The 2013 market statistics are in and year over year dollar volume is up 3%, and unit sales were down 6%. This is no surprise as I have been noting a shortage of inventory available below $500,000. Average sales price is up 9% in 2013, due in part to less REO and short sale activity, and the inventory shortage at the lower end. Average market time is 179 days, down from 209 days in 2012.

This is an exiting time here as new buyers are active, and website activity has picked up substantially in the last week. We should begin to see new listings within the next couple of weeks, and you will have to move quickly on the most desirable homes. Right now some of the best deals are mid-market with luxury 'off lake' homes. This segment seemed to lag the overall market in 2013. With a couple years of rising prices in the books, buyers are more comfortable making the move to second home ownership, and many are seeing the strong seasonal rental market as a great way to offset ownership costs.

If you have been waiting for an improved market to sell your home, please contact me. If we start to work together now, we can position your home for the busy spring season here in Harbor Country. This will allow you to get maximum exposure and best odds for a quick sale.

This is an important price reduction in Timberlane Estates. It seems that this seller is motivated, and the home has been listed for over a year. As the cold temperatures and winter weather set into Harbor Country, some sellers lose patience, and buyers can gain a slight advantage. This is similar to buying a convertible, and early winter can offer some of the best deals. This 4 bedroom home on a large lot has great proximity to the private beach. The beachfront homes in this area are set back into the woods, and that makes for a very natural and beautiful beach. If you have been considering a purchase in Harbor Country, this home is worth a look, and now is a great time to start your search! Come early spring, buyers will be out in force, now you can patiently search and explore options ahead of the crowd. 

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Buyer traffic slowed in September and October as the kids headed back to school. In the last couple of weeks buyers have re-emerged looking for some fall bargains. Sellers that do not wish to hold onto their properties through the winter, can be more motivated this time of year. Often some of the best buys of the year occur during this period.

October numbers remained strong and units sold (47) were up 24% over the same period last year. Year over year units sold are up 3%. Days on the market dropped a substantial 45% in October, and are down 16% year over year. Average sales price in October was $345,568, and prices are up 9% in the last year. Total dollar volume is up 12% over last year and inventory at the lower price points is in short supply. REO/Bank Owned activity has dropped off to 17% of the market in October, down from 30% earlier in the year. This and the lack of inventory has allowed some sellers to raise prices, and should bring some new sellers off of the sidelines.

Please contact me if you would like to see what deals are available this fall. The price range of $700,000-$1,200,000 offers some great opportunities.

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This is the lowest priced home in The Riviera neighborhood of New Buffalo. Surrounded by million dollar homes, this 3 bedroom 2 bath home is very nice as is. Building sites in this neighborhood have sold recently from 450,000 to over 500,000, so with the new price of $499,000 this home is essentially being given away. On a corner lot, close to the beach access and Galien River access, a near perfect location. Being sold tastefully furnished this is a unique opportunity to buy into one of New Buffalo's finest beach neighborhoods. 

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This is a great opportunity to enjoy the Lake Michigan coast without shelling out mega bucks! Great new listing in Warwick Shores with all the upgrades you can imagine. The bank has approved this property for short sale, and this condo will sell quickly. Lake Views from almost every room and a nice private deck. This unit has a custom kitchen with Subzero and Asko appliances. Warwick Shores is pet friendly and offers an association pool, tennis court, playground and a wonderful beach!

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As fall starts to settle into Harbor Country, it is time for an update on the Peninsula at New Buffalo. There is much activity to report.

The first major development is that both 60 Peninsula Dr, and 70 Peninsula Dr are now under contract. These are the two spec homes that have been built on the site. This all happened very quickly and within the last week the developer has negotiated and accepted contracts on both properties. In other news two of the vacant lots were recently closed on, 10 Peninsula Dr and 90 Peninsula dr are now sold, and lot 80 is now under contract.

There are still some prime lots available, but now 50% of The Peninsula is either sold or under contract! If you have been sitting on the fence waiting for things to start moving, now is the time to take a closer look. Please contact me for a list of available lots, or to schedule a visit.

This newly listed beach cottage in Michiana, is sure to generate some excitement. This 4 bedroom home has private beach rights less than 2 blocks away, and sits on a wooded lot in the Michigan Shores Country Club subdivision. This home is in great condition, includes an open great room, 2 master bedrooms, fireplace, screen porch, and a nice deck. If this looks interesting to you, I would suggest you make time to see this soon.

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Take a closer look at this new listing in New Buffalo's Riviera Beach community. This home is move-in ready, and just a couple of houses from the beach access point. Listen to the waves from your bedroom at night as you drift off to sleep. This home includes a seperate guest quarters, as there is no doubt your friends and familiy will love to visit you here. The Riviera Community offers around 1 mile of private beach with 5 access points. Unique to the Riviera is access to the Galien River preserve. Launch your kayak just down the street from this wonderful property.

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Market activity continues to be strong into the Labor Day weekend this year. I wanted to share a couple of recent sales on the Lake, which I closed last week. The first property is 10989 Marquette, in Sturgeon Beach. This was a bank owned property, which is pretty rare on the lake. I am thrilled that one of my buyers was able to take advantage of this unique opportunity. This deal took a high level of patience and persistence to get to the closing table, but it was well worth it. There were 5+ bidders on this one it was very competitive. If you want to pursue bank owned properties you must be extremely patient and willing to work hard.

The next property is 6990 Waverland Path in Stevensville. This is a very secluded lakefront property, as it is adjacent to Grand Mere State Park. I was fortunate to co-list this property with my Colleague Will Schauble, and also bring a wonderful buyer. I am very happy for them, this was their ideal property.

Lastly, the property at 16346 Timber Ln that I blogged about last week is under contract. That didn't take long!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, and stay safe!