About Berrien County, MI

It wasn't a picture perfect weather day. It was a little cloudy but it was a picture perfect day for Marianne my wife and I. We are waiting for results from a bone scan she had done the other day. So I set up what she needed the most. She needed a little comfort from Ryan our son.

The fall colors were beautiful. We got off the main highway and took some back roads for an hour.

I called him (he lives in Chicago) but he was busy. I was going to drop in with Marianne but he had a Halloween party planned with friends. But he was great and said he would meet us on the west coast of Michigan to go to an apple orchard on Sunday. So Marianne and I drove about 2 1/2 hours and he and Katie drove a couple of hours to meet over on the west side of the state.

So we hung out at Jollay Orchards in Coloma. We took a hay ride, had a carmel apple, drank some cider, and swatted away all the bees that were after the sweet stuff.

We fed the animals and then we had a meal at the Friendly Tavern in downtown Coloma. If you are in the area I would recommend both places. We had some great service and good food at Friendly Tavern. 206 N Paw Paw St, Coloma, MI 49038-9589
(269) 468-3037

It was a great day. Ryan lifted Marianne's spirits. I hope you all had a good weekend too.

Here on the Sunset Coast, autumn has begun and the days seem shorter already. Real Estate sales and our market have been steady however certainly a different volume. The Bluffside Park in St. Joseph has been making steady progress and the Compass Fountain recently had the Grand Opening and the results are magnificent. The Farmer's market is still going strong on Saturdays with dozen or more great regional vendors, with the best apples, squash, flowers, honey and assortments that you could ask for. And service with a smile, ah the joys of my community and home, the Sunset Coast of Southwestern Michigan! Come and visit, you will find a special place on the Lake, that you will not want to leave.

Doreen Johan 2009 REALTOR of the Year Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors

www.johanrealestate.com Owner RE/MAX Sunset Coast 269-449-9897

Renting Lake Michigan real estate is one of the best and smartest initial steps towards achieving the goal of becoming a full fledged homeowner. Without having to make the long term mortgage commitment, renting is an excellent method of seeing if you not only like a home but are ready to take that final step towards homeownership. Renting does have its own potential risks however, particularly if you’ve never rented before. Here are some things to look out for.

Be aware of the costs. Even though renting Lake Michigan real estate may not cost as much as owning it, you still need to be sensible about the costs. Besides the rent you may need to pay a security deposit and some other move-in related fees such as turning on the cable television. Also keep in mind that you may need to buy new furniture for your new place.

Thoroughly examine the lease. Every lease will highlight the span of the contract and some typical items like the address. However every landlord has diverse restrictions and penalties on what you can and cannot do or what you will pay for. Read the lease in its entirety ahead of time so you don’t come upon any unwanted surprises.

Visit the place before move-in. This may seem like a no brainer but some people do actually move into Lake Michigan real estate without actually having stepped into the place beforehand. Inspect the place, make sure everything works, jot down defects and see if the place really appeals to you.

The city of St. Joseph has opened the new Whirlpool Compass Fountain. it is amazing and is part of the new BLUFFSIDE PARK. The completed park will open in 2010 BUT the fountain is fabulous and such a wonderful addition. The Grand Opening Ceremony was spectacular and I say, please say it with me, I LIVE IN PARADISE! The park is interactive with water flowing from below and above in a rhythm that is exciting to all who dare to get WET! GREAT fun and memories in the fabulous SILVER BEACH on LAKE MICHIGAN in beautiful St. Joseph, MI. See you there someday soon.

The approach to selling Lake Michigan real estate can be compared somewhat to starting a company. You need to know the proper market your business will be catering to in order to understand what their needs are and develop a successful business.

Besides finding the right agent to assist you in your selling efforts, it’s important to take a look at the whole selling aspect as if you were about to purchase your home again. In other words, do your own walkthrough of the neighborhood and see what items can be singled out as highlights that may impress your buying audience. On that note, don’t try and overlook negative qualities and hope that buyers won’t notice them, anyone who does their homework will find out.

You obviously want to make sure the home looks clean, the yard is maintained and all those other important factors that boost the home’s appeal. It also works to your benefit however to see who would be the best fit for your specific home. If you own a two story house, perhaps it may not be the best option to promote it to senior citizens looking for Lake Michigan real estate in which to spend their golden years. Sprawling floor plans? Families are a good bet.