Success With Sonya

Elk Lake is located in Clement Township within Gladwin County in Gladwin, Michigan.  The lake is approximately 65 acres and its maximum depth is reported as 47′.  Elk Lake is an all sports lake popular for relaxing pontoon or paddle boat rides but jet skiing and water skiing are not uncommon sights.  With state land to the west of the lake the scenery is beautiful and calming and birds and wildlife are common visitors to the lake.  With ORV’s legal to ride the edge of many Gladwin County roads getting around the county is now even more enjoyable!  While in the area of Elk Lake you would want to visit the Elk Lake Bar and The Camp bar and restaurant for my favorite dish the portabella mushroom burger!  The same plaza contains Two Scoops ice cream store and a hardware.  A large gas station/convenience store is nearby.  Elk Lake is not far from the town of Gladwin or the town of West Branch where you can find a large outlet mall called Tanger Factory Outlet.

Currently the Clare/Gladwin MLS utilized by the Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors is showing 2 active listings on Elk Lake and listed for $67,900 and $118,000.  Clement Township where Elk Lake is located contains 45 active listings.  For detailed info about available Elk Lake listings contact Sonya Loose, Associate Broker with Red Carpet Keim Real Estate in Gladwin at sonya@sonyaloose.com or 989-429-2600.

Gladwin County is located in rural Northern Michigan and is conveniently located within 3 hours of Detroit and 2-2.5 hours from Flint and Lansing making it easy to come “Up North” for the weekend.  But, we encourage you to stay longer, and after you visit this area you will want to spend much more time here!  An area that is popular for its scenic lakes (including Wixom Lake & Secord Lake), plentiful state land, quaint parks, Amish communities and down town shopping.  Gladwin County is primarily a second home/resort community.  We have real estate to accommodate every buyer from very affordable cabins to luxurious homes.  As a life long resident of Gladwin County I know the area well and I know the market even better!

                                      $67,000                                $238,000

                   Quaint River Front Cottage         Custom Built Contemporary

                          on Cedar River                        just outside of Gladwin city

The Real Estate market in this area, along with most areas of Michigan, remains challenging.  We have seen home values declining, a stagnant economy and even a lack of qualified buyers since loan approval criteria has become more restrictive.  However, if you are looking to buy your first home, or your vacation home it is a fabulous time to buy!  Interest rates are phenomenal for qualified buyers, there is a lot of inventory to choose from and homes are more affordable then they have been in years!  For home buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years there is even an up to $8,000 tax credit to take advantage off.

Here is the latest market update for Gladwin and Clare County, Michigan which include the areas of Beaverton, Gladwin, Harrison, Clare, Rhodes, Bentley, Wixom Lake and Secord Lake.

The Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors currently has 1,117 homes for sale through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and 156 of those were new to the market in May 2009.  The average asking price of the homes currently on the market is $128,882 and the average days on market for those homes has been 303 days.

During the month of May we saw 38 Clare and Gladwin County homes sell/close.  This is down 2 sales from April. The average asking price was $63,472.  The average sales price was $57,241 and the average days on market for these homes was 312 days.  The sellers received an average of 90% of their asking price.

We saw 55 homes expire from the market in May.  The main reason homes don’t sell during their listing period is they were priced incorrectly for the market and/or condition of the home.  In challenging buyers market periods it is imperative that a listing be priced as competitively as possible for its condition in order to have a chance of selling. To learn more about why homes typically expire and what you can do to avoid that fate click here.

    3280 Pinehurst, Gladwin, MI     1432 Fairfield Way, Gladwin, MI        2214 River Ridge, Gladwin

           Secord Lake                            Sugar Springs                Secord Lake

              $109,900                                $159,900                     $189,900

 If you’re thinking about selling your home, one very important fact to know about your market is the Absorption Rate.  The Absorption Rate will tell you how long it will take for the current inventory of homes in Gladwin and Clare, MI to be absorbed by the market if no other homes come on the market.  The absorption rate for April 2009 was 2.44 YEARS!  If you want your home sold, you need to know this number to help you price your home accordingly.

Are you thinking about making Gladwin or Clare County, Michigan your new home?  Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven?  Contact me today and lets gets started!  I know area very well and I know the market even better!  You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com  or visit my website at www.BuyorSellWithSonya.com .

1. FOR THE WATER SPORTS!  A public lake access makes it easy put your watercraft in the lake. You can wake board, water ski, jet ski, swim, dive, tube, etc. It’s the perfect place for the summer/water lover.

2. TO MEET NEW PEOPLE! Lake George, Michigan, is the perfect place to meet friends. Everyone there is friendly and with the slower summer pace there’s always time to get together, chat and get better acquainted.

3. THE SMALL TOWN NIGHT LIFE!  There’s a great bar right in town; Swiss Inn Bar.   They offer late night Karaoke and if you like pizza, you’ll love theirs!

4. THE RELAXING AND CLEAN EVIRONMENT! Pride of ownership is evident among year round residents and cottage owners alike.  The area of Lake George is pleasant and inviting!
5. FOR THE ME TIME! If you need to just get away and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing weekend this is the place to do it. The lake is right by your side for a cool refreshing dip when the summer weather gets too hot!

6. TO CELEBRATE SUMMER HOLIDAYS!  Lake George is the place! Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer in this area and I can’t think of a better place to be then amongst others who are looking forward to a fun, relaxing weekend and the long lazy days of summer ahead. Fourth of July is perfect to celebrate here. The fireworks display is quite a show with each side of the lake setting off fireworks to see who can put on a better show. It’s absolutely amazing to take the boat out into the lake, anchor it, and watch the fireworks explode into the July sky! Lake George can be busy on these two holidays!

Lake George is located in the north-central portion of Lower Michigan in the heart of Clare County, in what locals call the “Lakes Section.” It’s conveniently near the junction of the U.S. Highways 10 & 27. This small community began as a lumber town in 1880 and is situated between two lakes, Lake George to the south and Shingle Lake to the north.

The area grew as a result of being a stop on the Toledo, Ann Arbor and Northern Railroad, however, it never incorporated as a village or city, but remains under the jurisdiction of the Township.Today, the Lake George area is a heavily developed and popular resort area with a park located at each lake, and many cottages and homes surrounding the two bodies of water. Altogether there are 19 lakes within a ten-mile radius of Lake George, and also The Muskegon River, Middle Branch River and Chippewa River are nearby. The lakes provide fishing, boating, swimming, water skiing and all types of water sports, while the rivers are popular for canoeing, tubing and fishing. Lake George is also near golf courses, snowmobile trails and ski areas, and The Rails to Trails runs right through the Lake George area. Lake George is approximately an hour and a half from Grand Rapids and two and half-hours from Kalamazoo making it a convenient weekend destination!

There are currently 24 active listings ranging in price from $29,900 to $224,900.  There are homes and cottages in Lake George to accomodate every budget!  To learn more about the area or to view available real estate please contact Sonya Loose, Associate Broker, ABR, GRI with Red Carpet Keim Real Estate.  She can be reached at 989-429-2600 or by email at sonya@sonyaloose.com.

I read an article in the Midland Daily News online version that was such good news for Michigan that I just had to share.  When jobs are created it is good news for all sectors of our economy.  It is about to dawn a new beginning in Michigan….we needed some good news!!!

LANSING — The Dow Chemical Co. will play a role in an emerging lithium battery industry that could revolutionize vehicles and help reshape Michigan’s economy.

    KD Advanced Battery Group plans to build and operate a $665 million manufacturing facility to produce lithium polymer batteries in Michigan. The 800,000-square-foot facility will create about 885 new jobs and serve electric and hybrid vehicle markets.

    Company leaders are looking in the mid-Michigan and metro Detroit areas for the right location for the plant, said Garret Geer, Dow’s government affairs leader in Michigan. That decision could be made in May.

    ”This is part of our effort to rebrand Michigan, going from rust to green,” she said.

  
    * K  * A123Systems Inc. of Watertown, Mass., which has two sites in Michigan and plans to open a third in Livonia, creating 5,000 jobs. The company has partnered with Chrysler LLC to supply batteries for electric cars that will go on sale next year.

Korean-based LG Chem-Compact Power, which plans a $200 million lithium-ion battery project if lawmakers pass an additional tax credit. It would create 300 jobs. GM has partnered with LG Chem-Compact Power to build batteries for the Chevy Volt.

For a link to the full article and more information click here .

Are you thinking about making Gladwin or Clare County, Michigan your new home?  Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven?  Contact me today and lets gets started!  I know area very well and I know the market even better!  You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com  or visit my website at www.BuyorSellWithSonya.com .

Used in many construction applications for the greater part of the 20th century, asbestos is a fibrous mineral that possesses many intrinsic traits. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires. It’s flame resistant and durable qualities made it an ideal choice for many industries. Sites where asbestos has been used extensively include steel mills, power plants, shipyards and other marine industries. Potential Michigan home buyers or those seeking to remodel an older home should be aware that homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos materials. This should not make you jump out of your seat because asbestos exposure is easily preventable by taking simple precautions. There are now many eco-sustainable options that replace the need for asbestos. According to the experts, the general rule of thumb is if the asbestos is in good shape, it’s posing no apparent risk. If it’s in bad shape, it could be a problem. In many situations, the best action in dealing with asbestos is no action at all. However, if an inspector deems removal necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling asbestos materials. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any potential exposure. When asbestos deteriorates and its fibers become airborne, it has the potential of causing severe lung ailments such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Mesothelioma will often progress to the later stages of development, resulting in poor mesothelioma prognosis for the majority of patients. The amount of incidents in relation to the asbestos scandal has lead to mesothelioma lawyer firms protecting victim rights throughout the country. The asbestos and corporate industries were aware of the health hazards involved with asbestos, but continued the widespread manufacturing of the substance anyways. Millions of people have been wrongfully exposed for financial gain. Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners. The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 includes incentives for upgrading to more Eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation. Some of the measures eligible for tax credits include: • Sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce infiltration and heat loss - these should be sealed so as to be consistent with the 2009 IECC. • Pigmented metal roofs or an asphalt roof with cooling granules must meet Energy Star requirements. • Window films certified by the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of a “qualifying insulation system.” Non-profit organizations such as Michigan GREEN, consists of energy consultants and companies who have joined forces with schools, government agencies and conscious individuals to promote the cause of renewable and green efficiency throughout the U.S. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation.

Gladwin County is located in rural Northern Michigan and is conveniently located within 3 hours of Detroit and 2-2.5 hours from Flint and Lansing making it easy to come “Up North” for the weekend.  But, we encourage you to stay longer, and after you visit this area you will want to spend much more time here!  An area that is popular for its scenic lakes (including Wixom Lake & Secord Lake), plentiful state land, quaint parks, Amish communities and down town shopping.  Gladwin County is primarily a second home/resort community.  We have real estate to accommodate every buyer from very affordable cabins to luxurious homes.  As a life long resident of Gladwin County I know the area well and I know the market even better!

                                     $59,900                                          $121,900

                             Beautiful, building lot      Adorable cottage w/ breathtaking view

                                on Smallwood Lake                      on Wixom Lake 

The Real Estate market in this area, along with most areas of Michigan, remains challenging.  We have seen home values declining, a stagnant economy and even a lack of qualified buyers since loan approval criteria has become more restrictive.  However, if you are looking to buy your first home, or your vacation home it is a fabulous time to buy!  Interest rates are phenomenal for qualified buyers, there is a lot of inventory to choose from and homes are more affordable then they have been in years!  For home buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years there is even an up to $8,000 tax credit to take advantage off.

Here is the latest market update for Gladwin and Clare County, Michigan which include the areas of Beaverton, Gladwin, Harrison, Clare, Rhodes, Bentley, Wixom Lake and Secord Lake.

The Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors currently has 1070 homes for sale through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and 145 of those were new to the market in April 2009 (almost twice as much as in March reflecting the seasonal listing time of year).  The average asking price of these homes is $126,657 and the average days on market for those homes has been 312 days.

During the month of April we saw 40 Clare and Gladwin County homes sell/close.  This is down from March. The average asking price was $66,995.  The average sales price was $59,321 and the average days on market for these homes was 251 days.  The sellers received an average of 88.5% of their asking price.

We saw 63 homes expire from the market in April.  The main reason homes don’t sell during their listing period is they were priced incorrectly for the market and/or condition of the home.  In challenging, buyers market periods it is imperative that a listing be priced as competitively as possible for its condition in order to have a chance of selling. To learn more about why homes typically expire and what you can do to avoid that fate click here.

          2205 Long, Beaverton, MI     1991 Highwood, Beaverton, MI       4256 Eagleson, Gladwin, MI

        1 Acre on Wixom Lake        10 Square Acres w/ Garage                   Custom Built in 2005

             $94,900                                    $99,900                                         $119,900

 If you’re thinking about selling your home, one very important fact to know about your market is the Absorption Rate.  The Absorption Rate will tell you how long it will take for the current inventory of homes in Gladwin and Clare, MI to be absorbed by the market if no other homes come on the market.  The absorption rate for April 2009 was 1.98 YEARS!  If you want your home sold, you need to know this number to help you price your home accordingly.

Are you thinking about making Gladwin or Clare County, Michigan your new home?  Are you thinking about taking advantage of the great interest rates and affordable prices to buy your own slice of Northern Michigan Heaven?  Contact me today and lets gets started!  I know area very well and I know the market even better!  You can call me at 989-429-2600, email me at sonya@sonyaloose.com  or visit my website at www.BuyorSellWithSonya.com .

Sugar Springs, a private planned community in Gladwin, Michgian (of some 1,200 homes) is well known for its all sports lakes (Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot) that offer great fishing, its championship golf course and pro shop, rolling terrain and winding roads.  Over 100 years ago the heart of this thriving community was called Millsville.  Millsville was centered near the “Shotgun Corners” of what are now Grass Lake Road and Butman Road and was home to families and a lumber company.  The railroad and farming were the main industries however Millsville was hidden away from the industrial revolution and the seclusion that made its inhabitants love it the most was what  ultimatley led to its demise.

N.E. Isaacson, a developer, adored the seclusion this area had to offer and felt it was the best kept secret in Michigan.  He desired to creat a community called “Sugar Springs”.  The community was to include and does still today a 1,000 acres of Lakes (230 for Lake Lancelot and 780 for Lake Lancer) and 3,200 platted acres.

Today Sugar Springs can offer an 18-hole golf course and pro shop that was designed by Jerry Matthews.  The golf course has been rated with 3 stars from Golf Digest and distinguished as one of the 25 best public golf courses in Michigan. 

There are 15 private beach clubs along the shores of the lakes for association members only.  Some of the beach clubs offer restrooms, showers, swimming, picnic areas and boat launches.

Fisherman enjoy the tranquility of the lakes and the Northern Pike, Walleye & Bass and Panfish that can readily be caught from both Lake Lancer & Lake Lancelot.  Lake waters are tested annually and treated several time per year to control weeds and infestation allowing boaters, skiers, jet skiers and swimmers to enjoy the waters.

The Sugar Springs Club House contains The Hearth Restaurant and Pub and is the hub of social activies in the community.  The Hearth is known for its casual dining and fine food and the Pub is casually nicknamed the perfect 19th Hole!  The Club House also offers an Olympic sized indoor heated pool for use all year round.

Recreational activities abound and include weekly card and game nights, quilters and stichers club, coffee walks.  Annually the POA plans an ice cream social, hay rides, sleigh rides and a craft fair.  To find out what is happening now click here.

Sugar Springs is complete with a 3,500′ grass airstrip certified as a public airport  and a 35 site campground with a chalet.  For the outdoor enthusiast the campground has a sledding hill, trails and an archery area.

Because the wilderness and serene setting was the draw for the developer the 1,000 acres of natural, undeveloped wilderness is perhaps one of the greatest ammenities Sugar Springs can offer.

All amenties in Sugar Springs are owned by the Property Owners Association and managed by a Board of Directors and a General Manager.

There are currently 82 residential properties actively listed for sale ranging from $61,500 to $469,888 to accomodate all budgets.  The POA allows camping and many owners just utilize lots for camping (some have well, sewer and electric).  There are currently 135 lots actively listed in for sale in Sugar Springs ranging from $1,200 to $189,900.

Does Sugar Springs living in Gladwin, Michigan sound like the life you’d like to lead?  Contact Sonya Loose at 989-429-2600 or by email at sonya@sonyaloose.com for a complete list of all available homes and properties.

Per an article in this weeks Gladwin County Record (dated 3/11/09) Gladwin County has adopted anordinance to allow ORV traffic on the roads.  The unanimous vote came after several months of debate about the intent of  H.B. 4323 passed into public law on 7/17/08, the potential for increase in economic activity and safety considerations.

For a link to the complete article featured on the front page of the Gladwin County Record click here.

Gladwin County has 880.56 miles of county certified roads (351 miles of which are paved).  The Gladwin CountyRoad Commission can close up to 30% of the roads to ORV traffic.  In addition each Township may close roads to ORV traffic as well.  To date there is a list of roads closed to ORV traffic but that can be altered by the Gladwin County Road Commission (up to 30% of the certified roads) and by the Townships at a later date.  The Townships can close roads after 7/17/09.  At this time 18.8% of the total mileage of roads are closed.  ORV traffic is not allowed on state highways (M18, M61, M30). 

Currently the streets of Gladwin city are closed to ORV use but the streets are Beaverton are open to ORV use!

There is still more to be done such as signage to be put in place for the closed roads.  Currently the state has no funding for signage.  The act passed does provide some funding for signs through fines collected.

The passage of this ordinance should make many sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts alike very happy.  Itprovides for many areas of the county to be accessible by ORV and joins thousands of acres of state and together.  Gladwin County has always been a great place to live, visit and play, but with the passage of this ordinance it became even better!

If you need a map of the closed roads emailed to you contact me, and I would be happy to share it!

If you are looking for a great up north getaway where you can use your ORV in Gladwin County I can be reached by email at sonya@sonyaloose.com, by phone at 988-429-2600, or by website at www.thegladwinrealestate.com.

We are in the middle of tax season!  There are many tax breaks and incentives that home owners should be aware of this year.  Home owners and potential buyers should all know what expenses are deductible and the ins-and-outs of new tax laws.  Here are 10 timely tax tips I found on FrontDoor.com that you should know before filing your return this year:

• Deduct the interest you pay on your home loan on your tax return.  A mortgage interest deduction reduces your taxable income.  Because your mortgage payments for the first few years are heavily comprised of interest, they are almost entirely deductible.
• Deduct property taxes and points you paid to lower your loan’s interest rate.  The IRS offsets the expense of your state and local property taxes by allowing you to deduct those fees from your itemized income tax return.  You may also get a tax benefit if you paid “points” at closing to lower your mortgage interest rate.
• Take advantage of new tax laws in a challenging market.  Look into new tax laws that may allow new home buyers to get an $8000 tax credit, short sellers to escape penalty for forgiven mortgage debt, and homeowners to contest property taxes in a struggling market.
• Request a property tax reassessment if your home’s market value has declined.  If your property value is significantly lower now than when you bought it, show proof of your home’s current market value and recent comparable sales in your neighborhood to your local tax assessor for a tax adjustment.
• Research past and proposed assessments that may apply to your home.  Understanding property taxes and assessments in your area will give you a more accurate home ownership cost, as well as help you predict and control your monthly expenses.
• Get a reliable estimate of your property tax bill. Don’t rely on the old tax data passed down from the previous home’s owner.  Depending on the circumstances of the sale, your tax bill can differ greatly from their bill.
• Wrap your property taxes into your monthly mortgage payment.  If you’re daunted by that huge tax bill once or twice a year, consider setting up a convenient escrow account.
• Understand how capital gains tax is calculated.  When you sell your home, you’re taxed on any profit over $250,000 if you are single, $500,000 if married.  But in calculating your gains, the IRS takes into account the money you put into improving the home.  Remember to save receipts for any repairs and upgrades.
• Know how your tax situation changes with every real estate move you make.  Whether you’re buying or selling a home, refinancing, or renting your investment property, understand how these situations affect your taxes.
• See if home ownership lowers your tax liability.  Your tax situation varies depending on your stage in life.  Upon examining your payroll withholdings, opt to reduce them to be in line with your net tax liability, which will put more money in your pocket each pay period.

For more info visit www.frontdoor.com

To buy or sell real estate in Gladwin, Michigan contact Sonya Loose at Red Carpet Keim Real Estate.  Or you can visit me on the web at www.thegladwinrealestate.com .  Call me directly at 989-429-2600.

Gladwin, Michigan

The old adage, “There’s no time like the present” might not first come to mind when looking at today’snational housing market.  But according to Sonya Loose, Associate Broker, ABR, GRI of Red Carpet Keim Lake Forest Real Estate in Gladwin, Michigan, these homespun words of wisdom are quite appropriate when a closer look is given to indiviudual local markets across the country.  Loose points out these favorable factors that can contribute to making this, for many consumers, a most opportune time to buy a home.

• Inventory is up.  When the market is hot, new listings can’t replenish the supply of homes fast enough, and that works in the sellers’ favor.  In today’s market, the opposite is true, providing more choices for buyers.
• Sellers are motivated.  Homes that in a hot market would have been snapped up in days are now lingering unsold for months, even years.  Factor in bank owned properties due to the recent and unfortunate spike in foreclosures and buyers find themselves in an advantageous negotiating position they haven’t enjoyed in years.
• Interest rates are down.  Recent cuts in the prime rate by the Federal Reserve have sparked drops in interest rates, which at the end of January were below 6 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.  While banks have tightened lending requirements in the wake of increased loan defaults, home buyers with few credit problems qualifying to purchase a home they can afford should still have little trouble securing favorable financing terms.
• Tax Credit - The recently signed legislation that provides new homebuyers an up to $8000 tax credit for purchasing a home before Dec. 1, 2009.

What’s more, a market climate like this especially favors buyers who don’t need to sell an existing property before their purchase, buyers like first-timers and those looking for a second home.  This tilts the scale even more towards many buyers.

But regardless of the situation, for every buyer, the key is to work with a real estate professional thatknows the local market and specializes in buyer representation - like an agent who has earned the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation.

Loose is one of more than 50,000 members of the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC) of theNational Association of Realtors, who have attained the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) designation.  As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is “The Voice for Buyer Representation.” with more than 50,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.

To find an ABR designated agent near you and to receive a free copy of the REBAC published Homebuyer’s Toolkit visit www.REBAC.net or call 800-648-6224.

To take advantage of the hot buyers market in Gladwin or Clare County call me today.  I serve the communities of Gladwin, Beaverton, Wixom Lake, Secord Lake, Harrison, Bentley & Rhodes.  I can be reached via email at sonya@sonyaloose.com, at my website at www.buyorsellwithsonya.com or on my cell at 989-429-2600.