Add 6 inches of snow some fog and a little rain....

WHAT DO YOU GET WITH THAT RECIPE?

Easy, it's the driving to airport to pick up a relative on Christmas Eve Adventure.

We are having a winter to beat all winters. All the oldtimers around here are telling me this is the WORST winter in 30 years.

A-Ha. First text message for the day. Relative has completed first part of journey. She made it from St. Louis to Chicago and is hanging out at the gate waiting to board for Traverse City, Michigan.
My husband and I will put the pedal to metal as soon as she is in flight. We are 50 miles from the airport and conditions are getting worse. Husband Tom worked from 8 AM to 10 PM last night delivering propane. He was able to kill 3 hours yesterday trying to get unstuck in someone's driveway off River Road. Unfortunately, part of that time was spent trying to get the wrecker unstuck that came to rescue him....a great story we will entertain our daughter with later on.
Tom is out making deliveries as I sit here typing and anticipating the adventures the day will bring...and the delights of having company....wondering if the Paula Deen recipe for lotsa meat Lasagna I made for tonight's dinner will be any good.
Oh and the really good news is that real estate deals are still being made. Heard from 2 sources yesterday, moving forward and making offers. One is on Lake Michigan frontage. Life is good, despite the weather. Happy Holidays to all. Oops. A phone call, flight from Chicago to TC has been delayed 30-40 minutes as they wait for a flight crew coming in on another flight. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Not More Snow!!!

Living & Loving it - More coming

Here's my confession.

I'm a bit nervous driving in all this snow.

Without a doubt, not a great asset when your are real estate agent. However, I'm much improved.

I used to live in Oakland County and have been hit a few times. My worst accident occurred in front of the Palace of Auburn Hills where the Pistons used to play.....Someone ended up going the wrong way in my lane and we hit dead-on at 50 miles an hour. Not my fault - but it was a snowy morning. And we both survived (I LOVE my SUVs).

Yes, it does seem to be a bit snowier in northern Michigan.

HERE'S the difference. Not a lot of traffic and people are extremely FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL. The plows are OUT, PLOWING AND SANDING.

I'm a much better driver up here than "down there" around Detroit....even my husband's says so - which basically says it all.

Let's face it. The scenery is 100 times better up here as well. So take your time, enjoy the snow and be extra careful.

This Developer Knows How to Build Steps

Isn't this the Dream?

And a comfortable walk to goal..........

Affordable.

This site condo development in the northern part of Manistee County offers an example of how to please home owners. They have spared no expense in building a superior and charming stairway to the beach.

In addition each lot in this development is 1 acre with trees. Prices start at $198,000 a lot. http://www.pierportshores.com/ is just south of http://www.arcadiabluffs.com/ Easy drive from Frankfort or Onekama. Call me for more details.

Nightmare on Main Street - Is this your House?

OUCH!
As a Realtor, I cringe when I see this. I know the owner is either trying to save some money by marketing their own home or they were unable to sell their house through a real estate agent.
Any way you slice it, they are at ROCK BOTTOM and discouraged.
Their chances of selling on their own are not as great as selling through a real estate agent. Don't let this happen to you. Doctors and lawyers are professionals and they generally don't treat or service family members. Makes sense. Applies to real estate transactions as well. Difficult to divorce yourself emotionally from the problem, especially when it involves money. Let us continue to help you sell your house.

A Run Down Cottage on Lake Michigan

One for everyone! Sadly, it's just not the case. I must get a couple of calls a week from new prospects who desire a "little fixer upper" on the shores of Lake Michigan. Or the newest request is "Do you have any foreclosures on the Lake?" Not only was it NOT the case a few years ago, it still seems to be NOT the case today.

But wait!!! Before you go away disappointed and upset, the sales we have seen over the past 12 months definitely indicate there are a larger number of sellers willing to negotiate. The key to your success in finding one of these is to work with a Realtor who knows the local market.

http://www.lakeviewlots4sale.com/ or http://www.pierportshores.com/ has some great lots for sale if you interested in building.

A good agent with a strong website has a link to interesting things around the area, such as

http://www.letmelook4u.com/ or http://www.cbalm.com/