Brandon Ball

Wow it has been a long time since I have been on here and I apologize:) I have recently noticed an extremely high number of internet buyers looking at homes online. I know that this is no surprise due to the fact that it is WINTER but the actual numbers of visitors is somewhat astounding. I have seen in previous years where this number of internet visitors has spiked in the winter but this winter seems to be different. I believe that buyers are getting prepared for their purchase in the coming months and not just looking for entertainment.

This makes me feel very good about the months to come in this area of our economy. Confidence seems to be improving. That is extremely good news as it compares to last spring where everyone was unsure about housing prices bottoming out or not. It is a fact that in the Manistee County area, the prices are here to stay as they are right now. There are still quite a few sellers who have not yet adjusted their prices to what the current market suggests, but overall you can see the big picture. When you can purchase a home(albeit a money pit) for a mere $15,000, it begins to sink in.

If you are a buyer looking at purchasing one of those homes that are priced similar to a used car, remember the old saying "You get what you pay for". Expect evrything to be broken and if it isn't, BONUS.

But back to the homes that are in good condition that are not give-aways. These home prices have come down an average of 26% over the last 2 1/2 years. What a great deal for buyers! I might sound like I am beating a dead horse but WOW! I think that todays buyers are aware of this fact and have now begun to realize how important it is to purchase property soon.

It is not only important for first time home buyers to start building wealth, it is also a great time for buyers who plan on moving up to a bigger home to get it while the gettin' is good. The tax credit for existing home buyers is still a great incentive! $6,500!!!

Whatever situation you might be in, this is the time to get things going. Spring is historically a time when homes sell quickly so if you are on the fence waiting for the right time....it might slip past you.

www.manisteehouses.com

We are proud to announce that we now have listed the ONLY ORGANIC VINEYARD COMMUNITY in Michigan!

Grow your own grapes and make money! Sweeping views of Lake Michigan! Multiple lots and price ranges are available. This is the chance to become part of something spectacular at the best time to buy! 18 estate farm lots are now available and they range from 2-6 acres. Each lot has a 1 to 2 acre designated dwelling site, chosen for optimal scenery. The remainder of each parcel will be dedicated to agriculture, which the property owner may farm themselves, or contract with Douglas Valley Farms for vineyard and farm management.

For more information on this visit http://www.douglasvalley.net/

Check out this link http://allianceforeconomicsuccess.com/news-events-article-110.html

There are all sorts of new and exciting things happening here in Manistee County! This is only piers already set in motion not including the 2 Lake Michigan piers. This area has some of the BEST trout and salmon fishing in the country and the spring is a great time to come and fish for Brown Trout. If you want more details feel free to give me a shout!

5 Tips for Homebuyers Seeking a Mortgage

Here's a warning for potential borrowers: Nervous lenders have tough new rules and are paperwork crazy.

"Borrowers are going to have to prove they are the borrower they say they are," says Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a mortgage-industry publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J.

Gumbinger says homebuyers should consider these things before they apply for a loan.

1. Down payments are critical. Borrowers should expect to put down at least 10 percent for a "conforming loan" - a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase.

2. Credit scores count. A 720 on the 850-point FICO rating scale will get a borrower access to the best rates. Rich Bira, branch manager of FCM Direct Lender in Chicago, says: "A score between 720 and 739 gets 0.125 percent added to the rate, a score between 700 and 719 gets 0.375 percent added to the rate, and a score between 680 and 699 gets 0.5 percent added to the rate."

3. Consider VA and FHA. Borrowers without down payments or with less than stellar credit scores should consider these government-insured loans offered through the Federal Housing Administration of the Veterans Administration.

4. Unearth the records. Before applying, borrowers should organize tax, banking and other records that prove income, savings and debts. They should also expect to be patient about what may seem to be endless requests for information.

5. Get rid of debts. Limiting debts, including what borrowers expect to pay for the mortgage, to less than 43 percent of gross income is important.

Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (02/15/09)

EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Tues.-Sat, Manistee County Historical Museum, 425 River St.

10 am-5pm, adults $3.00, couples $5.00, families-$7.00

Open Daily, tour Coast Guard Station Manistee

8am-4pm call to arrange--- 723-7412

Daily through October Scarecrow Harvest Display

Throughout the Villages of Arcadia & Bear Lake

Manistee County Home Decorating Contest

enter to win by Oct. 24, spon. by Macabre Manistee & Cool 101

Saturdays in October, Open House in Kaleva

12-4 pm, Historic Railroad Depot & Bottle House Museum

Sundays, through October, Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place

1-4 pm, 9991 Marilla Road, 5 mi. so. of M 115 on Marilla Road

Thursdays, Lions Bingo

6:00 pm Manistee County Fairgrounds Onekama

Weekends in Oct. Corn Maze 231-690-7477

Sat. 3-8pm, Sun. 1-4pm, $5.00, 3217 Schoedel Rd. (2 mi. no. on M22)

Weekends in Oct. & Nov. 1, 8^th Annual GHOST Ship SS City Of Milwaukee

7:30 pm, $7 adults- $5 kids & srs., 99 Arthur Street. (US 31 north)

Wednesdays in October, 2008 Michigan Authors Programs

Oct. 21- Bill & Todd Reed, ( Photography) ‘Ludington State Park, Queen of the North'

Oct. 28- Paul M. Strickler, horror writer, ‘ The Calling'

Thursday, Oct. 16, "Paint the Town Pink" Ribbon Week

5pm, $5 per walker, downtown Manistee, 231 887-4066 or 723-2044 for info

Saturday, Oct. 18, Neil Sedaka Little River Casino Resort Event Center

8pm, $55, $45, $35, tickets @ gift shop or 1-800- 585-3737 or starticketsplus

Saturday, Oct. 18, Bazaar & Luncheon at United Methodist Church

10:00am to 2:00pm, Luncheon 10am-2pm, 387 First Street, Manistee

Oct. 23, 24 ,25 , Anessia Rising "Antigone"set in Civil War

8pm, West Shore Community College Center StageTheater, 231-843-5507

Oct. 26, 3pm Anessia Rising WSCC Center Stage

OCT. 24, 25, 26 & Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Little Shop of Horrors musical comedy

8pm, Sunday Matinee- 2pm, Historic Ramsdell Theatre, 723-7188, 723-9948

Fri., Oct. 31, Filer Twp. Halloween Parade 723-9015

5 pm, 23^rd & Nelson Streets to Fire Dept. Bldg., spon. by Filer Twp. Fire Dept.

Fri., Oct. 31, Wellston Boosters 2008 Halloween "Trunk or Treat"

Dusk, a unique safe alternative to rural trick or treating, 231-848-7289

Saturday, Nov 1, Amber Bladzik Benefit Dinner and entertainment

5-8 pm, $10 adults, $5 kids 5-12, under 5 free, St. Joseph Civic Club, 183 9^th St.

Friday, Nov. 7, Free Spirit Band ‘ Your Wildest Dreams'

8pm, West Shore Community College Event Center, 231-843-5507

Saturday, Nov. 8, Big Band Dinner & Dance ‘General Assembly'

6pm dinner, 7:30 dance, Historic Portage Point Inn, 231-889-4222

Sunday, Nov. 9, Aaron Tippin Little River Casino Resort Center

8pm, $45, $35, $25, tickets @ gift shop, 800-585-3737, or starticketsplus

Saturday, Nov. 15, Wellston Community Buck Pole

Weigh in 4-9pm, games, food, prizes, raffle, entertainment, 231-848-7172

Saturday, Nov. 29, Pioneer Christmas in Marilla

Food, music, special displays, surprizes 231-362-3555

November 29-December 31, Bear Lake's ‘Sparkle in the Park'

Holiday Showcase of lighted displays for family, Village Park, 231-864-3766

Saturday, Nov. 29, Shay's Chophouse - Comedy Show

At Shay's Chophouse in Onekama - Tickets $15 231-889-3121

Dec. 4-7 Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Olde Christmas Weekend

In Historic Manistee, the Victorian Port City, 231 723- 2575 for info

December 5, 6, 7, & 12, 13 Alice in Wonderland musical production

8 pm, Sunday matinee-2pm, Historic Ramsdell Theatre, 723-7188, 723-9948

Sunday, Dec. 7, Christmas Celebration at Kaleva Bottle House

& Open House at Kaleva Art Gallery

noon - 5 pm, village of Kaleva

Saturday, Dec 13, Christmas in Bear Lake, 231-864-3127 for info

Sunday, Dec. 21, Winter Solstice celebrated in Kaleva , 231-362-3793 for info