Team Kelley Realty\’s Blog

Home ownership is one of the biggest dreams that many Americans face but find it difficult to achieve.   With the declining Michigan economy and the increase in home foreclosures, the outlook hasn’t looked all that great to achieve the dream for many Americans.  

 However, despite all the economic forecasts and financial woes that face our country, each person must look at their personal situation to determine if they share the same financial woes as our economy does.   Most people would find that the news media is a few steps behind reality.   They are just now forecasting that we are heading into a recession.   If you ask us, we have already been in a recession for quite some time — it has just taken the government and economy that long to face reality.   Most Americans will find that they are on the uproad to financial stability – already going through the struggles they faced.   During the struggles that we faced day in and day out, the news media kept showing strong reports of spending and economic stimulus.   In fact, it wasn’t strong at all.   Now, they are finally realizing that it is in fact bleaker than what they reported.   However, now, it doesn’t appear to be all that bleak.

Homeownership is something to be proud of.   It is a great investment – despite all the foreclosures and recent decline in value, statistics show that home values nearly double in 10 years.   Therefore, what a great time to buy!!!   Prices are down and interest rates are still good.   You can now invest with little or no money down at many financial institutions and with the tax rebate checks coming soon, what a great time to invest!!!

 If you are interested in investing in Manistee, Mason, Benzie or Lake Counties, please contact Team Kelley Realty today – we would love to help make your dreams come true!

Yes, it has finally switched back to “good ole winter”. We have been getting some snow here in Manistee for the last few days. This is great news as our winter recreational activites are a very important part of our local economy.    If you are a snowmobiler, go visit our web page for the lastest trail conditions. There you will find the Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds trail reports as well as the Wellston Area trail condition reports. And skiers, Crystal Mountain is running strong and the Big “M”  is sure to be  liking our recent weather conditions. Our Manistee Area is expecting another 4-8 inches of snow through tomorrow. So, if your a skier, wax your skis and snowmobilers, gas up the machines and head up to the Manistee area and take advantage of everything our area has to offer. Our local snowmobile clubs and ski resorts have been working hard to make your trip enjoyable.

And, if you need to take a break from all the action, give Team Kelley Realty a call. We will show you some great up-north get-a-ways that you can invest in to make your trips even more comfortable.   With the current real estate market conditions (great selection and affordable prices), this may be the time to have a “home away from home.”   Call Team Kelley today!

This week’s release shows that over the next few months, existing-home sales are expected to hold fairly steady, then rise later in the year and continue to improve in 2009. If this forcast is accurate, people that have been considering on selling their house, may want to start getting it ready. And Buyers, if you have been waiting for the market to fall even more, it sounds as though things are going to start turning around.   Call Team Kelley today to start your search!

Snowmobilers, it is finally snowing again and hopefully the trail conditions will start to improve. For up to date trail information, visit out recreation section of our website. Also, the Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds Snowmobile Club had an awesome “front page” article on their club and all the wonderful improvements they are making for the trail system. Not only will the snowmobiler enjoy these improvements, but the local economy will benefit from the Snowbirds efforts as well. For more information on the Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds, visit our recreation link.

Deal or No Deal — If you have ever watched this show you will no doubt have sat in front of the TV and have said DEAL when the Contestant does exactly the opposite.   You sit and think to yourself (sometimes shout out at the TV) how crazy the Contestant is for not taking the deal.   Sure enough, you were right and the contestant opens the large amount of money and his offer drops drastically.   The same is true in today’s real estate market.   The only difference is the Buyer is the contestant and bank cases are the houses and mortgage interest rates.   If you say NO DEAL, that means you are gambling with the chance that the interest rate will stay the same and that market will continue to be a buyer’s market.   Hopefully that case isn’t the big dollar case???!!!   If you’d rather be safe and not sorry, you might want to say DEAL and start the process of your investment/purchase.   Team Kelley is ready to help, please call us today!

Yesterday, it was  a cold, windy day  in Manistee, MI. Today, the Sun is shining and the snow is melting. If you are an ice fisherman, you may want to consider fishing the river until we get some better ice conditions. Two weeks ago, we experienced a warm up –  with rain to top it off. This weekend, they are forecasting temperatures to be in the upper 40s with rain. This will definitely make the ice conditions dangerous.  If you are a snowmobiler, hold tight. If we can get this thaw to freeze back up and get some fluff,  there will be a great base & the trail conditions will be superb.

Real Estate is still selling in our tri-county area and despite the news, we have been out tredging around in the snow with some “serious” buyers looking at homes this week. They are very convinced that “It’s A Great Time To Buy” and with the interest rates humming around 6%, (our client last week  closed on a deal with 5.75% interest—excellent rate) you CAN have your cake and eat it ,too.  We do not know how much longer the real estate market (great house & land prices with excellent interest rates) is going to continue at this level. But, if you are thinking of buying, don’t get caught looking! If you still need convincing that now is the time to buy, please go visit our “Results” on our home page to see. There you will see that not only are we telling you that properties are selling, we are showing you they are.

After doing some research and reading different articles, we are expecting to have a great-successful 2008 with lots of sales! It does seem apparent that the market will start swinging around soon. When?- We are not sure if anybody can answer this question with certainty, but eventually it will and the ones whom have invested in real estate, will reap the rewards. The ones that think the market is going to continue to deteriorate making for even sweeter deals, well, to be frank-they are going to miss the boat. If you would like to catch the boat, call Team Kelley today!

You probably have heard over and over again about the credit crunch that is happening throughout the country.   The government has stepped in and are trying to come up with some plan to help (and they think they have).  

Regardless of any relief that the government may or may not provide, we have to remember one thing:   if we look at the history of real estate, we will see that it is an ever changing market.   Sales go up and down with the economy – remember in the 80′s when interest rates were near 20%?   Yes, foreclosures are at an all-time high, but soon those who can afford to buy right now will realize that NOW is the time to buy and once we get through this supply of housing, things will turn around again.   History will repeat itself and prices will again rise – we just have to let it take its course.  

Mortgage companies are getting smarter and protecting their investments a little more – they are working to make sure that those who should have the loans, get the loans and those that shouldn’t have them, don’t get them.  

There are many reasons why there are so many foreclosures right now in our country.   Some are lost jobs, over extended their credit, living beyond their means… whatever the case, it is the job of the homeowners and the mortgage companies to do their best to prevent these situations.   Yes, there will always be situations beyond our control and sometimes we can’t help what situation is laid upon us.   However, everyone has to do their best to avoid these situations.  

If you find you are in a situation where you have to sell, Team Kelley Realty may be able to help.   Give us a call.

The setting was perfect…

brisk cool air, light snow floating down, streets just filled with the locals and visitors.   It was just like something you’d see in a movie – people conversing on the streets, children excitingly waiting for Santa Clause, folks singing Christmas carols on the sidewalks, the sounds of trombones echoing in the air, the smell of roasted chestnuts lingering throughout the air and stores opening their doors and welcoming patrons with warmth, hot cocoa, coffee and treats.   What a wonderful night.  

 Once the parade started, the excitement was contageous.   The school bands playing favorite Christmas music, bells ringing in the streets, beautiful horses marching down the streets, postal workers collecting letters for Santa Clause.   Finally, what everyone was waiting for, Santa Clause being pulled on his sleigh down River Street followed by the enormous Christmas tree.   People packed the streets and followed the tree down to its resting place and counted down for the lighting.   Then the town sang our favorite Christmas hymns.   The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Manistee, Michigan.   If you were not here, you definitely missed out!   It was a wonderful time had by all!   Thank you to all those that came out and celebrated this joyous Holiday with us!

If you haven’t been in Manistee for the Sleighbell Parade, you still have time to hop in your car (or on the plane) and still make it.  

Thousands are expected to watch the parade this year.   The parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8 on River Street in downtown Manistee.   This is the parade that started the whole “Old Christmas” weekend idea.

Once simple rule:   if it wasn’t done in the “Victorian Era” it can’t be done here.   Therefore, this is a parade that has lots of horses – beautifully decorated with wreaths and Christmas bells.   No motors allowed (unless it was around prior to Queen Victoria’s death in 1901).   Parade participants must look like they came straight out of the Victorian era.   Materials displayed must be of the Victorian period.   Music performed must be from the Victorian period (no recorded music or amplification allowed).   Lighting must be in the form of candles, lanterns or oil lamps.  

This year we ar eexpecting between 50 – 100 horses.   Horses won’t be the only critters as there will be lots of dogs as well.   Come early and enjoy the pre-parade concert of the Merry Trombone Christmas Concert which will start at 4:00 p.m.   And children, don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa Clause as the postal carriers will be walking up and down River Street (in their Victorian postal wear) collecting letters for Santa.  

 Merchants will be open with free warmth and refreshments.   Along the street you can also enjoy free roasted chestnuts and other refreshments.   It truly is a magical time in Manistee.   Please come join us!!!