Enjoy a Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all of our past, current and future clients!  We hope you're able to enjoy the holiday with those closest to you.

KALKASKA COUNTY LODGE-STYLE HOME ON 5 ACRES

WONDERFUL large lodge-type home on five acres in a private and serene setting. Main house is 2,360 finished square feet and has been completely renovated featuring cedar walls and ceilings, laminate floors, ceramic tile, fabulous kitchen, gas fireplace and there is an additional 1300 square feet of unfinished floor space. 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, new 95% efficient gas furnace and all new plumbing. Great recreational getaway or home for the family looking for lots of space. Room for everyone. Once you tour this home you will not be disappointed. Lots of value!  Located just outside the village of Kalkaska it offers within very close proximity great golfing, Turtle Creek Casino, downhill skiing, boating on numerous all sports lakes, fishing and canoeing on the Manistee River and all the amenities of Traverse City.  Contact mary@homewaters.net for additional information or to schedule a showing.

Get "Fat" for better traction on the ice!

We posted a photo of a fat tire mountain bike a month or so ago that was rolling along a crystal clear stretch of frozen lake in the U.P.  It was taken by photographer Aaron Peterson.  He also shot this video of his buddy the same day.  Today's mountain bikes are truly amazing.  Add in the fat tire bikes now available and there really aren't too many places or times of year you can't pedal your way through northern Michigan!

KALKASKA COUNTY HOME ON LITTLE RAPID RIVER

2,000 square foot home with 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths on five acres and private frontage on the Little Rapid River.  This home features open living area with cathedral ceilings, walkout finished basement, wrap around deck and 2 car block garage.  This home is exceptional quality featuring Anderson windows and high efficiency furnace.  Located on the west side of Kalkaska, it is a short drive to Traverse City, Torch Lake or Shanty Creek/Schuss Mountain.  This home would be excellent family home, retirement home or a recreational getaway - you decide.  Click here for more information or contact mary@homewaters.net to schedule a showing or obtain more information.

Are mortgage rates heading higher?

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke caused some turmoil in the bond market last week with his remarks that  followed the Fed meeting. The Fed kept rates unchanged and did not deviate much from their prior position to hold rates low until unemployment falls below 6.5%. However, Bernanke followed that release with a warning that the Fed could adjust the size of monthly bond purchases in response to changing economic conditions. That ignited trader fears. Mortgage bond prices saw a significant sell-off which sent prices lower and mortgage interest rates higher that afternoon. The Fed has purchased trillions of dollars of Treasury and mortgage bonds in an effort to keep rates low. A deviation from that practice will result in additional rate volatility.  Rates have been historically low for a very long time.  At some point this situation will inevitably change.  If interest rates are an important factor in your buying decision, you'll want to keep an eye on The Fed going forward.

Watch for deer while driving right now!

A drive back to Traverse City from downstate late yesterday reminded me just how many deer we have in northern Michigan!  With the snow receding along the roadways first, this can be a terrible time of year for car deer accidents.  Take your time when traveling up north for the next few weeks and watch closely for wandering deer.  It's been a very tough winter up here and they're anxious to get to work packing on all the pounds they shed since last fall. 

Gladwin County Lakes! See what we have to offer!

Gladwin County Lakes!  

 Wixom Lake, Secord Lake, Sugar Springs (Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot)

 and Smallwood Lake!

See some of what we 

have to offer!!

Wixom Lake

There are currently 85 active listings on Wixom Lake ranging in price from $9,900-$572,000

Wixom Lake is an approximately 2,000 acre all sports lake, inside Gladwin County and located in Beaverton, Michigan. The lake takes in Billings and Tobacco Township and is formed by the Tittabawassee River system and is also fed by the Cedar and Tobacco Rivers.
It would take many hours of boat travel to see the entire lake! Many people enjoy Wixom Lake with pontoons, ski boats, jet ski's, fishing boats and it's not uncommon to see a canoe or kayak during the quieter times. Be sure to check out "Pontoon Alley", a local and very popular area to spend the afternoon on Wixom Lake! Pontoon Alley boasts a shallow, sandy bottom swimming area with a very festive atmosphere! 

Below are featured listings on Wixom Lake. Click on the address to learn more about them.

780 Quillette, Beaverton, Michigan $179,000

Vacant Dundas Road, Beaverton, Michigan $42,000

5105 Pleasant Drive, Beaverton, Michigan $129,000

1043 McKimmy, Beaverton, Michigan $139,900

1415 Birma Trail, Beaverton, Michigan  $92,000

4127 Wieman, Beaverton, Michigan $39,900

3537 Lakeview, Beaverton, Michigan $110,000

4237 Grant, Beaverton Michigan $39,900

681 Quillette, Beaverton Michigan $572,000

Click here to search available listings on Wixom Lake

Sugar Springs ~ Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot

There are currently 197 active listings on Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot ranging in price from $1,000-$439,000

Lake Lancer & Lancelot offer 1,000 acres of water fun with Lake Lancer at 780 acres and Lancelot at 230 acres. These two lakes are private and are for residents of Sugar Springs, a planned community with over 3,200 platted acres. There are 15 private beach clubs along the shores of the lakes for association members only. Some of the beach clubs offer restrooms, showers, swimming, picnic areas and boat launches. Fisherman enjoy the tranquility of the lakes and the Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass and Panfish that can readily be caught from both Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot. Lake waters are tested annually and treated several times per year to control weeds and infestation allowing boaters, skiers, jet skiers and swimmers to enjoy the waters!

Vacant Bye Way, Gladwin, Michigan $3,500

Vacant Fairfield Way, Gladwin, Michigan $11,900

Click here to search available listings in Sugar Springs

 Secord Lake

 There are currently 46 active listings for Secord Lake ranging from $12,500-$325,000

Secord Lake is an approximately 2,000 acre serene and picturesque all sports lake. The lake takes in Secord Township and is formed by the Tittabawassee River system. It would take many hours of boat travel to see the entire lake! You will find miles of shoreline and much sandy swimming!  Many people enjoy Secord Lake with pontoons, ski boats, jet ski's, fishing boats and it's not uncommon to see a canoe or kayak during the quieter times.

Below are featured listings for Secord Lake:
3729 West Branch Drive, Gladwin, Michigan $249,900
110 Fawn Lane, Gladwin, Michigan $157,000
110a Fawn Lane, Gladwin, Michigan $145,000
110b Fawn Lane, Gladwin, Michigan $15,000
3848 Thendara, Gladwin, Michigan $229,900
4426 Lakeview, Alger Michigan $99,000
3761 Jennings Court, Gladwin, MI  $119,900
Click Here to search more available listings for Secord Lake

Smallwood Lake

There are currently 29 active listings for near by Smallwood Lake ranging from $25,000-$219,900

Below are featured listing for Smallwood Lake:
894 Rivers Terrace, Gladwin, Michigan  $114,900
1540 Moose Drive, Gladwin, Michigan $72,900
671 Rivers Terrace, Gladwin, Michigan $54,000

Click here to search more available listings for Smallwood Lake!!

Gladwin County has many lakes that offer boating, fishing, swimming and so much more!  Year round fun! 
Click on the links below to see the listing on those specific lakes:
Pratt Lake
Wiggins Lake
Ross Lake
Elk Lake
Blue Lake 
Indian Lake
McGilvery Lake
Kerswill Lake

Gladwin & Clare County Real Estate Market Snapshot

February Real Estate Market Snapshot for the Clare and Gladwin County Area Homes

5105 Pleasant Drive, Beaverton, MI

Wixom Lake Waterfront  $129,000

MLS #158538

Active Listings: 771 (69 new listings came on the market in January)

Average Asking Price: $103,436

Average Days on Market : 302

Range of Asking Prices: $7,500-$950,000

Sold: 34 (33 sold in January)

Average Asking Price of Sold Listings: $70,763
Average Selling Price of Sold Listings: $64,083

Average Days on Market of Sold Listings: 265 (1 day more than January)

Sellers Received: 90.5% of their asking price 

Total Residential Sales Volume: $2,574,00.00 (down from $3,654,600.00 in January)
Listings Sold by Price Range
0-99,999: 41 (up from 32 in January)
100,000-199,999: 6 (same as January)
200,000-299,999: 0 (down from 1 in January)
300,000-399,999: 0 (down from 1 in January)
400,000 and above: 0 (same as January) 

Sold!

Wixom Lake Waterfront for $175,000

 

**47 Homes Expired off the Market in February

Absorption Rate = 1.9 Years

*This information was provided by the Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors. The report was generated from the Multiple Listing Service, where all CGBR members' transactions are recorded. The report covers all the members' residential transactions for the month of January. Although there are no geographical boundaries defining members' service areas, the majority of CGBR transactions take place in Clare and Gladwin County. 

 

**To understand why so many homes expire off the market unsold please click here.

Top 5 Trails for Snow or Sun Near Lewiston, Michigan

 

I’ve grown accustomed to the quizzical looks that I receive the first time I tell someone where I live.  I politely smile and do what any good Michigander would do.  I point to my hand and identify a spot just a little to the right of the center. Near the top, of course – this is northern Michigan after all. 

And then comes the second question… “What is there to do?” 

Glad you asked (This is where I shine).  I like to play host and give them a list of all the outdoor activities that I’ve been introduced to since living in Lewiston. 

Growing up in the Detroit area, and spending years in Grand Rapids, I always thought that my life was full.  Until I came to northern Michigan, that is.  Sure, I’ve enjoyed my share of museums, still love a great concert, am always eager to try new restaurants, and love a good pub crawl like the next girl.  But until you’ve trail ran with the mutts through a patch of wintergreen as the sun rises, paddle boarded the AuSable (not to mention the world class fly fishing), explored a new lake by kayak, and ended your day water skiing as the sun sets, you’re definitely missing out.  And we’ve been known to do that on any given Sunday in the summer months.

So, how can you get in on the action?  Here’s a few of my favorite spots for trail running/hiking in the summer or cross country skiing in the winter – all located within a half hour or so of Lewiston, Michigan.

1.       Buttles Trail – located just four miles North of Lewiston, this one is a personal favorite.  Summer months are great because you get to run (or hike) through a variety of settings and even go past a lake, which my labs thoroughly appreciate.  This is also a neat trail because it’s a 6 (ish) mile loop, with the choice of doing a 3 mile loop or 2 mile loop instead – perfect for logging higher miles if you’re training for a race.

The trail really shines in the winter months as a cross country ski trail.  Local volunteers often work together to keep this trail groomed, which makes it a beautiful (and convenient) trail for visitors and residents alike.

Learn more. 

2.        Shingle Mill Pathway – It’s been a few years since I’ve hiked this trail but I’m looking forward to running it this summer.  Also known for great mountain biking, this trail is simply beautiful, with some of the most pristine, hidden lakes I’ve encountered on any trail in northern Michigan.  Just eleven miles east of Vanderbilt off Sturgeon Valley Rd., this trail is in the Mackinaw State Forest.  It’s also in the heart of Elk Country – the largest population of elk East of the Mississippi River and home of Michigan’s only elk population.  It can be 6 miler, as well as 10 or 11 mile – depending on your preference. 

Here’s a neat article about the trail.

3.       Aspen Park – This is a great option located in Gaylord.  100 acres of great running trails, mountain biking, and fantastic options for cross-country skiing.  Enjoy paved or unpaved trails!   

 

Learn more.

4.       Mason Tract Pathway – This 9.6 mile beauty winds along the Mason Tract of the AuSable River.  My husband and I skied this trail over the course of this winter with friends and had a blast.  Lots of hills, which were the perfect challenge for this newbie skier – nothing too daunting, don’t worry.  My group only made it half way through the trail, as we were fully cognizant of the fact that it was an out and back trail.  For those up to the challenge of skiing the full tract (completely ungroomed), it would probably serve you well to drop a car at the end of the trail. 

      Learn more.

5.       Hanson Hills – Okay, in full disclosure I haven’t really been to this one.  Bu from what I’ve been told, I would be doing you a disservice not to include it in my list.  There are miles of groomed options and even night skiing. 

      Learn more.

Needless to say, this list is not all inclusive and there’s always more to explore near Lewiston!  If you have a suggestion or another gem to add, let’s hear it!!

For more information on real estate opportunities in Northeast Michigan, contact Gina Render at gina@homewaters.net.  You can also view my listings here.

 

KALKASKA COUNTY HOME NEAR MANISTEE RIVER

Great opportunity to purchase a wonderful 1,250 sq. ft. home on a wooded acre parcel with 2BR, 1B and 2 stall deep garage.  All updates have been done to this home and it is charming and cozy.  Located near the Manistee River in the southern part of Kalkaska County it is a great place to live and play.  The Manistee River is known for its fly fishing, canoeing and kayaking.  There is an abundance of state land surrounding this property as well for recreational use of hunting, snowmobiling or just nature observing.  This home is an easy 20 minute drive to Traverse City for all the amenities and a short drive back home to your peaceful and private home.  Please contact Mary Janik for more information or to schedule a showing.

Wixom Lake Waterfront Lot & 4 Acre Parcel~Best of Both World!

New Listing on Dundas Road, Beaverton MI

Wixom Lake Waterfront Lot &
4 Acre Parcel

$42,000

MLS #158576

Enjoy the best of both worlds!!!

Acreage & Water!! 

4 level acres loaded with pine trees that would make a perfect location to build your new home. The newer engineered septic is already installed! Electric is on the property as well as a driveway. This parcel is tucked away on a private/easement road. The waterfront lot along Wixom Lake allows the opportunity to dock your boat or jet ski's. The amazing view will pull you in and you will hear the lake calling your name. Storage shed on the lake lot is a great place for the water toys and lawn chairs!
Grab this opportunity now!!

Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!

Brand new www.homewaters.net just launched!!

With over 10,000 visits each month and users viewing an average of 20 pages per visit, our website, www.homewaters.net is among the best in the industry.  Well it just got even better!  We've completely rebuilt the site for 2013 and it's up and running now.  improvements include more and larger photos, more listings, better video integration, improved map searching with custom Google map overlays, better agent recognition, improved social media integration and a completely new look. 
We've taken the best parts of the previous site and integrated the best available technologies to ensure www.homewaters.net continues to be at the leading edge of real estate site design and functionality.  With nearly 90% of our users conducting waterfront searches, it truly is the finest resource for those seeking to buy or sell in northern Michigan.  It's Friday and you'll likely be looking for some way to kill a few hours this afternoon. I recommend you play around on the brand new www.homewaters.net!  Let us know what you think too.  We're always looking to improve the site and make regular updates as new technologies become available.  Contact one of the agents and brokers at Homewaters, L.L.C. if you or any of your family or friends have real estate needs in northern Michigan!

Make Lewiston Your Northern Michigan Destination

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet a number of folks at the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show that had never heard of my little town of Lewiston, and obviously never considered it as a place to search for their northern Michigan "retreat."  Which reminded me about a blog post that I did around this same time last year.  I thought it would be nice to share a little bit about what brought me to the place that I now call home and offer a new possible destination for other outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy getting away from the crowds. 

So here it is:

 

Seven years ago I left Grand Rapids to visit my father in Lewiston, Michigan for what was supposed to be a short summer visit.  I packed up a few bags and made the three and a half hour trip to a place that seemed to more closely resemble an outpost than a town.  Lewiston’s rugged history as a lumber town is still very evident in its distinctive character. 

Yet it didn’t take long to discover what residents and visitors already knew.  Revered for its abundance of lakes, championship golf, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, close proximity to world-renowned trout fishing and so much more, this little gem of a town just might be one of northern Michigan’s best kept secrets. 

My “summer getaway” ultimately changed the entire direction of my life. By the end of September, I couldn’t bring myself to leave this magnificent place. So I did what any girl in my position would do – I sent for my dog and my things and never looked back.  

What this quaint town, located just 32 miles southeast of Gaylord, lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in recreational activities.  Sure, there may be under a 1,000 year-round residents (this quickly changes to about 10,000 in the summer months), but you won’t hear anyone around here complaining about that.  After all, visitors and residents alike come to Lewiston to get away from the crowds and chaos of the bigger cities.  Lewiston is a place where people come to spread out, kick back, and submerse themselves in the outdoors.  And it doesn’t take too much searching to find activities that allow you to do just that.

With a plethora of year-round  hobbies to choose from, Lewiston, Michigan really is an outdoorsman’s dream.  Interested in learning more about what Lewiston has to offer?  Come check us out.  To view all of my current listings in Lewiston and the surrounding areas, click here.

Please feel to contact me with any questions or for additional information at gina@homewaters.net.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Gina Render, Sales Associate

 

Market Conditions for Gladwin County Lakes! Wixom Lake, Secord Lake & Sugar Springs

 Real Estate Market Conditions for Wixom Lake

    Wixom Lake

Welcome! Visitors are welcome in Gladwin County especially the kind that like to stay and play awhile! Come with your family, your friends or just yourself and I'll bet you'll make new friends while you're here! Wixom Lake is an approximately 2,000 acre all sports lake, inside Gladwin County and located in Beaverton, Michigan. The lake takes in Billings and Tobacco Township and is formed by the Tittabawassee River system and is also fed by the Cedar and Tobacco Rivers.
It would take many hours of boat travel to see the entire lake! Many people enjoy Wixom Lake with pontoons, ski boats, jet ski's, fishing boats and it's not uncommon to see a canoe or kayak during the quieter times. Be sure to check out "Pontoon Alley", a local and very popular area to spend the afternoon on Wixom Lake! Pontoon Alley boasts a shallow, sandy bottom swimming area with a very festive atmosphere!
Public access (DNR Launch Site) on Dundas Road on the Tobacco River side of the lake. 

   There are currently 48 active listings on Wixom Lake. They range in price from $35,000 to $572,000.

February saw three new listings on Wixom Lake ranging in price from $110,000 - $239,900

 During the month we saw two listing expire and two homes sell.

  Below are featured listings on Wixom Lake. Click on the address to learn more about them.

   3537 Lakeview Drive, Beaverton, MI  $110,000

   5105 Pleasant Drive, Beaverton, MI  $129,000

   1043 McKimmy, Beaverton, MI $139,900

   780 Quillette, Beaverton, MI $179,000

   1514 Birma Trail, Beaverton, MI $92,000

   4237 Grant, Beaverton MI $39,900
   681 Quillette, Beaverton MI $585,000
   4127 Wieman, Beaverton, MI  $39,900

Click here to search for more available listings on Wixom Lake

Real Estate Market Conditions on Secord Lake

 Secord Lake

 

Secord Lake is an approximately 2,000 acre serene and picturesque all sports lake,inside Gladwin County and located in Gladwin, Michigan. The lake takes in Secord Township and is formed by the Tittabawassee River system. It would take many hours of boat travel to see the entire lake! You will find miles of shoreline and much sandy swimming!

Many people enjoy Secord Lake with pontoons, ski boats, jet ski's, fishing boats and it's not uncommon to see a canoe or kayak during the quieter times. Don't forget to check out Lost Arrow Resort on the Water, a beautiful waterfront resort that boasts a fabulous restaurant serving many fine foods including farm raised venison. The resort also offers trophy whitetail hunting, a sporting clay course, fishing, indoor pool and spa!

    There are currently 31 active listings for Secord Lake ranging from $69,900 to $325,000.

February saw one new listing on Secord Lake for $139,00.  This month no listings expired and two homes sold.

Below are featured listings for Secord Lake:

3764 Jennings Court  $139,000
3729 West Branch Drive $249,900
3848 Thendara $229,900
110 Fawn  $157,500
110a Fawn $145,000
110b Fawn $15,000
4426 Lakeview, Alger $99,000
3761 Jennings Court  $119,900

Click here to visit more listings on Secord Lake!!!!

Real Estate Market Conditions for Sugar Springs

 Lake Lancer & Lancelot

Lake Lancer & Lancelot offer 1,000 acres of water fun with Lake Lancer at 780 acres and Lancelot at 230 acres. These two lakes are private and are for residents of Sugar Springs, a planned community with over 3,200 platted acres. There are 15 private beach clubs along the shores of the lakes for association members only. Some of the beach clubs offer restrooms, showers, swimming, picnic areas and boat launches. Fisherman enjoy the tranquility of the lakes and the Northern Pike, Walleye, Bass and Panfish that can readily be caught from both Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot. Lake waters are tested annually and treated several times per year to control weeds and infestation allowing boaters, skiers, jet skiers and swimmers to enjoy the waters! Lake Lancer and Lancelot are in Butman Township within Gladwin County.

There are currently 25 active listings on Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot.

 They range in price from $149,000 to $439,900

February saw no new listings on Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot. During the month of we saw one listing expire and no homes sell.

Click here to search for available listings in Sugar Springs!!

Kalkaska County Lakefront Cottage

Whether it's fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking or boating, many people think of Kalkaska County when they imagine being "Up North".  Located in the heart of the snow belt, many snowmobilers consider it one of the best areas in the lower peninsula thanks to early and consistent snowfall,1000's of acres of public lands and miles upon miles of groomed or natural trails to ride.  In the summer months, vacationers enjoy some of the cleanest lakes in Michigan.  These include Big, North and Little Blue Lakes, Big Twin Lake, Bear Lake and Starvation Lake.  These lakes are gin clear and mostly have hard sand bottoms.  They're home to trout, smallmouth bass and pan fish like perch and blue gills. This terrific Chalet style cottage overlooks Little Blue lake which is connected by a small stream to Big Blue (All-sports) and North Blue.  While a boat cannot pass through the stream, the public launch on Big Blue is right around the corner.  Just down the road is The Manistee River as well.  It's full of Brook and Brown Trout and is the perfect place to do some canoeing or kayaking.  Priced at only $149,900, this charming property is heavily wooded and includes a two car garage for all the toys.  It's been very well maintained and has wonderful architectural character.  Contact me at your first convenience to set up a time to tour this property or to explore more options in Kalkaska County.  Mary Janik, Sales Associate.

Deer Me--It's Lake Ann MI!!

 

It's almost spring and the little Village of Lake Ann, MI which is in Benzie Counties most northern corner and just minutes to Traverse City, the Dunes, Lake MI and more!  I think of Lake Ann as one of the best keep secrets, because lakefront properties tend to be a bit more affordable then the surroundings lake communities.  Taxes are definitely a bit more palatable then our neighboring Grand Traverse County, and yes, we are centrally located and well positioned to access the area's greatest features.  There's fishing on our local waters, such as Lake Ann, Mud, Shield, and many more, all within close proximity to Lake Ann.  In fact, as I looked out my window across Bryan Lake this morning, I spotted 3 Deer sleeping-in on this soggy MI morn.  The opportunities for fun are never ending, like when the winter snow flies, there are groomed snowmobile trails in the backyard of the Village, and Crystal Mt Ski Resort is just minutes away.  There is four season fishing for perch, lake trout, smelt, whitefish and rainbow rock bass, just to mention a few, within reach of Lake Ann.  Take a day trip to tour our welcoming community. While you're in the neighborhood, check out an awesome home and 2 acre parcel, and for a sneak-peek of this parcel, click on the picture, and/or visit us at homewaters.net, too.

http://www.homewaters.net/view.php?lake[]=Ann&f=lakefront-grandtraversebenzie&i=1742292&d=taar&offset=2

Lake Contos Access Home with Land Contract Terms! Just Reduced!

Price Reduction at 1424 Lakeview, Gladwin, MI

Lake Contos Access

 $38,900 with Land Contract Terms!

MLS #158009

Well taken care of 2 bedroom, 1 bath (with washer/dryer) single wide offers an addition perfect for family room. Well equipped kitchen with appliances included. Covered patio with ceiling fan. Paved driveway, 2 storage sheds and very nice corner lot in a subdivision with access to Lake Contos. Land contract terms available!

Click HERE to visit our website for more details!

Day 2 of the fly show.. .

All set for day 2 of the Midwest fly fishing exposition!  Stop by our booth to test drive the brand new www.homewaters.net before our public launch!

37 Acres in Gladwin County with Land Contract Terms!

New Listing at 120 McKimmy Road, Gladwin, MI

37 Acres!

$94,900 with Land Contract Terms!

MLS #158505

What an opportunity! 37 wooded acres with a large pole barn and a single wide mobile home. 2 bedroom and 1 bath home does need some fix up work but could easily be liveable as a year round home or up north getaway. Pole barn has a slider door and an overhead door. With all the acreage you can hunt, ride quads, nature watch and more all on your own private land. Great location not far off a state highway for easy access anytime. Gladwin County is home to many all sports lakes, thousands of acres of state land and a great small town atmosphere! 

Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!!

Ice Fishing on Wixom Lake

It's a gorgeous sunny day today!  On my way from one appointment to meet a potential new seller (of a Wixom Lake access cottage) to take photos of a new Wixom lake listing I couldn't resist snapping this picture of a few people out ice fishing.  Wixom Lake is a great ice fishing lake but it wont be long and the snow and ice will give way to beautiful water and boats! 
Enjoy the weekend's warmer temps and get outside for the last few weekends winter has to offer!

Affordability on the Platte River!!

Platte River has some great qualities and flows through a few small lakes Southwest of Traverse City, heading west to Lake Michigan. The river is home to a good population of trout, especially small rainbow that are excellent for teaching someone to fly fish or for your fishing enjoyment.  As the river meanders through Honor and the upper end of Platte Lake, there are more deep holes that are home to larger trout, salmon and steel head.   If you have visions of having your a home or cottage up north, then you might want to check out this parcel with an existing 45’x55’ pole barn; and just over an acre, with more than 200’ of direct frontage on the Platte River.  You could build your dream home, vacation cottage or just convert a portion of this pole barn to living quarters.  Location speaks volumes, and from this parcel you can experience some of the best fishing and even launch your kayak from your dock and paddle to Lake Michigan through beautiful Platte and Loon Lakes.  You're within 10 minutes to the beautiful Dunes and an easy 15 minute drive to Traverse City or Frankfort. Here’s an affordable opportunity to be up North while enjoying river/water life and all of Northern Michigan greatness for $96,500.  Click below to view the parcel!

http://www.homewaters.net/view.php?river[]=Platte&f=riverfront&i=1733938&d=taar&offset=3

Picturesque Wixom Lake Waterfront Cottage

New Listing at 3537 Lakeview Drive, Beaverton, MI

Wixom Lake Waterfront Cottage

$110,000
 MLS #158484

Right out of the pages of Cottage Living magazine! Once you pull in the drive you won't want to leave! Chalet built in 2002 on all sports Wixom Lake. Quiet, picturesque waterfront that provides great fishing and amazing views! Extensive multi-level decking and paver patio with fire pit and built in seating. Also a boardwalk at the waters edge. Enter the home via the covered patio and step into the light, bright and airy relaxing cottage. While small in size the cottage layout is so well planned and furnished it can accommodate your family and friends! Marble floors and counters in Kitchen, Dining and Bath. Main floor bedroom has room for stackable washer/dryer which is included. Living room offers cathedral ceilings with a large window for natural light and a patio door that opens into a newly added three season sun room. Upstairs loft area with more sleeping space and the master bedroom. Included with sale is a separate lot just around the corner where you can build a garage!

Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!

View Larger Map

2013 Midwest Fly Fishing Expo is this weekend!

The sun's been out a lot more in the past few weeks.  Daylight savings time is this weekend.  The snow banks along the roads are looking more brown than white as the sun's rays work down all that accumulated snowfall from a real northern Michigan winter.  And The Midwest Fly Fishing Exposition is this weekend in Warren!  All sure signs that spring is on the way.
For fly anglers from throughout the Midwest, this has become a bit of a pilgrimage every year.  It's a great opportunity to check out all the latest gear, maybe pick up a great close-out deal from one of the fly shops that will be down there, learn some new casting and tying techniques and, most importantly, reconnect with all the other fly anglers who have been holed up all winter.  The show is hosted by The Michigan Fly Fishing Club and they've been doing a terrific job since the first show in 1978.  We'll once again be exhibiting on our usual corner booth so stop by and say hello while you're there.  We'll have information on all the new riverfront listings and can give you the inside track on ones that haven't hit the market yet.  We'll also be giving a sneak preview of the totally rebuilt www.homewaters.net before we go live with it next week.  Take a website test drive for us and enter to win some great gear.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

Pleasure Island Cottage with 162' on a Wixom Lake Canal

New Listing at 5105 Plesant Drive, Beaverton, MI

Wixom Lake Canal Waterfront

$129,000

MLS #158538

162' on a Wixom Lake canal. Enjoy the 2,000+ acre all sports & begin making memories now. Located on Pleasure Island, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home or cottage sits on 2 large lots offering outdoor space that main lake lots cannot. Walk into the family room with beautiful knotty pine walls and tongue & groove ceiling. Eat in kitchen w/ door to patio for easy summertime grilling! Step down into the spacious living room with plenty of windows & a sliding door that allow the natural light to pour in. Sliding door leads to the concrete patio as well. Living room offers a cozy wood stove with brick surround. There are 2 bedrooms, one of which is quite large & offers room for multiple beds. Full bath has washer and dryer which is such a bonus for a cottage. Exterior offers an attached garage, storage shed, covered picnic pavilion, fire pit for summer bonfires & a deck at the lake side with power. Neighborhood offers paved roads for great walks or bike rides & there is a park!

Click HERE to visit my website for more details!!!

View Larger Map