About Berrien County, MI

you know it;s summer when New buffalo's Ship and Shorefest is in full swing.

New BUffalo closes whittaker street and trnasforms it into a large street party. with

Kids activities, arts and craft vendors, Live Music Beer tent, Great food, and wine tasting.

2 stages will host music all weekend

The Main stage at Whiittaker and Mechanic and the acoustic stage at Route 12 and whittaker street. with a varity of music all weekend.

on Saurday there will be a pancake breakfast and then at dusk the famous lighted boat show and fireworks, By far the best fireworks in the area!

Sunday a gospel breakfast, pancake breakfast and a watermelon eating contest is just a few of the things on deck

There is MUCH more to do than this this weekend at the New Buffal's Ship and Fest in Downtown New Buffalo.

If your in town stop by the office to say hello, and look at ovr 5000 listing we have printed for your ease of enjoyment from NW Indiana to South Haven and Saugatuck.

Ship and Shore Festival 2008

Friday, August 8, 2008
6 P.M. to Midnight

Saturday, August 9, 2008
9 A.M. to Midnight
Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks 10 P.M.

Sunday, August 10, 2008
9 A.M. to 6 P.M.

DO NOT MISS this event !!

Some Past Umbrellas:

I was struck the other day when I red the blog by the great Jeff and Grace Safrin about the great Tony's Saddle Shop just outside of Valparaiso here in Northwest Indiana. What could I write about was nearly as equal or greater than that. Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks. No, I was not driving without hands again.

It was Redamak's, the greatest burger in the world and if you are from the Chicagoland area. You most certainly know about Redamak's. You can have a pan fried burger with everything there as long as everything includes onion, pickles, cheese, mustand and catsup. It does not take credit cards - cash only, and it is only open from March 1st through the sometime in October.

It has hosted some of Hollywood's greats such as Jay Leno to local celebreties as Steve Dahl and Dave Woodson. They have their own butchershop that creates the fabulous burger patties.

In 1983, we cut and ground approximately 63,000 lbs.*
For the year 2003, we cut approximately 99,000 lbs.*
For the year 2005, we cut approximately 107,000 lbs.*
For the year 2006, we cut approximately 110,000 lbs.*
For the year 2007, we cut approximately 115,000 lbs.*

* Statistics based on individual patties; approximately three to a pound.

You have to appreciated a place that takes that kind pride in their meat.

So, if you find yourself driving through NW Indiana or SW Michigan make sure you stop by Redamak's for the famous working person's special.

I am Dave Woodson

The NW Indiana and SW Michigan Mortgage Consultant

St. Joseph and Benton Harbor are well underway on many (an understatement) improvements, clean up, and new features surounding the new J.N. signiture golf course and Benton Harbor. Most of the holes for the course are underway, with the exception of those on Jean Klock Park. If you are in favor of the transfomation of this piece of Michigans Great Southwest, please send a support letter to City manager Richard Marsh 200 E. Wall St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 by May 14th.

The forward motion of this project has already benefited the area in multiple facets.

A breath of fresh air in the Real Estate Sales market in Southwest Michigan! February results as posted by the Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors reveal that the total volume of sales in the service area rose from $29,357.147 in February of 2007 to $30,275,711 in 2008, for an increase of 3%. The overall Average sale price increased by 9%, from $166,802 to $181,292. Average days on market has risen to 142 days, up from 129.

Although the number of homes sold was less by only 19 homes, this is good news for our area. Any increase is good. And, it's a wonderful time to buy, as there are many good deals available.

Sellers should be looking at how they can make their home one of the best choices within their price range. The best investments to get a return on your dollar are to improve the kitchen and bathrooms, and consider siding or roofing your home.