All Blog Posts Tagged 'Northern' (53)

A different year, a different real estate market.  If you're seriously considering purchasing a new or second home in Northern Michigan in 2013, it's time to hit the reset button.  The market is changing and so should your ideas about how to shop for a home.

What's Changed?

In most areas in Northern Michigan prices are rising and the number of  the most desirable homes on the market are decreasing. Last year saw the healthiest market in five years. The average sales…

It's one of those annoyingly consistent and ignored pieces of financial advice universal among professional investment advisers -- "don't try to time the market." They are usually discussing the stock market. Nevertheless, most of us hear that voice rattling in our heads when we look at our largest single financial commitment (outside of kids) -- buying and selling real estate.

Ironically, if the last real estate downturn taught us anything, it was "timing IS…

Christmas is coming early for area home buyers and sellers

Michigan first time homebuyers (any state resident who has not owned a home for at least three years) can soon qualify for a grant for up to $3,000 toward the purchase of a principal residence, $5,000 for active military and veterans. There are no income limits nor restrictions on the purchase price of the home. The grant just cannot exceed 25% of the purchase price. (Since there aren't a whole lot of desirable $20,000…

Let's be honest, the annual farewell to summer is no easy feat. Suddenly smothered with back-to-school specials, last winter's jeans, and the occasional Christmas advertisement, the fall season's got a lot going on. But in Northern Michigan, that first glowing leaf welcomes a whole slew of festive fair. From the plentiful orchards to winding nature trails, these few months are favorites…

After the sweltering heat of summer it is always nice when that first crisp breeze blows through the trees signaling the change of the seasons. And as the 70’s fade into 60’s, then 50’s, Northern Michiganders happily don chunky sweaters and leather boots. But the best way to celebrate this wonderful time of year is to take advantage of all the wonderful things Northern Michigan has to offer. Here are ten events not to miss:

1. Boo-tiful Boyne Mountain – Who…

It has been hot out. Almost too hot. I've found that the only way to avoid heat stroke is to either lock myself up in an AC-filled room or cool off in Northern Michigan's many waterways of fun. The latter being the preferred choice, I just found a new spot to enjoy some refreshing outside fun in Northern Michigan--a kayak trip down Betsie River in Benzonia with Vacation Trailer Park.…

On Thursday, June 21^st, I went on an adventure. No, not the kind you see on the big screen, but the natural kind. The kind with, instead of guns, explosions, or old men in cowboy hats, there is fresh air, family, and greenery spread all around you. This is the definition of the Sleeping Bear…

I just returned from one of my favorite work days of all time--I was lucky enough to see a cooking demonstration given by Chef Mario Batali himself at Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, MI, and give a video interview with him on behalf of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine and MyNorth Media. Awesome. Seriously awesome.…

When designing an outdoor kitchen, there are many elements to be considered and incorporated.

A shade or roof structure can extend the season of use of an outdoor kitchen by protecting the user from the elements and making the grilling experience more comfortable.

Proper task…

Last Saturday evening I attended the LPVA Small Plates Event. Put on by the Leelenau Peninsula Vintner's Association (LPVA), this event dedicated the evening to three seatings at eight Leelanau Peninsula wineries, each providing guests with a full glass of wine paired with a chef-prepared and substantially…

Good morning all!

Father's Day is approaching very quickly and I was wondering what the most unique Father's Day gift ideas are out there.

I have brought on a new line of outdoor kitchen and garage cabinetry by Challenger Cabinets. http://www.challengercabinets.com 

This line of cabinetry is quite unique as you do not have to purchase all of the cabinets at once making this an affordable gift idea that would…

Can Northern Michigan get any better than this past weekend? Personally, I would say no. The weather was perfect for boating, beach and barbecue. Speaking of barbecue, I have brought on a new line of outdoor kitchen and garage cabinets by Challenger Cabinets. If you're thinking of updating your patio or garage, these cabinets are the way to go. I brought on this line due to the durability, look and cost. This fits into anyone's budget. Please check out this line at:…

If you want to see a REALTOR wince, tell him you have a late 60's early 70's home to sell that "might need a little updating."  Why? Let me count the ways:

            First, "a little updating" in this era can mean things such as "green shag carpets", orange patterned kitchen vinyl flooring and…

No matter how slowly they are going, never ever call a runner a jogger. We take it very personally. In fact, going slowly can be made into a good thing- we're just "pacing" ourselves for the obviously forthcoming burst of blinding speed at the end of the race. Maybe.  

I was definitely "pacing" myself last week, while on a training run down Peninsula Drive. In just six short days, my roommate Taylor and I will be competing in the Bayshore Marathon 10k. Held on the Saturday of…

Recently our local papers began trumpeting the "sudden" rise in sales activity in the local real estate market  (Regional Home Sales Jump in Feb. ) and some are wondering if this is just a patch of fair weather that brought out the optimists or if a trend may be taking shape.  Were I a betting man I would say it was the latter not the former. Here's why:

1. Mortgage rates are…

Last week, my boyfriend said he saw a robin. I was informed last year, after my first (and very long and very white) winter, that such a spotting is a sure sign of Spring. Yet I was hesitant that perhaps even the smart robins had been tricked, just as the poor confused squirrels were all winter long- frequently seen darting out during teasing thaws when barely any snow remained, then rushing back to their homes when the snow fell. (I may have exhibited similar behavior, hence my empathy.)…

I live on Boardman Lake in Traverse City.  A pretty lucky spot for a 24 year old that was used to the tiny-apartment/ expensive-rent that is inherent in city living. Of course San Diego does boast gorgeous beach houses, but they were somehow out of my college budget the four years I lived there.

Arriving in…