

Welcome to Blue Lake Estates. Amenities include a beautiful private lake (no gas motors)that offers great swimming and amazing fishing, sandy beach, playground/park, and walking trails. Nestled amongst the trees is where you'll find this private home or cottage. 3 bedroom, 1 bath with a full basement that is partially finished. Very well maintained and recent updates include crown molding, cupboards, and skylight. You can move right in to this home that can be sold furnished. Home is tastefully decorated and is light and bright! Cozy living room with a full brick wall with natural wood burning fireplace. Wood stove in basement offers an alternative heat source. Exterior offers newer extensive decking to enjoy nature watching.

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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.