About Emmet County, MI

First off, Happy fourth!!!! I am on vacation here in Northern Michigan and came across two wonderful concepts from city of Petoskey that I would just like to say, THANK YOU! The other day we were shopping and our time ran out on the parking meter. We turn the corner to see a 'ticket' on the windshield. I kept saying to my sister, "maybe it's not a ticket" knowing it probably was! Well, it wasn't. It was a warning, welcoming us to the city (Tennessee plates) and giving us 1 hour to return and fill meter. Wow. That was nice. Then today, I noticed on the meter, they have a phone number you can call and fill your meter by cell phone!!!! I love this. I could shop all day and not worry about a ticket. Just a thought. Thanks Petoskey!

The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs has begun the Hotel Janelle development project. Construction is said to begin sometime in 2009. The goal is to be one of the Midwest’s finest condominium hotels, and will be located in downtown Harbor Springs. Upon completion, the property will have 18 large luxurious suites, an indoor pool and spa, rooftop cocktail deck with views of beautiful lake Michigan, an exercise club, croquet lawn, and many more features and accommodations for guests.

Suites will feature floor plans with one, two, or three fully furnished bedrooms. Other features may include hardwood floors, fireplaces, nine to ten foot ceilings, custom cabinetry, granite counters, wireless internet, flat screen televisions, room safes, steam showers, and private label items created exclusively for the hotel.

This will be a one of a kind property, in a one of a kind location, and a one of a kind opportunity! With only 18 suites, availability is extremely limited. Work with an agent who will represent you! Please contact me for more information, or to reserve your suite!

Please note: Author is a licensed real estate agent and Realtor for Coldwell Banker of Harbor Springs. All information believed reliable, but not guaranteed. Hotel Janelle is brokered by Graham Real Estate. Author is not an agent of Graham nor affiliated with Broker, Hotel Janelle, or Cottage Company.

Harbor Springs Realty has merged with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors of Harbor Springs. The new office is located at the entrance to Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club (the Coldwell Banker office.) Harbor Springs Realty broker-owners, licensed assistants, and rental manager are now working from the new location.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide more rental options for guests including more rental properties to choose from and vacation protector insurance. Holiday Vacation Rentals offers fine rental properties in Birchwood Farms, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, Cross Village, and surrounding areas. Online booking is available for your conveniance and Holiday Vacation Rentals accepts all major credit cards! If you would like to learn more about the vacation rental program for guests or owners please visit:www.HolidayVacationRental.com

Home Staging

In many regards, home staging seems like a no brainer. It's relatively easy and can work with any budget. Simple staging techniques can be the difference between a good showing, and a terrible showing. First impressions really do matter. If you don't want to do a major staging overhaul try these simple tips that many overlook:

1. Tidy up the yard. Give the lawn a fresh cut, pick up the kids toys, close the shed door, pull the weeds out of the garden, rake the leaves, etc. Buyers will walk the property if interested. Don't let them step in Fido's doo-doo!

2. Clear the driveway and walks. Remove snow, blow the leaves, and otherwise make a nice entryway to the home. This also helps keep people from tracking dirt and snow through your house!

3. Make it easy for buyers to visualize themselves living there. De-clutter shelves and organize closets and cupboards. Buyers will look in just about every nook or cranny. Too many personal items, decorations, or photos will distract the buyer's attention from the actual house. Do yourself a favor, and get a head start packing it away!

4. Clean your house! Dust and vacuum. Wash the dishes. Scrub the toilet. Have a pet? Don't let the buyers know by leaving stinky cat litter behind for them to find. Clean it up.

5. If it smells good we are attracted to it. Use air fresheners in the home. Even the basement.

6. Let as much natural light into the rooms as possible. It makes small spaces feel bigger.

Yes My Firends! It is a Winter Wonderland here in Petoskey and Bay Harbor Area!

Come see the show! (Do you love the sparkle of the light as it hits the top crisp layer of a new snow?) It is going to be a Great ski Season. We are excited. You would love it here, if you love being out in beautiful country, where it is clean, and refreshing!

Walloon Lake Village, first snow, dusk...

Come visit, and let me be your guide to ownership in The Boyne area!

Here is hoping that your Thanksgiving was peaceful and that your heart is full.

Sincerely,

Lori Jodar