The River Calls You Home

Photo by Howard Meyerson

Is the river calling you home?  Since I’ve been a REALTOR®, one thing that I’ve become accustomed to is how pristine and unique our northern Michigan rivers are.  The sounds of the flowing water, filtered by sand and gravel, loaded with amazing fish species, coupled with the ability to swim, fish, kayak or just sit a spell and watch the river meander by, makes river life second to none.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out some of our amazing rivers, like the Betsie River, located in Thompsonville, I encourage you give me a call and we'll take a drive and walk this amazing property that I have listed.  Any time I visit the beautiful vistas from the river’s edge, I always encounter some of mother nature’s best, like White Tailed Deer, a variety of birds, such as grouse, turkey, and the occasional Bald Eagle.

Location speaks volumes when searching for and purchasing vacant land, and the location of this parcel off Wallin Rd, is second to none, as you are close to Crystal Mountain, Lake Michigan, and the nearby communities of Thompsonville, Honor, Beulah, and within a 15 minute drive of Interlochen, plus Traverse City not too much beyond.  So don’t be shy, give this river life a try by experiencing the heart of Up North, right here in beautiful Benzie county, on the banks of the Betsie River.

Click to view listings

Vince Edwards~231-715-9037

Intimate Interlochen

Are you in the market for a home in close proximity to Traverse City, but want to be removed from the hustle and bustle of city life?  Consider Interlochen, home of the world-renowned Interlochen Arts Academy on beautiful Green Lake. This small community has a surprising number of amenities, thanks in part to the music camp. The farmers' market is laid-back and full of friendly folks, and there is a terrific quilt shop, miniature golf, large grocery store, library, community composting program, cafe and ice cream destination: Bud's, and locally famous restaurants the Hofbrau and Maddy's Tavern (named after the founder of the Academy).

Interlochen is home to great fishing on Green, Duck, Cedar Hedge Lakes, as well as private Round Lake, which can only be accessed and fished as a homeowner, and there are only six homes on the Lake.  In fact, we have a home that that will grant you that exclusive right, and we would love to buy you a cup of coffee and a donut at Bud’s, and let you have a look at it.

The craftsmanship in this custom home speaks volumes. The location is less than five minutes to Interlochen and 15 minutes to Traverse City, in a one-of-kind development with an idyllic park-like setting. Round Lake is spring-fed and home to some of the best pan-fish angling in the area: perch, bass, bluegill, pike, and more.

If you work in Traverse City, it’s an easy drive to Interlochen, allowing you to unwind from the busyness of your day.   This comfortable home has an inviting setting for entertaining friends and family, with a wide open floor plan, master suites both up and down, and tons of natural light.  Enjoy the multi-level decking to the lake where you can fish, kayak or even hike the large tract of State Forest just steps away. This home is set back on a very private large lake parcel, with over an acre of gorgeous serene woods. You definitely feel like you've gotten away from it all when sitting out on the deck with a beverage or taking a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

See more photos here.

Turn-key, Furnished, Top Floor View of East Bay!

1941 US-31 N Unit #55

Traverse City, MI  49686

$399,000

Enjoy this turn-key, furnished, top floor condominium with sweeping views of East Bay! This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom space is not far from the TART trail and just down the road from Traverse City State Park. The kitchen includes high-end appliances, custom cabinets, granite countertops, and even a pantry! Cozy up next to the gas fireplace on those chilly Michigan summer nights or relax in the hot tub next to the pool.

Sip your morning coffee (or afternoon drink) on the spacious deck and watch the boats sail by, or chill out by the pool/hot tub next to the Bay!

Peninsula Bay Condominiums offer many amenities such as key card access, elevator, heated pool, hot tub, heated sidewalks, grill area, and a common room on the 3rd floor with bathroom, lounge area, & spectacular views of East Bay!  

This unit has a great rental history and can rent for as much as $2,850 per week in the summer. Schedule a showing today and fall in love with the location, the views, and the space!

Click here for more information. 

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Blake Bernard - 231.714.4787 - blake@homewaters.net

Top 3 Leelanau Waterfront Properties - January Edition

Top 3 Leelanau Waterfront Properties

January 2017

Leelanau County has some pretty amazing properties for sale. Some are spectacular based on their value and view, and some are just plain incredible. See for yourself below... but don't blame us if you happen to find your dream home --- actually, we don't mind if you do! We love to help people... and we think we're pretty good at it.

Check back every month for Leelanau County's "Top 3 Waterfront Homes For Sale"

785 S Wagon Wheel Drive

Northport, MI  49670

$6,500,000

  

Sitting on 183' of Lake Michigan shoreline, this home features not only a private marina but a boathouse and a guest house. You need to see the rest. You won't regret it! (Property listed by Century 21 Northland - Meagan Luce)

Have questions? Contact Blake here.

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2893 N. Lake Leelanau Drive

Lake Leelanau, MI  49653

$1,150,000

Nestled onto 150' of North Lake Leelanau frontage, this remodeled cottage was revived of its original character and charm back in 2012. Take a look at the added kitchen and dining room here. Can you say "cozy"? (Property listed by Coldwell Banker Schmidt Glen Arbor - Mark and Peter Fisher)

Have questions? Contact Blake here.

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9476 SW Bayshore

Traverse City, MI  49684

$495,000

This Civil War era house has all the space and waterfront you need. It needs some TLC...  but did you see the price? Look at all that's included --  a barn, a garage, gardens upon gardens and 400+ feet of beach frontage is all there waiting for you to make it your own! (Property listed by Real Estate One Randolph - Jack Lane)

Blake Bernard - 231.714.4787 - blake@homewaters.net

Own a Piece of Paradise in Grand Traverse County!

MLS#1821498, 9514 S M-37  53 acre country estate with an estimated 2,000 feet of frontage on Fish Lake. This log sided home is 3,400 sq. ft. with attached garage, 3 BR, 2.5 B, spectacular views on all levels of your waterfront,  and a fabulous Kitchen with open living area to entertain to your hearts content.  Custom touches throughout the home including radiant floor heat, large open spaces on two floors, bonus loft on the 3rd level.  

Changing views throughout the seasons make this an exceptional week-end getaway or a year around home.  Only two other homes on the lake.

In today's world, how awesome to arrive home to tranquility where your cares and stresses of the day seem to just evaporate.

As you arrive to your property, you will drive through towering hardwoods and pines which is home to abundant wildlife. The 40 x 80 pole building and cedar garden house sit away from the home along the drive. The drive continues to a bridge taking to your island paradise with 360 degree water views.

12th Annual Traverse City Film Festival - Just Great Movies!

Next Tuesday, July 26th begins the 12th Annual Traverse City Film Festival.  If you are visiting the area, viewing one of the featured films is a must see.

The festival was founded by Academy Award-winning director, Michael Moore, who makes his home here, runs the festival, and serves as president of the board of directors. Films are shown at ten venues: State Theatre, Old Town Playhouse, Lars Hockstad Auditorium, City Opera House, Milliken Auditorium, Bijou by the Bay, The Buzz, Dutmers Theater, Movies on a Boat, and the Open Space Park Outdoor Cinema on the waterfront.

If you're looking for more family-friendly events, bring your kids to a 9:30 a.m. movie at the Lars Hockstad Auditorium (located in Central Grade School) from Wednesday, July 27th to Saturday, July 30th for only $1! Afterward you can venture out onto the front lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for games, arts and crafts, performances, bubbles, sports, food, giveaways, and much more.  Click here for more information on Kids Fest.

Films shown at the Open Space Park Outdoor Cinema are free to the public but make sure you bring your blankets and chairs to set up camp before the movie.  Different vendors are available for your popcorn and pretzel fixes before and during the movie. Here is the list of movies being shown at the Open Space this year. 

Please visit www.traversecityfilmfestival.org for more information. We'll see you there!

Downtown Traverse City Real Estate Checklist

Downtown Traverse City Real Estate Checklist

In the heart of Downtown Traverse City? Check.

The charm and craftsmanship of a historical house? Got it.

The updates and efficiencies that you’re looking for? Now you’re talking…

This historic home has only been owned by two families. It features custom built-ins, trim work, kitchen cabinets, and many other details that have been meticulously constructed by the owner and master woodworker. It boasts a remodeled kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom, updated electrical, beautiful new landscaping with underground sprinklers, new roof, water heater, and more!

Imagine being able to walk to the Sara Hardy Farmer’s Market during the summer. This is only a short walk to Front Street, the Boardman River, and West Bay. Oryana Natural Foods is only three blocks away, and Boardman Lake, City Opera House, Old Town Playhouse, the TART trail, and playgrounds at St. Francis are very closely within reach.

Have I convinced you yet?

Click here for more information and to view the listing.  Thank you.

Blake Bernard - 231.714.4787 - blake@homewaters.net

How would you describe the perfect TC home?

Someone recently asked me - "How would you describe the perfect Traverse City Home?" 

My response was lengthy.  

To me, the perfect TC house has great historical character with modern updates, is walking distance to downtown on a lot with great privacy, has adequate living/sleeping space, storage space, and entertaining space, and has water frontage and views.  This is a very specific description, and to find waterfront in downtown Traverse City while being walking distance to downtown is extremely difficult outside of condo living.  

406 Fifth Street has it all!  It is unbelievable to me how unique and, in many ways perfect, this house is for the downtown Traverse City home buyer.  As much as I am proud of my listing presentation of pictures and descriptions, this property is one that needs to be seen in person to truly understand and appreciate.  

The lot, for its location, is HUGE.  The home is constructed on the West edge of the property, so the lot feels even bigger because of that.  Beautiful tiered landscaping and old growth trees canopy the borders of the property, giving a great sense of privacy without seeing the surrounding houses and buildings.  Plus, this lot can be split!

Is it priced right?  The sellers recently dropped the price from $799k to $749k, and they've also rented the carriage house - yes, it has a carriage house!  

This fully independent living space with kitchen, full bathroom, and loft space is one of only 10 approved ADU's in downtown TC!  Its a lovely space with its own outdoor patio and windows throughout overlooking Kids Creek, which winds its way through the backyard.  The carriage house rents for $1,000 per month!  

Priced at $749K - apply the rental income applied to a mortgage payment, and this would make the payment equal to that of a house in the $5-600K range.  Plus, the lot can be split, and has an estimated value of $100-$150K.  

To me, this is the perfect TC home.  Now, I ask you - what's your idea of the perfect downtown Traverse City home?

Click for more info about 406 Fifth Street, Traverse City.