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

Fall In Love with Lake Ann

Photo by Heather Higham

It's almost fall in our little village of Lake Ann, Michigan!

I think of Lake Ann as one of the best kept secrets, because lakefront and off water homes tend to be a bit more affordable than the surrounding lake communities. Taxes are definitely more palatable than our neighboring Grand Traverse County, and yes, we are centrally located and well positioned for accessing the surrounding area's greatest features. 

There are many hiking and biking trails, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, beaches for swimming, fishing and boating, all at your fingertips within and around beautiful Lake Ann. Opportunities for fun don't end with the summer season. Hiking and biking trails are at their most spectacular in the autumn, when the trees put on their fireworks show to send us into winter. When the snow flies there are groomed snowmobile trails essentially in "the backyard" of the village, and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is just a short drive down the road. There is four-season fishing for perch, lake trout, smelt, whitefish, and rainbows, and bass within reach of Lake Ann. And those rivers, the Betsie and Platte, they are beckoning you home.

So plan your next day trip to this welcoming community of Lake Ann. While you're here, check out this amazing home with sunrises lifting above the meadow spotlighting this home and a breathtaking sunset view across Lake View Lake. Not to mention the outstanding features of this custom built home.

Don't forget to stop by the Lake Ann Brewery or Stone Oven for a sip or nibble while you're in the area. Happy Trails!  ~Vince Edwards - 231.715.9037~

Platte River Relaxation

The Platte River flows gently with easy gradual meanders. As you head down the river at US Highway 31/County Road 669 you will pass through the village of Honor, and many other welcoming points enroute to your destination, which may be a sandy beach on Lake Michigan with a beautiful picnic area and modern facilities. This area of the Platte is considered the Lower Platte River, and once you enter the river, you will soon arrive at this cute little log home in the woods, upon a hill crest with an expansive 3.5 acres and 300' of river frontage.  The welcoming ambiance will make you feel at home with our Up North family-friendly lifestyle you have always envisioned.

More about the river though; on average, the river depth is between 2-3 feet with a few holes that are deeper. (This year the average is 3-5 ft with above average water levels in Lake Michigan.) This is a great river for day trips, fishing, or just relaxing as you take in all the amazing vistas.  I often say, from this point of entry, it's your gateway waters to Lake Michigan, without having to pay all the higher taxes that a typical home or property on the 'big lake' would entail.  The Platte River is truly for all ages and abilities. As always, life preservers are recommended with the mantra "safety first and always". Trip time from this sweet little cabin can take from an hour to several hours depending on your goal, but the time is definitely well-spent. You will get out of the river well before it empties into Lake Michigan. This is where your car is parked waiting for you.

So come on, what are you waiting for?? You just have to check out this river cabin and property, because at this reduced price, it won't last long, and your name belongs on the mailbox.

Link to listing: Deer Valley Lane

Lovely Lake Ann

Lovely Lake Ann

from Vince Edwards, REALTOR®

I have lived in the village of Lake Ann for almost three decades and have watched this little engine of a village grow and evolve into a pristine and stately place to call home.  We don’t have the big box stores, but we have much better things, such as:

The Lake Ann Brewery with expanded summer hours Tuesday-Saturday with live music on the outdoor patio coupled with a new outdoor bar to serve you better.  Live Music on the outdoor patio begins at 6:30pm Tuesday-Thursday, and 7pm on Friday and Saturday nights.  If you want a lawn experience, just bring your blanket and sit a spell as the entertainment allows you to escape the memories of a frightful day.  Bring the kids too, as this is a youngster-friendly atmosphere.  They will no doubt make new friends as they run through the sprinkler and play games with the other kiddos.

The The Stone Oven is just a stone's throw away next door, where you can place an order, and they will buzz you at the brewery when it's ready. All you do is walk up to the window and fetch your eats.  Their food is amazing, with daily specials, burgers, pizza, and so much more, all at affordable prices.

Corner Cone is right next door on the south side.  You will fall in love with their ice cream, or if you want some lighter supper fare, then try a hot dog or pulled pork, among other delicious options.

And, last but not least, the L.A. Grocery, where their motto is "If we don't have it, you don't need it".  Get the hint....? They have a little bit of everything, and it's like stepping into the past as you wander through the old fashioned general store.

Lake Ann has also blossomed into a satellite community for Traverse City, and while our inventory of homes is low, I believe we have one with your name on it.  The next time you’re in L.A. check out this beautiful custom home located just outside the village of Lake Ann with private frontage on spring-fed Lake View Lake. On two acres of land and situated on a hill, enjoy sunrises over an adjacent farmland meadow, and sunsets overlooking the lake. The craftsmanship and care that has gone into this home is evident; it shows like new. Loaded with gorgeous woodwork throughout and a tasteful color scheme, the open floor plan with bamboo floors, Corian kitchen surfaces, tons of counter space and cabinetry, and abundant natural light create a comfortable and inviting setting for entertaining or just relaxing with family. You'll have your own up north lake house ambiance with the finished walkout lower level family room with a wet bar for entertaining, a cozy fireplace to settle in next to with a favorite book, a library/den for board games with family and friends, and a craft/sewing room for a quiet spot to engage your creativity. Natural gas forced air heat and AC ensures your comfort year-round. Sizable bedrooms are on both the upper and lower level, coupled with a total of three large baths. Outdoors you'll find a deck spanning one full length of the home, with a hot tub for a relaxing soak. Underground irrigation keeps the lovely landscaping looking lush and green, and the flowering perennials blooming.

Come on out and find out what the rest of us have known for years: Lake Ann is a diamond in the rough.