Kalkaska County Gems

Favorite Places and Spaces, from Mary Janik:

When I chose to make Kalkaska County my home it was because of all the natural resources and recreational opportunities that were readily available. I am someone who needs to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine for a daily walk, preferably in a beautiful unspoiled place. There are so many nearby, but here are a few of my favorites, all protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (Descriptions courtesy gtrlc.org).

Seven Bridges: Protected & Managed by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned by the State of Michigan.

Once slated for subdivision, this amazing place is now a jewel for all to enjoy. Known for its beautiful rustic bridges with over a mile of frontage on the Rapid River, this property is truly enchanting. A

	gtrlc.org

trail and boardwalk wander through cedar trees to the bridges spanning the Rapid River and many of the tributaries that braid together here. The remains of a sawmill built in 1882 can still be seen when crossing the first three bridges. Despite its name, only four bridges exist today. There are 2 loop hikes which are serene and beautiful and typically not heavily used.

South Boardman Preserve: Protected by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned & managed by Boardman Township.

Visitors to this property will find hiking trails, bridges over creeks and rivers, a viewing platform and interpretive signs marking tree species. The path wanders through many landscapes including Hemlock Forest, Red Pine Plantation and Cedar Swamp. Its a beautiful property encompassing Boardman River headwaters.

Skegemog Wildlife Area: Protected & Managed by The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, owned by the State of Michigan.

Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area (SLWA), encompassing much of the southern end of Skegemog Lake, offers a wealth of non-motorized outdoor recreation opportunities within a uniquely diverse property teeming with plant and animal life.

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve.

Open to the Public on July 25th with a Preservation Celebration and Property Grand Opening. 

Rarely does the Conservancy have the opportunity to protect a place a special as the former Camp Tapico in central Kalkaska County. This property, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts for about 80 years, spans an impressive 1,288 acres and includes a wide variety of high-quality wildlife habitat. Of particular interest is the near complete lack of invasive species, making this property extremely valuable from a conservation standpoint.

In addition to about a mile of the north branch of the Manistee River, this property includes its own 130-acre spring-fed lake, multiple types of wetland habitat and several kettle-hole ponds. The property supports a large number of species, including loons, bald eagles, smooth green snakes and other species of special concern.

NORTHERN MITTEN LIFE IN THE WINTER

Beautiful Sunsets

                                Downhill Skiing

Snow Shoeing

                                 Ice Fishing

Hot Cocoa

                                  Moon Shadows

Snuggling

                                    Bowling

 Ice Skating

                                     Local Wine

River Hiking

                              Chili 

Hockey      

                              Fat Tire Biking

Igloos

                              Craft Beer

Sledding

                               Cross Country Skiing

Soup

                                Warm Cinnamon Rolls

Sauna

LAKEFRONT LIVING AT IT'S BEST ON ONE OF 90 CLEAN LAKES IN KALKASKA COUNTY

 Kalkaska County is home to some of the cleanest fresh water inland lakes in the state of Michigan. We in Kalkaska County take our water quality very seriously. Many of our lakes have lakeowner associations for a small fee which monitor the water quality from year to year and make adjustments or remediate invasive aquatic species. There is an abundance of government and private environmental agencies in the county providing knowledge and access to resources.

Our "quiet" or "no wake" lakes are perfect for fishing, kayaking or cruising on a small pontoon. Some of the more popular are Eagle Lake, N. Blue Lake, Little Twin Lake, Squaw Lake, Indian Lake or Cub Lake. In the last 12 months sales on these lakes are commanding prices anywhere from $120,000 - $540,000 with an average sale price of $234,000.

Our "all sports" lakes allowing for wakes from jet skis and larger boats are spectacularly clean and up to 86 feet in depth. These lakes include Starvation Lake, Big Twin Lake, Big Blue Lake, Bear Lake, and Manistee Lake. Homes on these lakes are commanding prices of $149,000 to $675,000 with an average sale price of $238,000.  These lakes are low pressure usage and are great lakes for the kids and grandkids to make memories.

That leaves another 70+ lakes in the county of various sizes and depths. I personally live on a small quiet lake just 1 mile outside Kalkaska that is visited regularly by Loons, Great Blue Heron and Eagles. There is a lakefront home in Kalkaska to satisfy almost every budget. Kalkaska County has a wonderful Hospital owned by Munson Medical Center, the Kaliseum Recreational Complex, safe in town walking and biking trails, Conservancy properties to hike on and all the necessities of good living in a small rural village. We are surrounded by thousands of acres of state land with some of the best hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan. In addition, Traverse City, I-75 and US-131 expressways are all within a 25 minute drive.

If you are looking to hire a passionate professional real estate sales agent in Kalkaska County, I am your girl! I have lived in Kalkaska 21 years and have sold waterfront real estate here for 16 years.  I do not carry a large inventory so that I am available for my clients in either the selling or buying sides of the transaction. My goal is to always have happy satisfied clients at the end of a transaction who will refer me to their friends and neighbors. Please visit my website  to learn more about me. I would be happy to have a conversation with you about our current real estate market whether you are buying or selling.

Mary Janik, mary@homewaters.net, 231-384-1207

MOVE IN READY FOR SUMMER 2018 LAKEFRONT FUN!

WATERFRONT VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM

10723 Black Bear Rd, Kalkaska, MI 49646MLS #1845601, $174,900 

Drive thru garage, finished walkout basement, 2BR, 1B, Sauna, low maintenance lawn, .88 acres, 100 ft. private sandy frontage and beach on Cub Lake.  Easy access, directly off M-72 half-way between Grayling and Kalkaska. 

100 FT. PRIVATE SANDY FRONTAGE

Listen to the Loons and watch the Eagle soar!







Contact Mary Janik
231-384-1207
mary@homewaters.net

EXCELLENT FISHING ON CUB LAKE

GREAT PLACE TO ENJOY NATURE

Adorable Cottage and 100 Private Frontage on Cub Lake!!

Kalkaska County's Cub Lake is a deep clean clear lake that is conveniently located half way between Grayling and Kalkaska in a highly sought after 4-season recreational area. This is a quiet no-wake lake and is visited by Loons, Eagles and Heron.

Located on a quiet cul de sac, this woodsy property features blacktop county maintained road and Charter Spectrum and natural gas at the road. The main rooms of the house all face the waterfront and feature spectacular views of Cub Lake.  Lots of outside room to entertain both at the waterfront with its sandy shoreline, deck and sauna plus on your wrap around deck.

Pride of ownership shows throughout the home and property. Everything is beautifully maintained. The home features cathedral ceilings, fireplace, 2 BR, 1 B, single car garage with workshop and drive thru doors plus a walkout basement.  10723 Black Bear Road, $174,900.00 click here for more information.  Contact Mary Janik, 231-384-1207 or mary@homewaters.net for more information or to schedule a showing.

Never a Dull Day in Paradise

Growing up in Northern Michigan and living here most of my life I can honestly say that Mother Nature always keeps things interesting and keeps us on our toes weather related. Living on a Peninsula surrounded by huge bodies of water creates weather systems that occur seemingly out of nowhere. Take for instance the month of April, Kalkaska County received 40 inches of snow since April 1st and we had some pretty incredible winter weather throughout the region.

We started our march toward Spring last week and we are experiencing some extraordinarily warm temperatures which are rapidly melting the April snow causing all sorts of happiness around the area. It's the little things like walking the beach with a 5 year old who gets pure joy out of throwing pebbles in the water.

Here in Kalkaska County we have 90 lakes and 3 rivers. You are never more than 5 miles away from a body of water.  Some of the cleanest lakes in Michigan are in Kalkaska County and our Selling and Buying season is in its infancy for 2018. Great market to sell your waterfront or recreational property if that is something that has been part of your long range plan.  It is also a great time to buy if that is part of your current goals. I know the lakes of Kalkaska County intimately and have represented beautiful properties which are some of the best values in the 5 county real estate market. I am asking for your business to represent you as a buyer or seller in today's competitive market. I am available to discuss your needs and help guide you through the process.  Click here to learn more about me and search available listings or contact me at mary@homewaters.net.

MANISTEE LAKE - KALKASKA COUNTY HOME

MLS #1839259, 7629 NE Shore Road, Kalkaska, $314,900

Level lake lot with 2,300 sq. ft. home on 860 acre all sports Manistee Lake. 5 BRs (2 nonconforming), 3 Baths, 2 stall garage, natural gas, Charter Spectrum, and one of the best sandy bottoms on the lake.

Low pressure use of this lake provides many hours of serene lounging, entertaining and sensational sunsets. Don't miss out on this listing. Clean and nicely maintained - perfect for seasonal or year around use. Central location to all amenities in Northwest Michigan. Contact mary@homewaters.net or 231-384-1207 to schedule a showing. Click here for full listing information.

BEAUTIFUL KALKASKA COUNTY HOME

Bear Lake Township directly across the road from Cub Lake, half way between Kalkaska and Grayling. Total privacy from the road on your 10 acre hardwood property. Blacktop county maintained road, blacktop drive, Charter Spectrum and Natural Gas. Perfect year around home or Up North getaway.  Trailhead to state land just around the corner and public access to both Bear Lake and Cub Lake.

Stunning home with hardwood, 1-1/2 stories, wraparound deck, master suite and main floor bedroom. Features include attached insulated, heated 2+stall garage with drive through door plus a second garage with 3 stalls and heated woodshop. The house and outbuildings have been beautifully maintained.

Recently updated kitchen with granite, custom lighting, wine bar, and new appliances.  The open floor plan for the kitchen/dining/family room with 3 doorwalls to the wraparound deck provide outstanding views of all the nature outside your windows.

Custom salt water pool is the highlight of the back yard with electric pool cover and easy maintenance.  This is a totally private yard with lovely areas to entertain including a screen house.  Phenominal place to unwind and relax!

 Click here to view more details  about this specatucular home. Contact mary@homewaters.net or call 231-384-1207 to schedule a showing.

10554 Black Bear Rd, Kalkaska, MI, $339,500

OPEN HOUSE ALERT! 8178 NE EAGLE LAKE DRIVE

MLS #1830860      SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017  10 AM - 1 PM

Custom Home with 363 ft. of private frontage on deep clean and clear Eagle Lake!! $349,900

Bass Lake Spacious Home, Kalkaska County

New Listing at 6189 E. Bass Lake Road, Kalkaska 

$189,900

mary@homewaters.net           231-384-1207

Wonderfully spacious home with 101 ft. of private frontage on Bass Lake in Blue Lake Township, Kalkaska.  Features 2 BR, 2B, nonconforming 3rd BR, walkout lower level, full deck providing sunset views, attached garage and pole barn on 2.85 acres. Located in the Water/Winter Wonderland of Northwest Michigan you have thousands of acres of state land in your backyard along with great fly fishing on the Manistee River and Big Blue Lake across the road for all sports activity.  County maintained blacktop road make this a great year around home full time or recreational.

Amazing Home on Eagle Lake, Kalkaska County!

New Listing at 8178 NE Eagle Lake Drive, Mancelona

$349.900

mary@homewaters.net       231/384-1207

363 feet of private frontage and 2.6 acres on clean, clear, deep and quiet Eagle Lake with views of state land across the lake.  4,180 sq. feet of finished space with 3BR, 3B and 3 fireplaces.  This custom home was designed so that the delights of lakefront living are at your disposal from almost every room.  It has 2 garages, blacktop county maintained road, natural gas and Charter Spectrum. Click on the link above to see additional photos and details.

INCREDIBLE HOME ON 21 ACRES

Absolutely stunning home and property located half way between Kalkaska and Grayling just off M-72 near Bear and Cub Lakes.  Great neighborhood. County maintained blacktop road with natural gas and Charter Spectrum. 21 acres that adjoins state land at the back and your very own campground for friends and family.  This home shows pride of ownership throughout the entire property. 2 stall heated and insulated attached garage with drive thru door plus a 24 x 40 second garage with 3 stalls and 15 x 24 heated workshop with central vac.

Wow, 16 x 40 fiberglass in ground pool (3-1/2 to 8 ft. depth) with slide. Salt water system with electric pool cover new in 2016 and winter cover. Heated pool by natural gas with laser lighting for pool water. Plus - 4 recliner loungers, table/umbrella and 6 cushioned chairs. Pool shed for mechanical plus 12 x 12 screened gazebo. 220v service for hot tub wired to the deck. What an amazing setting for the family gathering.

22ft. floor to ceiling windows and chimney.  This home features 3/4" hardwood floors and porcelain 20 x 20 tiles, granite counters in the kitchen and baths, high end stainless kitchen appliances and Kohler jet tub in main bath.  Huge open living concept incorporating living room, dining room and kitchen. Yard has sprinkler system with low maintenance perennial plants and 13 x 27 garden area with sprinklers. This home is hidden from the road up your winding paved driveway.

Click here for all the additional details too numerous to list.  If you have a desire to live in a luxurious up north home in the woods, this is for you!! Contact mary@homewaters.net or call Mary Janik at 231-384-1207 to schedule a private showing.

UNIQUE EAGLE LAKE CUSTOM HOME

This beautiful home is looking for a new family!! It is a year around 4-season custom home boasting 3 floors, 3 fireplaces, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths.  It is situated on 2.6 acres of privacy and has 363 feet of private frontage on deep clean quiet Eagle Lake.  It has over 4,000 square feet of finished living space, attached oversize garage and separate storage garage.  Unique to many of our area homes, this home is serviced by natural gas, high speed internet, cable TV and black top road.

Eagle Lake is located in NE Kalkaska County and is situated in the snowbelt of N. Michigan and the Blue Bear trailhead.  It is surrounded by thousands of acres of state land providing year around recreational opportunities. Eagle Lake is a great scenic and fishing lake and yes, Eagles have been known to visit.

Click here to view the listing detail.  This home is in excellent condition, has vaulted ceilings, massive kitchen, low maintenance natural landscaping and extensive decking plus a walk-out basement.  Get in now before Summer starts and relax away your cares.  This home has turn key potential. Call or email mary@homewaters.net or 231-384-1207 to schedule your private showing.  You will not be disappointed in this home.

VACANT WATERFRONT BUILDING SITES

With the low inventory that our local market has been experiencing in recent months, the idea of building your waterfront dream home exactly as you picture it is becoming a viable solution to your search for Northern Michigan waterfront homes.  Over the last 18 months we have seen a shift and the better nicer lots are sometimes selling very quickly.  The best time of the year to walk and view vacant land is either in the early Spring or late Fall when the understory and trees are not in bloom.  You can get a much better visual of the topography and how your home could be situated on the property.  I would like to suggest some great direct waterfront vacant properties at great prices.

MLS#1828192  Arbutus Lake, Traverse City. 110 feet private frontage and 1/2 acre parcel.  Located on lake #1 (quiet lake) and  adjoining channel to lake #2 (all sports) you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.  $164,900.

MLS#1816020  Green Lake, Antrim County. 600 ft. of private frontage with 7.2 acres of privacy.  Located in Three Lakes Club in Antrim County - a gated community of  high end homes and extraordinary privacy and beauty.  $79,900.

MLS#1827287 Squaw Lake, Blue Lake Township, Kalkaska County.  165 ft. of private frontage and 3/4 of an acre on quiet clean clear lake with no public access and awesome new homes being built.  $49,900.

MLS#1821648   Lake Gitchegumee, Buckley. 4 on water direct private frontage and 4 off water shared frontage building sites.  Quiet area short drive south of Traverse City.  $24,900 and $11,900 respectively.