Where do we go from here?

I spent Sunday afternoon with my wife and kids, along with my sister, enjoying fall in Northern Michigan. First we went in search of a cider mill and fresh donuts, and found our way to The Covered Wagon near Lake Leelanau. I say found the way, because we worked from memory as opposed to maps in making our way through the Leelanau Peninsula.

Next we visited Jacobs Corn Maze, just a bit west of Traverse City on M-72. I've wanted to do a corn maze for a while, and was excited to hear that one was open in our area. Mike and Laverna Witkop and Steve and Lisa Fouch created a great recreational asset for our community, and we had a blast. Garrison and Jared (8 and 6) ran 90 percent of the time in the maze which means they put on several miles at a trot. Nathan at 2 1/2 tried to keep up, but also delighted in riding on grown up shoulders- "go fast! Go fast!"

Using the map provided and being able to read it was critical in getting through in a timely fashion. It would have easily taken us twice as long (if not more) had we not used the map. We quickly settled into a pattern. Kids run ahead with instructions to stop at any intersection. "Which way do we go?" and off they run again. Great fun.

Now I sit here wondering where we go from here once again, as the Economic Stabilization Act was defeated, the Dow plummeted, and debate (and finger pointing) rages on. I've been having mixed feelings on the defeat- I'm a fiscal conservative, but understand that the risk of doing nothing is significant. I had only the broadcast news interpretation of the Act, which provided little substance, and having heard enough spin on it, I decided to try to learn more.

After brushing through several news sites, I decided to turn to my professional association, and visited the National Association of REALTORs website at REALTOR.org. There I found a summary of the act written from the REALTOR point of view, speaking to the REALTOR community. This summary gave me a deeper understanding of facets of the bill. Here's a look at that document: http://tinyurl.com/4ghbho

Whether this act was the best possible solution will never be answered to everyones satisfaction. I firmly believe, however, that dramatic action is needed to address the credit crisis, and it is needed soon. Political infighting and rhetoric will serve no one, nor will placing blame for how we got here. May our Representatives and Senators be blessed with open minds, clear insight, and the strength to unite in action.

Understanding the Impact

It's a challenge to get a grasp on what's going on between Washington and New York, and how it is affecting our markets. Still more difficult is the task of predicting and tracking what works. I came across three articles on Inman News today that made it to my del.icio.us list (see sidebar) because they improved my understanding of the current situation.

First this article on the Fannie-Freddie Rescue. Debate it all you'd like, this action was essential.

Next, an analysis of the debate surrounding the proposed Treasury buy up of bad loans, including some speculation of what it could be, and how the program and the properties might be managed.

Third, Federal actions lead to housing hesitation takes a look a what impact all of this is having on buyers right now.

It seems for a long time, we've had every bit of good news stifled by a share of bad news or drama, supporting an atmosphere of uncertainty that has kept some buyers on the fence. I am hopeful that these bold moves will help to break up this hesitancy and move us out of deadlock. There are incredible values available in our markets, and likely in many others as well.

The buyers I'm working with are making great deals, and I believe will be some of the biggest winners when the market regains its footing... WHICH IT WILL DO! Those that act soon will take advantage as well. Those who wait until the market rebounds will pay higher prices, but still do well. So long as buyers are making wise financial decisions, based on need, and recognize they are making a long term investment, this is a good time to buy.

MAR Convention

I'm currently at the Michigan Association of REALTORS Convention and Expo in Detroit.

Meetings opened last night with the REALTOR of the Year announcement. Congratulations to Joe Bayai! We were also proud of the nominee from the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS nominee, Peter Read.

I missed part of the Keynote speach to handle some business (good news!) and then visited the trade show before going to dinner.

This morning started with the RPAC breakfast and an address from Senator Mike Bishop. The Senator thanked us and encouraged us to stay involved, including contacting our senators and representative.

Then on to classes...I'm focusing on tech this morning, and thinking that podcasts might be a valuable means of communication with our mrmbers.

I've also gotten a glimpse of the behind the scenes power held in Google. Almost too much information, and I'm ready for a break and lunch.

Very cool that this event will be coming to Traverse City next year!

Second Season

It appears the second season is upon us. I spent 30 minutes in Backcast Fly Shop yesterday. It wasn't my intention to spend that long, nor was I planning a leisurely browse of the store. I actually was hurrying, but wanted to buy this years hunting licenses.
What I found when I walked inside was a lengthy line at the register and more people lookinh through the wares.
There were three fly fishermen lamenting over the latest version of their favorite reel, which it seems isn't as durable as the model it replaced. One was having his reel replaced and re-wound with fresh line.
Another young man was looking for patching material for his waders, and I offered a suggestion based on my own battles with leaky boots. He later asked me where he might buy new waders locally. Others were selecting various bits of tackle.
All this at 4:30 pm on a Tuesday in September! This is a great indication that our heathy fisheries are of great value to our region.
I was pleased to see that folks were still travelling to our area to take advantage of our resources, and contributing to our economy while they were here!

Posted while mobile

Local Business featured on The Food Network

I just received an email from the Benzie County Chamber of Commerce announcing that Graceland Fruit will be featured in the television series “How’d That Get On My Plate?” on The Food Network. The Episode is scheduled to air this coming Monday August 25th at 8:30 p.m.

It's not the first time The Food Network has turned their focus to our area. They've featured foods from Northern Michigan in Food Finds, and our cherries are mentioned in several recipes.

Pearl Lake

I’ve been thinking about one of my listings, a lot on Pearl Lake. Pearl Lake is unique in a number of ways. First off, it’s located just south of the Benzie-Leelanau County line, with thousands of acres of state land in the Pere Marquette State Forest wrapping around its western and southern sides. There’s not a major road that takes you close enough to get a good look at the lake, and actually there’s only one paved road that will get you anywhere close to it, that being Pearl Lake Road. Yet it’s a big lake- 800+ acres, with a bunch of arms stretching in different directions.

The isolation and size are a couple of things that make it rare. I think it’s fair to say it’s the largest “natural” type lake in Benzie County- one of the ten biggest, I’d say, and the undiscovered for the most part. There are homes and lots along the north edge, but not much else. You can find whole arms of the lake that are untouched by human progress. Taking a look at the Topo Map or Aerial Photo from Terraserver gives you an idea of the interesting layout.

I first discovered Pearl Lake about 14 years ago, thanks to a friend from High School. We'd been camping nearby at Lime Lake, and he suggested we go fishing on Pearl Lake. He was somewhat astonished that I didn't know where it was, and I was a bit embarrassed when he explained it was less than a half mile away. The hills and forests that surround the lake do a heck of a job at hiding it until you're right upon it. Anyhow, we fished for bass and pike, and I enjoyed it so much that I went out with another freind and his girlfriend the next day. As I recall, she outfished the guys, but by then I was more interested in exploring all the coves and bays than fishing anyhow.

College took me away for a while, and it was at least 5 years before I got back to Pearl. This time I was in search of Canada Geese during the fall hunting season. It must have been early in the season, as I recall it was warm. I also recall that my hunting mate forgot his paddle, and we made it to out hunting grounds using a flattish stick and an old board. I don't however, recall the geese cooperating that day.

While there isn't much out there regarding the lake, there are some photos on Flickr, and I've read an article from the Traverse City Record Eagle about the lake. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to track that article down in their online archives, but will post that when I do. The writer, Mike Terrell, recounts an evening of kayaking on the lake, and notes seeing loons, eagles, Canada geese, sand hill cranes, deer, and many songbirds. I do have a rather poor scan of the article in pdf format, which I'll be happy to email to anyone interested.

One thing I love about this job is the reflections and memories that properties bring forth. I got started on Pearl Lake because of the lot I have listed- a beautifully wooded lot, on a cove off of one of the arms. The site is perfect for a walkout basement, and the south facing slope means you get to make the most of the suns rays in winter, while being protected from the north winds. It's in Pearl Lake Estates, which provides an association beach in addition to the 126 feet of private lake frontage. The other homes in Pearl Lake Estates are very attractive and nicely done, and there are about 60 acres of common area and an area to have a pole barn for storage. We've just priced this lot at $175,000, which is a real value in my book. It's $124K lower than the next available lot in Pearl Lake Estates, and is $60k cheaper than another that's available nearby in Pearl Lake Land Division. The most recent tax assesment indicates it's worth over $218k! I'm really enthused about this listing, and with luck I'll find time in my schedule to use it as an excuse to explore the lake further...with my fishing pole in hand, of course.

The Fourth in the North

There’s no place in the world that I’d rather celebrate Independence Day than in Northern Michigan.  From the crowds present this past week, I’d venture to say many others feel the same way.

 

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, and one that’s rich with tradition.  For nearly every one of my 35 years, the holiday has begun with a family breakfast with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents at our family homestead known as “The Pines” located just outside of Benzonia, overlooking the site of the old Case Mill Pond on Cold Creek.

 

What’s so great about Independence Day up north?  From morning to night:

 

Cold dew on your toes

Strong coffee in chipped mugs

Cooking bacon and eggs over a campfire

A cinnamon roll from the Cherry Hut

Taping signs to an old convertible

Decorating a bike or wagon in red white and blue

Driving or riding in the Beulah Parade, trying not to miss anyone you know, or

Watching friends and neighbors from the curb as they roll by, shouting their names when they throw candy.

A dip in Crystal Lake after the parade

Dripping dry in the sun

Pop-its tossed on the sidewalk

Lunch from a cooler, on a boat, at the sandbar

Football in the water

Little ones snoozing with a beach towel for a blanket

Burgers, brats and hot dogs on the grill

Cold beer for the grownups, lemonade for the kids

Lighting the campfire early

Tubing and waterskiing after dinner

Smores

Daylight lasts forever

Lighting sparklers while you wait for the fireworks

Watching boats come down the lake to see the show

Singing God Bless America to yourself or out loud

Bright reflections on smooth dark water

Snuggling together with your eyes to the sky

Cheering for the grand finale

Finding out it wasn’t the finale after all

Horns tooting their appreciation

Motors starting, green and red lights on the water as the boats make their way home

Kids sleeping on parents laps

Finding the big dipper

Catching fireflies

Seeing a shooting star

Going to bed sandy, smoky and sunburned, proud to be an American and thankful for all that you have.