How is your December going? Are you busy with the holiday rush? Let’s remember to stop and enjoy the season of giving a bit. Why not try changing a few things this holiday to help someone out. Giving up something might be a way to give to someone. A few years ago I gave up sending holiday cards. I use that time and money savings to do a few nice things in the community. I actually feel better about the giving of my time for that purpose as well. Writing holiday cards always seemed stressful and too time consuming. It wasn’t enjoyable for me. I know some of you may love doing it, but I am not that person.
What can you change to be someone’s giving elf this year? It could be as simple as making cookies for a neighbor, or taking someone their mail on a nasty day. Look around you and see who or what you can do to be a giver of a different kind of gift this season – the gift of kindness is always warm and welcome.
Happy season of giving to all of you! Warm your Heart and Home with Love and Laughter.
The mighty Muskegon is how people refer to it around here. We took our boat on a cruise of the Muskegon River on Sunday. We put it in at the River Landings Resort and had a four hour cruise on the Hardy Dam Pond. Beautiful water, beautiful scenery and just a beautiful day all around. It was such a relaxing day and the sights were amazing. There were so many carp jumping, it was as though the water was boiling. The swans were beautiful swimming and splashing about. There were about ten turtles perched on a log. And, although the water is still cold, we saw one wakeboarder – a diehard to be sure. What a beautiful place to consider living or a vacation property. I will have to explore more on the Mighty Muskegon!
The Canadian Lakes Garden Club met for their annual spring brunch on Wednesday. The Inn at the Rustic Gate hosted the event for the ladies. The Inn is a historic farmhome that has been transformed to a lovely Bed and Breakfast Inn and worked perfect for our smaller group. The brunch was delicious and nicely presented family style on the old mission style farm table that sat the entire group! The Canadian Lakes Garden Club talked about their upcoming garden season, future event speakers, and the changes for the gardens around Canadian Lakes in 2013. It sounds like the Garden Club year will be fun and we are all looking forward to it.
OK all you winter warriors. This is the time of year when lakes are starting to think of spring coming. And, because of that, they are planning many winter lake activities to enjoy the ice before it melts. So, all you winter warriors know that there are two really great ice happenings this weekend. Horsehead Lake will be having their annual winterfest on the ice. There will be a live band, dancing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other things to do around the lake on Saturday. Chippewa Lake is having their annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics. Chippewa Lake also hosts ice racing on the weekends. Want to know more about these events, contact me for information. So, come on out to the lakes and have fun with all the winter warriors! You will have a great time.
The Canadian Lakes Housing Market is starting out strong. In the past three months inventory is down 7% and sales are up 12.5%, and prices have gone up a bit as well. That is a great trend. We still have a nice selection of inventory with about 50/50 waterfront to non-waterfront. The homes that sold in December were averaging a $186,750 sales price. Not bad for the Canadian Lakes Housing Market which has a $198,000 average list price on current market homes.
Get in on the action in 2013 with low interest rates still favorable for the buyer. This is a good time to capture a good buy while prices remaining stable. Before long we should see prices starting to creep up, so get a good deal now!
Here’s hoping you all had a Happy New Year! Let’s celebrate in 2013 with all our family and friends throughout the year. A great way to be with family and friends all year long is with a vacation home. Why not consider Canadian Lakes your destination for that wonderful gathering place. Click below to see what is for sale in Canadian Lakes Housing Market…
Fall is a great time for home buying. The weather is still nice most of the time and the kids are in school. It’s a nice time for home buying trips to look at fall colors. Retired people are also slowing down in the fall as the kids are busy with their families this time of year. Fall home buying is a great time to invest in a property. Prices are lower than in the summer and you still have time to get into a new home before the winter holiday season. So if you are thinking of a fall home buying trip, let me help you with your shopping. I can set up homes for viewing and walk you through the home buying process. Let this fall be your time for home buying. Come and see our great inventory today. Click here for more information on fall home buying.
The keys to a new home may very well be had through remodeling. Is your home currently on the market? Well, if you are wanting to sell quickly, the best bet is having a home that has been updated. Another sale this week and the key to this new home was a remodeled kitchen. We looked at seven homes, and the buyers decision was based mostly on the fact that the home had been completely remodeled. The home was all new inside – floors, paints, bathrooms as well as a kitchen upgrade with new cabinets and new stainless steel appliances. The location was a secondary choice to the renovations. The past few sales I have had also ended with a similar result, making it clear that the key to a new home for buyer’s is as new an interior as they can get.
What is your number one priority when looking at a new home? Let me know – I’m curious if this is a trend. I would appreciate hearing from you.
It’s official – the time for school has come. While parents are proud to see their little ones going off to new and exciting school days, somewhere deep down they are thinking, whew – summer was hectic and I’m glad it’s over. Time for school can mean more time for parents to do parent things. Time for school can also be a time for parents to reflect on the summer past and wonder what would make it more relaxing. Have you thought about a summer cottage? It could be just the thing to bring the family together and help you relax while having fun. There are still plenty of warm sunny days to explore homes for sale. So while your little one is spending time in school, do a little parent shopping. I can help you find that perfect summer home – and make your next summer an unforgetable one.
Labor Day at the Lakes is here this weekend. Wow – I cannot believe this summer is about over. We had a great July in Canadian Lakes with plenty of wonderful weather. August has felt a bit like September but we cannot complain about this past week. I have had the opportunity to get in a bit of golf this summer as well – which has been nice. Even thought people will be winding down the cottage season as Labor Day at the Lakes approaches, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the summer season through September. The lakes will be full of activity through September and some of October. So, enjoy your Labor Day at the Lakes! If you get a chance to look at homes, we still have a great selection. See what owing a home on the lakes is all about. Click the icon for more information on great lake homes.
CLICK PHOTO FOR HOMES IN AND AROUND THE CANADIAN LAKES, MICHICAN AREA.
House Hunters are out and about looking to buy. What are they looking for? Well, I just sold two and both did not decide based on location, location, location. While the location of both were good enough for my house hunters, the location was not optimum. Price you say? No not really, my house hunters both chose homes with an asking price higher than desired. What are today’s house hunters looking for the most – AMENITIES! Yes, that’s right – amenities won out with my last two house hunters. They gave up location and price to have a home that had “newer amenities” – updated kitchens, baths, paints, flooring, etc. Listen up seller’s – price your home accordingly!
Shopping for homes – click photo for our gallery of homes —
Kathleen Adams, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Lakes Realty 