Thursday, November 28, 2013

A note of thanks from Homewaters, L.L.C.


I wanted to take some time to send a note of thanks to everyone who's helped make our brokerage such a success since our founding in 2007.  Thank you so much to all of our buyer and seller clients!  We truly appreciate that fact that you chose to entrust our firm with your buying or selling decision.  Through the process many of you have become close friends and that is perhaps the greatest benefit of our profession. 

Thanks to all of our agents and brokers who give up their precious time with family and friends to assist their clients on behalf of our firm.  We're very fortunate to have such an impressive collection of professionals representing our brand throughout northern Michigan.  Thanks to Mandy Brown who is the backbone of our firm and ensures everyone has what they need when they need it.  Thanks to Sales Associates Blake Bernard, Britt Brubaker, Vince Edwards, Eric Hubschneider, Mary Janik, Jenna McKinnon and Gina Render and Associate Brokers Dave Felker, Sonya Loose and Midge Rutter.  Each have the opportunity to work with any brokerage they choose and we sincerely appreciate the fact that they've chosen to be a part of our Homewaters family.  To their administrative and support staff, Walea Britton, Bethanne Masse, and Sherri Breault.  Thank you for doing the behind the scenes, less glamorous work that allows everyone to maintain their sanity through often stressful times! 

Thank you to Dan Smith, Matt Niedzielski and the rest of the staff at Flightpath Creative for the amazing work you've done over the years developing and maintaining our website, www.homewaters.net.  Thank you to Lisa Newhouse of Cherry City Consulting for her work on our Social Media strategy and to Christina Schoenow for producing most of our graphic design work. 

Most of all, I'd like to thank our families for being patient with us as we sometimes have to pull away on evenings weekends and holidays to attend to customers.  It's difficult to explain what it's like to be the spouse or significant other of a full time REALTOR but it tends to overtake a lot of other aspects of life on occasion.  Thank you for your loyalty and understanding as we navigate this wonderful but sometimes demanding profession.  

From our family to yours we wish you a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday and health and happiness as we approach the new year!

Chad Brown, Broker/Owner, Homewaters, L.L.C.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Gladwin County Lakes...November Has A Lot to Offer!!


Wixom Lake, Secord Lake, Sugar Springs (Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot) and Smallwood Lake!
  


Wixom Lake 

There are currently 96 active listings on Wixom Lake ranging in price from $5,000-$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.


Sugar Springs ~ Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot 

There are currently 222 active listings on Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot ranging in price from $100 to $749,000 

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! 

Below are listings featured in Sugar Springs: 

 Secord Lake 

 There are currently 54 active listings for Secord Lake ranging from $16,000 - $275,000 

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:

Smallwood Lake 

There are currently 25 active listings for near by Smallwood Lake ranging from $25,981-$214,900

Below are featured listing for Smallwood Lake:  
174 Lockwood Drive, Gladwin, Michigan  $87,900
894 Rivers Terrace, Gladwin, Michigan  $109,900
1540 Moose Drive, Gladwin, Michigan $69,500
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:


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Gladwin and Clare County Hunting Property

Hunting Land in Gladwin and Clare County Michigan 


 Beautiful Gladwin and Clare County...A Hunters Paradise

Firearm Rifle Season is in full swing and we hope you are having great success!!  Looks like the weather is turning your way for the final week of the hunt.  The deer are on the move and have been spotted all around Gladwin and Clare Counties!! There are a lot of great hunting properties in Gladwin and Clare County for you to call your own.  Take the time while you are here to check them out! Gladwin offers plentiful hunting land loaded with white tails and over 85,000 acres of state land for everyone's use. Whether it's with your own acreage to hunt, or a smaller piece close to or adjoining state land, wouldn't it be wonderful to have your own slice of Up North Heaven!

There are many affordable options for all price ranges and budgets. Click on the listings below that are currently available, and let me help you make your dream a reality. 


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Get your ski on with www.homewaters.net!

Thanks to cold temperatures and an early blast of snow, winter has officially arrived!  It's great to be past that in-between season and able to get out and actually enjoy winter sports.  Many ski resorts are even planning to open at least a few of their runs this Thanksgiving weekend!  For the latest on conditions at any Michigan ski resort, check out Michigan Ski and Snowboard Report.  For those looking to purchase property within any of the northern Michigan ski resorts, we built in special functionality under our Ski/Golf searches that allows users to easily seek out vacant land, homes or condos that offer downhill skiing within the development.  Just zoom the map to the area you're interested in, select golf, ski, or both and enter a few other parameters.  The system will pull out only those properties in the specified region that offer golf, skiing, or both!  It's a one of a kind feature only found at www.homewaters.net!  Let's hope the white stuff is here to stay through spring!  We hope you make the time to get out and enjoy one of northern Michigan's greatest seasons!!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Molasses River! New Listing at 1296 Fornier Road, Beaverton

Molasses Riverfront
$99,900
MLS #160377





Riverfront home or cottage with 253' of water frontage. Catch a fish from the bank or put in your canoe or kayak for a day on the river. You can also boat to all sports, 2,000 acre Wixom Lake on your pontoon. The 3 bedroom, 1 bath offers an eat-in kitchen and a living room with a patio door to the deck overlooking the yard and the river. 2 garages!!! First is a 20x22 with loft and the other is a 24x32 both with concrete floors. Concrete drive way. With the extra large park like yard you will certainly love the up north atmosphere. State land is within walking distance for ORV riding, hunting, horse back riding, or hiking. 

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


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Friday, November 22, 2013

Cedar River Waterfront! Price Reduction at 4830 White Pine, Gladwin

Price Reduction at 4830 White Pine, Gladwin, Michigan
Cedar River Waterfront
$75,500
MLS #158824

94' along the Cedar River! What a peaceful location for your new year round home or up north get away. Tucked away at the end of the road on a nicely treed lot with the river flowing by. Cedar River flows into all sports Wiggins Lake. Perfect location for tubing, canoeing, kayaking, nature watching and fishing! The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home built in 2000 offers 1,387 sq feet and has been so meticulously maintained it appears like new! Walk into the open living room with vaulted ceilings and beautiful gas log fireplace. Dining area has a slider door to the water side deck. Kitchen is light and bright and offers ample cupboards and counter space and has a breakfast nook. Master suite with walk in closets is located apart from the other 2 bedrooms which share a second full bath. 2 car garage with opener and 2 storage sheds! State land is accessed just steps away from your driveway for even more outdoor opportunities! 

Click HERE to visit our website for more details!!

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

100 Wooded Acres in Northern Clare County! Price Reduction at Polk Ave., Harrison

Price Reduction at 0 Polk Avenue, Harrison
100 Vacant Wooded Acres
$187,900
MLS #159197

This gorgeous 100 acre parcel has been in the family for nearly 100 years! Conveniently located not far off US 127 yet tucked away down a gravel road in an area of other large parcels. The 100 acres is comprised of an 80 and a 20 both of which adjoin state land! The land is heavily wooded and is home to many whitetail deer including some nice bucks! Grouse, pheasant, turkey and bear also call this parcel home. There is a 6-8 acre very scenic beaver pond on the property that is also fed by a seasonal stream that winds through the property. The hunting cabin was built in '94 and is 12x16 with a 8x12 addition. Wired for lights, etc that can run off a 12 volt battery. Kitchen area has a propane stove. With 2 bunk beds and a table that converts to a bed along with extra room in the addition this cabin could easily sleep 6-8. Wild raspberries and blackberries can be picked here too. This parcel is your dream hunting property, nature preserve or future building site. 

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


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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Check out the latest edition of Homewaters News and Notes!

Take a minute and find out what the agents and brokers of Homewaters have been up to, some helpful tips for buyers and sellers and more!  Click the image below to read the full newsletter.




Monday, November 11, 2013

Elbow Lake Sandy Waterfront in Clare Co! 9972 South Shore, Harrison

New Listing at 9972 South Shore, Harrison, MI 
Elbow Lake Waterfront
$154,900
MLS #160340


244' of waterfront on scenic Elbow Lake! The gently rolling 1 acre lot offers a sandy beach w/ sandy swimming on this all sports, PRIVATE lake that is approximately 25 acres in size and 25' to 50' deep in spots. Located at the end of a private road your view is of the lake one way & of the woods the other way. Built in 1998 it was constructed w/ a bonus/party room on the main level that opens up to a 4 car garage area. The bonus room offers counter & cupboard space w/ a large island...a perfect entertaining room! 2 large overhead doors & shelving for storage. Main level also has laundry & a full bath. Head upstairs to nearly 800 sq ft of living space! Beautifully done w/ wood walls w/ many custom built-ins. Open kitchen area is just the right size & offers a center island & bow window w/ a view of the lake. Living room, 2 BR's & a full bath. Steps to the water, a large fire pit & storage shed complete the package. Snowmobile trail head & ORV trails so close by! 

Click HERE to visit our website for more details!!






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Friday, November 8, 2013

3 Reasons to keep your property listed this winter

While there are certainly fewer buyers in the market during the cold winter months, there are quite a few who stick around even in the toughest of winters. Somehow, over time, many sellers and a lot of REALTORS have developed an impression that having a property for sale during the winter is a losing battle.  We couldn't disagree more!   If your property is not on the market I can absolutely guarantee it won’t be one of those that sell.  Here are three reasons you should strongly consider listing your property during the winter months

  • Limited winter inventories help each property that is on the market stand out
    • It’s not uncommon to have 30% to 40% lower property inventories in some areas during the winter months because many sellers wrongly believe their property simply won’t sell during the off season
    • Because there are fewer options for buyers in the winter months, each property that is on the market garners more attention
    • With fewer for sale signs around, buyers don't get the sense that “everything” is for sale which can lead to a greater sense of urgency  
  • Buyers who are willing to brave the cold northern Michigan winter are serious buyers.  
    • While many summer visitors to northern Michigan will take some time to browse properties during their vacation, they may not be serious about purchasing at all
    • If someone is looking for properties in the dead of winter in northern Michigan, there’s a reason.  Whether they’re relocating, moving because of a change in circumstance, looking to buy in preparation for next summer or pursuing a property for winter recreation, they’re serious about the process  
  • Buyers can only purchase the properties they are aware of and a lot of land is sold in the winter
    • According to The Northern Great Lakes REALTORS MLS, more than 1,600 properties sold last winter (November through February) with a total sales volume of $225,923,883!  That’s a ton of property for the “off season”!
    • If a seller chooses to keep their property off the market during the winter, they’ll absolutely not be one of those 1,600+ to sell
    • If your property is not on the market, the perfect buyer may very likely buy something different because they didn't even know your property was available for sale 

There's no doubt that people's minds turn toward holiday activities, especially around Christmas, but it's very clear there are still a tremendous number of active buyers in the market.  When asked by sellers when the best time of year to sell is, I always respond, "When you want to get it sold."  If you want to catch a fish, you have to be on the lake or river.  If you want to sell your home, put it on the market!  We'd love to help!  Please contact The Homewaters Representative in your area to learn more about how we can help ensure your property sells in the near future!  Click the photo to learn more about our agents and brokers and find the one that services your area.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Homewaters is Going Vintage

For some reason I always get very nostalgic as hunting camp approaches.  November 15th marks the first day of the Michigan rifle deer season and since I was a kid it was a very big event. Even before I could hunt, we were asked to gather all the apples that had fallen from the trees in our our yard so my dad could bring them up to camp to lure in the big buck.  While he never did come home with a deer, he always brought some sort of little toy or something. I could not wait until I got to go myself!  Those first number of years were all about trying to back a buck.  I played cards and had a lot of fun catching up with family I didn't get to see very often but it was the hunt that really got me going.  A little older and wiser now, I still look forward to opening day and am hopeful I get an opportunity to harvest a deer, but it's much more about the experience of camp.  Cutting wood for the stove, putting up new stands or repairing old ones, playing cards with three generations of family members and the big hearty meals that only deer camp seems to produce.  I don't think I eat pickled bologna or creamed herring any other time of year but it sure tastes right sitting at the Rittenhouse card table next to the wood stove!  In honor of this long standing tradition in my family and many others in Michigan, we're going vintage on the front page leading up to camp next week.  Enjoy a safe and fun hunting camp with your family and friends next week and good luck in the big woods!!!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Gladwin & Clare County Homes Market Report for October

October 2013 Real Estate Market Snapshot for the Gladwin and Clare County Area Homes

Secord Lake Waterfront
3209 Lakeshore Drive, Gladwin
$97,900
MLS #159250

Active Listings: 999 (108 new listings came on the market in September)
Average Asking Price: $105,667
Average Days on Market : 234
Range of Asking Prices: $5,995-$875,000

Sold: 77 Sold in October (80 sold in September)
Average Asking Price of Sold Listings: $90,723
Average Selling Price of Sold Listings: $81,776
Average Days on Market of Sold Listings: 214 (36 days less than September)
Sellers Received: 90.1% of their asking price

Total Residential Sales Volume: $6,036,000 (down from $6,853,151 in September)
Listings Sold by Price Range
0-99,999: 56 (up 3 from September)
100,000-199,999: 15 (down 8 from September)
200,000-299,999: 6 (up 2 from September)
300,000-399,999: 0 (same as September)
400,000 and above: 0 (same as September)




**117 Homes Expired off the Market in September
Absorption Rate = 1.08 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.

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