As the summer begins to wind down in Harbor Country, it is common to see price reductions on active listings. Owners that are motivated, and not interested in carrying their property through winter, will typically get more aggressive with pricing. This usually equates to great deals for patient buyers. I want to point out some important reductions that stand out to me as good opportunities.

This listing stands out to me as one of the best deals currently available, and it was just reduced $50,000.

Take a closer look at a substantial price reduction of $100,000, on this lakefront opportunity in Michiana. This property is across the street from the beach, but includes ownership of the beachfront lot. 

This 3 bedroom 4 bath luxury villa is located in the gated community of Forest Beach. This specific unit is unique, it is one of the few with a private attached garage!

This wonderful cottage with Clear Lake access has been reduced almost 35,000. If you are looking for a north woods feel with close proximity to Chicago, Starr Valley is a great option.

Fall is a great time to buy in Harbor Country, and savy buyers are usually active. If you have been considering buying, this is a wonderful time to take advantage of motivated sellers. Contact me if you would like to take a closer look at some interesting opportunities. If you are shopping in the $750,000-$1,200,000 price range, this price point offers a large inventory of great options.

The summer selling season started slowly with the rainiest June in recent history. Shortly after the July 4th weekend the activity really started to pick up, and it continues through today. Units sold are up 4% year over year, and days on the market are down to 165, a 13% decrease. Average sales price is up to $365,702 a 9% increase over last year. This is due in some part to the fact that inventory in the lower price points has been cleared out. The other factor affecting this is the increase in luxury buyers. This increase should continue for the next couple months as many higher end properties 1M+ have gone under contract in July, including the most expensive listing in the area over 7M. YTD dollar volume is $69,849,097 up 13% over 2012. We have seen many new listings at the higher end, and inventory is basically flat since last year. REO/Bank Owned properties in July were about 20% of the market in July, this is down from 30% in Jan-Mar. We have seen some price reductions in the last couple of weeks as seller’s eye the Labor Day weekend on their calendars. I hope to see you around town for Ship and Shore festival this weekend.  Give me a call anytime if you would like to discuss this further. 

Click here for link to SWMAR data!

We have seen increased activity surrounding the Peninsula development since we had the big party 2 weeks ago. I wanted to take a moment to give you an update on the project. Lot 1 is under contract as of 7/29, this is the end lot with water on 3 sides, and close proximity to the soon to be built swimming pool. Pool permits have been applied for, and should be completed in the next couple of weeks.

The developers have removed the price increase from 60 Peninsula Dr, and it is back at $899,000. I feel this is one of the best deals available today in Harbor Country, and hope that one of my buyers takes advantage of this unique opportunity. The rooftop deck on this home is spectacular, you must see this view.

The construction on 70 Peninsula Dr is nearing completion, and we will be replacing the renderings with a full set of new photos shortly. We are still holding open houses on the weekends, but this will likely end after Labor Day. If you are in the neighborhood this weekend, stop in and take a look for yourself. 

Summer is in full swing here in New Buffalo, and the town, beach and lake are buzzing with activity. While the weather in June was lousy and buyer activity was slow, the opposite holds true for July. The week after the 4th of July the phone started ringing and continues today. Buyers are out in force with a renewed interest in the higher end properties. We held a wine and cheese party at The Peninsula last weekend, and close to 200 people turned out.

This is a new listing in the Sunset Shores neighborhood of New Buffalo. This home is well suited to large families, and is currently being effectively rented at $3,600 per week in the summer. 314 N Eagle St features 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, and close proximity to association beach access.

Another new listing is this country home on a large lot near Four Winds Casino, and Whittaker Wood's golf Course. This home features 3 bedrooms on .83 acres with an 1800 sq ft pole barn.

 Please contact me if you are ready to find your perfect place in New Buffalo or Harbor Country.

While the 1 million+ segment of the New Buffalo Real Estate market has been relatively slow through June, recent activity indicates renewed interest. Within the last 2 weeks, 3 prime lakefront properties are under contract, and another lakefront sale was closed today.

11097 Marquette Dr has been listed off and on since 2007, it has recently been listed as active back-up as it is under contract. This is the highest priced listing on the lake in Harbor Country, listed at $7,750,000.

Yesterday 13362 Main Dr in Harbert, was listed as under contract after 473 days on the market. This home was built in 2011, and was listed at 1,895,000.

Today we see 11587 Marquette Dr under contract after 2571 days on the market. This property offers 100 ft of Lake Michigan frontage, and was listed at $2,350,000. If the pattern in the Riviera Community persists, this home will be torn down.

Late today (7/8) the sale of 11131 Marquette Dr closed. It was listed at 1,995,000 for 107 days, and was purchased for $1,775,000 cash. This home has 50 ft of Lake Michigan frontage, in the lovely Sturgeon Beach neighborhood.

There are still many wonderful Lake Michigan properties listed, and this has created some unique opportunities for new buyers.

Click here for current list of Lake Michigan properties in Harbor Country!

New construction homes near the beach in Harbor Country are hard to find. Look no further than these wonderful contemporary homes on the preserve just north of New Buffalo. These homes offer ample living space near 4000 sq ft above grade; with walkout lower levels the possibilities are endless. Both of these homes offer high end finishes, spectacular open kitchens, walls of windows, multiple outdoor terraces, gas fireplaces, large garages, room for a pool, and access to the one of the nicest association beaches in the area. If you have been looking for a spectacular place to spend your summers with your family and friends, you must take a look at the Basswood Preserve.

Click here for more information on 10960 Basswood Dr!

Click here for more information on 10950 Basswood Dr!

Take a closer look at this new listing on Lake Michigan in Michiana. This property is unique, and has been in the same family for 25 years. This versatile property consists of a large 4 bedroom Tudor style home, over sized terraced back yard with plenty of room for a pool, AND a lakefront lot across the street with 60' of wonderful beach! This property is perfect as is, but many opportunities exist (with DEQ approval of course) to modify or enhance this estate sized property. The home itself is very well constructed and has a charm not found in the new construction of today. Attention to detail that conveys a comfortable elegance is found throughout.

Click here for more information!

Take a look at this new listing in Union Pier's Gordon Beach neighborhood. Foreclosures are rare in this desirable area, and this home is sure to sell quickly. This is a small cottage that needs work, with a phenomenal location. As this is a Fannie Mae HomePath property, only "owner occupant" buyers will be considered for the first 15 days. If you are a second home buyer it is advisable to take a look at this home now, and be ready to write an offer immediately after the 15 day period expires. This home will undoubtedly be in a multiple offer situation, and sell over listing price. Buying a foreclosure takes a certain level of patience and perserverance, but it can be financially rewarding. Contact me for more information, or to schedule a viewing.

Click here for more details!

This is a one of a kind lakefront property on the beach in Stevensville. When you are looking at lakefront properties you will find that privacy and seclusion are hard to come by. That is where this property is different, as it is located adjacent to Grand Mere State Park in Stevensville. Grand Mere State park is approximately 985 acres, with 1 mile of shoreline and 3 inland lakes. This stunning property designed by architect Chris Brooks has breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from every room. If you have been searching for your special place on Lake Michigan, you must take a look at the road end privacy and seclusion, that is 6990 Waverland Path.

Click here for more details!

In the last 2 weeks I have sold 3 of my listings.

127 S Barker St sold for $200,000 (95.69% of listing price in 46 days.)

16186 Williams Cr sold for $401,000 (95.70% of listing price in 69 days.)

10683 Marquette Dr sold for $412,000 (91.58% of lisitng price in 64 days.)

Properties that are priced right are selling quickly. There is still very little inventory priced under $500,000, and buyers are waiting patiently for new properties to come on the market. If you have been considering listing your home for sale, now may be the time you have been waiting for. Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to discuss the current market with you.

Another one of my blog listing has gone under contract as well. This is a great property, and we are looking forward to the new owners! I will update you as to price after closing.