Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Gladwin County Lakes! The Thaw is Coming!!

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

Wixom Lake 
There are currently 73 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 175 active listings on Lake Lancer and Lake Lancelot ranging in price from
 $1,500 to $500,000

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 48 active listings for Secord Lake ranging from $17,000 - $269,900 

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 21 active listings for near by Smallwood Lake ranging from $17,900-$245,000

Below are featured listing for Smallwood Lake:  
174 Lockwood Drive, Gladwin, Michigan  $83,900
894 Rivers Terrace, Gladwin, Michigan  $109,900

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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Thursday, March 20, 2014

What is Homewaters all about? A Word Cloud

The agents and brokers of Homewaters have been using this blog since June of 2007 to advertise properties, discuss market conditions, let people know of local points of interest or just share a funny tale.  Since that time, they've published more than 1,000 posts which have been viewed more than 120,000 times.  It's unique within our industry to allow the agents and brokers full access to the company's social media but, at Homewaters, we wouldn't have it any other way. Our agents, brokers and their administrative staff are the lifeblood of our company and its their collective personalities that make us who we are.

Today I used a website called www.wordle.net to create a word cloud of the posts within the blog.  A word cloud is a graphical representation of word frequency where the most commonly used words are displayed more prominently than others.  It was very interesting to see, over that course of time, what trends showed themselves.  Not surprisingly words like Lake, northern, Michigan, riverfront, kayak, boat, swimming, acres and passion made the cut.  This is what we're all about.

This service can be done to create a word cloud for any blog that has an rss feed.  Just copy and paste the url and see for yourself what that company or individual is most passionate about. If you're looking to buy or sell your property in northern Michigan, we'd love to earn your business.  Please contact the Homewaters agent or broker in your area to learn more about how we tie our passion for northern Michigan with truly cutting edge marketing to allow our clients to reach their real estate goals.


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

#1 on The AuSable and Manistee Rivers Since Our Founding

At Homewaters we take great pride in the fact that our company was born from behind the counter at a historic fly shop.  We were founded on primarily riverfront sales to fly anglers largely on The AuSable and Manistee Rivers.  With over 30,000,000 in sales on those two rivers since our first transaction in 2007 we're the top selling firm by sales volume according to The Water Wonderland Board of REALTORs.

The saying, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", is certainly true. In recent years there have been other firms that have watched our success and attempted to duplicate what we do.  While many think that the name of a firm alone can make it successful, or the use of outdoors images, or saying they're a specialist, the reality is, we've become successful because we are more passionate than anyone else about what we do and we work harder at it.

It's true that our brand was built around the lifestyles available in northern Michigan and our website has quickly become the most viewed brokerage website in northern Michigan thanks to our focus on riverfront, lakefront and recreational properties.  What isn't visible are the countless hours put into building relationships within associated industries, preemptive strategy in where our industry is headed, working plenty of evenings and weekends and simply sharing the passion for angling that most of our clients possess.

While riverfront was where we were founded, we've successfully expanded to now sell a tremendous amount of lakefront and other recreational properties throughout northern Michigan.  We truly believe competition is a great thing.  It drives us to continue to evolve and remain the leaders in the industry.  We welcome any potential buyer and seller to interview as many REALTORS as you like.  We are absolutely confident that, in the end, our marketing strategy, breadth of resources, depth of knowledge and shared passion for the lakes and rivers in northern Michigan will make your choice a simple one.  We look forward to helping you reach your northern Michigan real estate goals in 2014.  Reach out to the Homewaters Agent or Broker in your area to get started.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Gladwin County Lakes...2013 Year In Review! Waterfront Homes Sales on Wixom, Secord & Smallwood Lakes and Sugar Springs!

Gladwin County Lakes-2013 Year in Review
Wixom Lake, Secord Lake, Sugar Springs (Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot) and Smallwood Lake!
   


Wixom Lake 
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! 

2013 saw 40 Waterfront Home sales on Wixom Lake ranging in price from $30,000 to $277,000
The average selling price was $117,365 with the average listing price at $124,612
Sellers Recieved: 94.1% of their asking price with the average days on market at 195

Sugar Springs ~ Lake Lancer & Lake 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!

 In 2013 we saw 20 Waterfront Home sales in Sugar Springs ranging in price from $117,500 to $350,000
The average selling price was $221,669 with the average listing price at $243,774
Sellers Recieved: 90.9% of their asking price with the average days on market at 325


 Secord Lake 
  
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.
2013 saw 32 Waterfront Home sales on Secord Lake ranging in price from $25,000 to $250,000
The average selling price was $134,146 with the average listing price at $142,188
Sellers Recieved: 94.3% of their asking price with the average days on market at 220


Smallwood Lake 

In 2013 we saw 11 Waterfront Home sales on Smallwood Lake ranging in price from $39,000 to $150,000
The average selling price was $77,231 with the average listing price at $83,471
Sellers Recieved: 92.5% of their asking price with the average days on market at 19



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Northern Michigan Lakefront Condominiums in Central Lake

Located in the quaint village of Central Lake on Antrim County's Upper Chain of Lakes, Hanley Lake Cove Condominiums is a very unique development of high quality, low maintenance condominiums in the heart of northern Michigan.  There are just a handful of vacant waterfront pads remaining on which to build your own custom unit.  The standard floor plan features two bedrooms, including a private master suite, and two bathrooms in addition to a spacious kitchen, living and dining area.  All units include a full basement and that space can be finished at an additional cost to add two more bedrooms, a bathroom and large recreational room.  Purchasers will have the ability to choose their own interior finishes to ensure their new home reflects their own unique personality.  The sale also includes a private boat slip.  Hanley Lake is one of 6 interconnected lakes that make up the Upper Chain of Lakes.  These lakes are renowned for the quality of their fisheries with everything from pan fish to walleye, pike and even musky available to anglers.

The development itself is highlighted by a heated pool, large nature preserve, four kayak stations and an excellent location just a short stroll from the quaint village of Central Lake for shopping, dining, and entertainment.  Within easy reach of Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Bellaire, the location provides wonderful access to world class dining, golfing, skiing and more.

Interested purchasers can choose to build with the developer or purchase their vacant pad outright and choose their own builder for construction.  Watch the video tour below for a brief overview of the development or click the links below to view more information on the properties available.

Fully Constructed Unit

Vacant Building Pad



To set up a private tour of an existing unit or visit the development, please contact Chad Brown, Broker, at chad@homewaters.net or by phone at (231) 499-8292



Friday, March 14, 2014

10,000 acres of pure heaven! Higgins Lake, Mi Waterfront Home or Cabin


If you have always dreamed about having a place on Higgins Lake Michigan.  This is your chance!  Higgins Lake is rated one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States.  It has a Sandy bottom and beautiful tropical like coloring. It is also one of the deepest inland lakes with year around fishing.


75 Feet of Prime Water Frontage on the West Shore of Higgins Lake. Beautiful surroundings are apparent here in this updated home.  Whether  you are looking for a year round home or a perfect vacation spot to get away from it all,this is the place.  Check out the the link below for more info.  http://www.homewaters.net/view.html?i=21111273



150' aluminum dock. Perfect Cottage get away for a great price.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

BayView Condominiums - Lakefront - Suttons Bay!



This is a unique opportunity to own a brand new condo, on Grand Traverse Bay, within very short walking distance to the charming and quaint town of Suttons Bay. 

With multiple available 3 and 4 bedroom units in many different layouts and available finishings, choose the one that best fits your liking, or design your perfect lakeside getaway! 



Many of the units are finished with hardwood floors, granite countertops, a fireplace, whirlpool, and a beautiful patio view - but that is just the beginning! Some include a private waterside cabana with full service wet bar and your own private garage. 

Go for a short stroll to the Bay View clubhouse and access the private indoor pool, hot tub, and tennis court. Or, a 5 minute walk finds you in downtown Suttons Bay where you can find one-of-a-kind art galleries from the areas top artists, remarkably nice stores for shopping, festivals throughout the year, and restaurants with some of the best food in Northern Michigan. Or, hop in the car for a quick drive to many other area attractions including award-winning wineries, area lighthouses, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and other beautiful beaches...

Thanks for your interest!  These properties are proudly represented by Blake Bernard, and start at $254,000.  Please contact Blake at your convenience by calling 231.714.4787 or email blake@homewaters.net to setup a private showing.  Click on any image above for complete property details.  Be sure to enjoy a video walk through below!




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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Party without the price tag this summer!

 Perfect getaway on Clare County's most gorgeous lake!



Take advantage of this rare opportunity to live on the lake without the high price tag and taxes! Once you step inside you'll be greeted by the "Up North" atmosphere created by the knotty pine interior and vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. 


Enjoy the lake with your friends and family; the open floor plan and loft (with additional sleeping space) make it ideal for entertaining. However, the real fun begins elsewhere! This cabin includes a detached fully finished and insulated rec room with an in ceiling stereo system, custom bar, tv mount, recessed lighting and of course stunning knotty pine. 

If outside is where you'd rather be, head across the street to the additional waterfront lot, where you'll fall in love with the extravagant tiki bar, patio and lake side boardwalk. The property also comes with a 30x40 insulated pole barn, complete with a workshop. This listing has it all! 


Click here for additional property details.  Email Jenna McKinnon or call (989) 802-1494, to schedule your showing today.





Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Spectacular new AuSable River listing

We've had the good fortune of selling more real estate on The AuSable and Manistee Rivers than any other broker since our founding in 2006.  During that time we've sold everything from large estates to modest fly fishing cabins.  Perhaps the most difficult property to find is a well built, modern home on the river with true style and higher end finishes and features.  We are proud to bring this North Branch AuSable home to the market and it definitely matches those criteria.  Built in 2006, the owners did a terrific job creating a home that has the feel of a northern Michigan lodge but done in a way that brings in modern touches and conveniences.

The custom island kitchen is the highlight of the home.  Featuring stainless steel KitchenAid appliances, including a double oven, six burner range and stainless hood, custom maple cabinetry, rich granite counter tops and a very well conceived dining space, it's among the finest kitchens we've seen in any riverfront home that's been on the market.  The living area is open to the dining and kitchen areas and the focal point is a large cut stone fireplace.  A spacious entry, large laundry room and a very charming sun room are also on the main level of the home.

Upstairs are four bedrooms including a large master suite overlooking the river that features a cedar lined walk in closet and private master bath with beautiful tile floors.  A roomy full bath services the other three sizable bedrooms where there is plenty of room for family and friends.

The property itself is 3.2 acres in size and is a good mix of wooded areas for privacy with open areas around the home and extending toward the 190 feet of river frontage.  Step into the shallow, gravel bottom, river from the large dock and enjoy some of the finest fly fishing in the eastern United States.  This is fantastic water for all ages and skill levels with shallow gravel bars, some deep pools and a wide open river corridor for comfortable casting.  This section of river is home to a tremendous number of aggressive brook trout and smaller brown trout with true trophy sized fish available.  The home is in a great location just a few miles from the quaint community of Lovells and within easy reach of Gaylord, Lewiston or Grayling.

This property is proudly represented by Chad Brown, Broker and offered at $375,000.  Please contact Chad at your convenience at chad@homewaters.net or by phone at (231) 499-8292 for more information or to set up a private showing.  Click any of the images above for complete property details.



Monday, March 3, 2014

Gladwin & Clare County Homes~February 2014 Market Report

February 2014 Real Estate Market Snapshot for the Gladwin and Clare County Area Homes



Elbow Lake Access
10352 Athey Avenue, Harrison
$115,000
MLS #160632








Active Listings: 738 (47 new listings came on the market in February)
Average Asking Price: $99,538
Average Days on Market : 296
Range of Asking Prices: $9,900-$645,000

Sold: 36 Sold in February (38 sold in January)
Average Asking Price of Sold Listings: $78,672
Average Selling Price of Sold Listings: $71,955
Average Days on Market of Sold Listings: 197 (3 days more than December)
Sellers Received: 91.4% of their asking price

Total Residential Sales Volume: $2,287,990 (down from $2,888,811 in January)
Listings Sold by Price Range
0-99,999: 30 (up 1 from January)
100,000-199,999: 2 (down 6 from January)
200,000-299,999: 4 (up 4 from January)
300,000-399,999: 1 (same as  January
400,000 and above: 0 (same as January)

SOLD!!  Sugar Springs Lake Lancer Waterfront!!!  











**62 Homes Expired off the Market in February
Absorption Rate = 1.7 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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