MyNorth Real Estate and Home Services 2022

REAL ESTATE HOME SERVICES& A SUPPLEMENT TO 2022 What Your Builder Needs to Know Before You Buy a Lot Architectural Details That Pay Off Big Best Paint for Hassle-Free Maintenance real estate advice for our crazy up north market INSIDER TIPS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

no place like HOME RealEstateOne.com let us get you there Crystal Downs Country Club - Lake Michigan Beach MLS 1846259 250 BeachMLSRoad1888140310 Beach Road Suzy Voltz (231) suzy.voltz@gmail.com651-9711 RealEstateOne.com 57 N. Michigan Ave, 231-882-4449Beulah 19681 McGinty Ln Watersmeet, MI • MLS 1899770 • $695,000 Secluded year-round waterfront home with unexpected amenities within the Ottawa National Forest. Large master suite which has a wonderful gas fireplace to keep you cozy and the multi-person sauna with shower will heat the stress away. Access to connecting roads and trails that cover the majority of northern Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula of Michigan ATV/UTV/Snowmobile trail systems. Starlink with no data limits. Spring fed crystal-clear deep-water lake with top notch fishing. New 2020 Hewitt roll in dock system with extras. Large 28x32 Insulated garage. Designed for efficiency and the electrical rates are among the lowest in the nation. This is truly an exceedingly rare find. Jason Gillman jasongillman@realestateone.comjason@northernmichiganproperty.com231-218-7375 From Traverse City to Rochester I am here for your Real Estate needs Susan Hunt, Realtor Cell (231) 714-0363 / (248) 245-6174 511susanhunts4u.comsusan@realestateone.comE.FrontSt,TraverseCity MI 49686

Michigan's leading and largest brokerage Lou louokma@realestateone.comOfficeCell/TextOkma231.645.7696231.946.4040 Your Real Estate Navigator Mackinaw Brewing Company Northern Michigan’s First Brew Pub It’s retirement time for the creators of Traverse City’s favorite Pub $$ opportunities abound for the next generational owners: ~ Continued operation of a thriving business ~ ~ AirBnB suites in the upstairs office space (4200 sq. ft. overlooking the water) ~ ~ A potential rooftop bar overlooking the river and bay ~ ~ Ownership of the prime corner in town ~ All in the heart of one of America’s fastest growing chic destinations Center of town, overlooking the water Call Jack Lane, The Local’s Realtor, for information: 231 883 7444 Hey! Are you being represented in real estate deals as well as you should be? Locals tend to know what a Realtor’s track record is –but if you’re from out of the area, how do you know? The difference in who you choose could cost – or make – you tens of thousands of $$. Here’s what recent customers have said about Jack: “You sold our house in three days! Your expertise was amazing, thanks for your insight into the whole process.” – Ann and Liz, Sellers “Every Saturday morning starts with your real estate show. Thank you for all the stories and laughs!” – Richard and Beth, long time listeners. “He was just like he is on the radio – funny, but really good at the whole process. I could not have been happier.” – Leigh Ann, Seller If you’re buying or selling, you should talk to: Jack Lane, The local’s Realtor, 231-995-0000 Tune in to: Ask the Real Estate Guy! -with Jack Lane Saturday Mornings 8 to 9 • WTCM AM - 580 Northern Michigan’s #1 show inmillion+$200sales! QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! $50,000 MLS 1899493 57 N. Michigan Ave. QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! MLS 1899493 KATHYNEVEU.COM 231.342.0921 QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! MLS 1899493 57 N. Michigan Ave. Beulah, MI 49617 QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! MLS 1899493 KATHYNEVEU.COM 231.342.0921 57 N. Michigan Ave. Beulah, MI 49617 QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! MLS 1899493 QUIET LIVINGCOUNTRY Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenities - schools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 KATHYNEVEU.COM 231.342.0921 57 N. Michigan Ave. Beulah, MI 49617 QUIET COUNTRY LIVING Small farm? Automotive? Woodworking? Small business? 4BR/2BA home with 40x40 pole barn on 4 acres could be the perfect spot for you! Unfinished lower level offers even more space. Close to amenitiesschools, golf, trails, retail, & a quick trip to Traverse City. $349,000 MLS 1900353 PREMIER EMPIRE LOCATION A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! $50,000 MLS 1899493 PREMIER LOCATIONEMPIRE A mile to Lake Michigan & South Bar Lake; steps away from quaint town of Empire. At nearly an acre, this hidden gem is waiting for your new home. 1800 sf min with paved roads & underground utilities (Natural gas, electric, cable, etc). Just waiting for your ideas! $50,000 MLS 1899493 RED HOT BEST 2022 WINNER

You Talk... I’ll ListenGINNYginnyfey.com231.360.7822FEY•ginny.fey@gmail.com W h 10 years combined Real Estate experience and over 20 years teaching experience, I am an advocate for you! Life Is Different Here Truly a one of a kind home! We invite you to partner with our team and experience professional excellence! 4 BR 3.5 BA • 3976 Sq. Ft. • $924,500 • MLS 1894916 Lap pool • Walkout lower with in-law suite 3 car garage on a double lot RealEstateOne.com Michigan's leading and largest brokerage movemake your

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HOME SERVICES& A MyNorth Media Publication

Add value and longevity to your favorite outdoor living spaces.

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Architect Nick Liebler weighs in on how to create welcoming spaces rich with detail and authenticity.

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Before you ask yourself what (and where) to buy, first ask, “How do I love to live?”

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33 | Selling the family cottage? Here’s how to do it right. The emotional and physical exchange that comes with selling the family lake home can be heavy. Use these tips to lighten the load.

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Bryant Wilson doesn’t want to sell you insurance; he wants to coach you, so you can make the right choices for your life.

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25 | The Lifestyle Question

Find local pros for every project.

Buy? Sell? Wait? Remodel? We’ve got answers to all of your real estate questions.

Five must-know tips for making the most competitive offer in today’s market.

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A crazy real estate market requires more than just a Realtor— you need a team of strategic partners.

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9 | When Experience Counts

31 | Delight is in the Details

Before you fall in love with a dream-home design, here’s what your builder wants you to know about working with your lot.

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27 | Never Paint Again

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MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 3 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES 415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone: 231.941.8174 | Fax: 231.941.8391

Pro tips and trends for homeowners seeking outstanding design.

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7 | Love at First Site

4 MyNorth.com Buy? Sell? Wait? Remodel? We’ve got answers.

BY CARA MCDONALD signs of the times

4. CASH DEALS ARE STILL A THING.

W

3. OUT-OF-STATE BUYERS ARE (STILL) CHANGING THE GAME.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 5

The fiercely competitive market means buyers need to bring their best offer to the table—and that often means buying with cash. According to a report from Redfin, homebuyers last year were four times more likely to win a bidding war by making an all-cash offer, and an all-cash offer improved a competi tive offer’s success by a whopping 334 percent. “We are seeing buyers using retirement or other funds to buy with cash, then pulling some of those funds back out with delayed financing,” Hodges says.

Cara McDonald is the executive editor of MyNorth/Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.

Wait, what? For sellers, markets are white hot with record appreciation, buyer demand and fast-moving deals. That may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s also a good time to buy.

“I think the Midwest is one of the most desirable areas in the country,” Hodges says. “We don’t have fires, floods, torna does, hurricanes … There are people flocking to this region.” Hodges adds that tracking buyer zip codes has led to some interesting revelations: more and more buyers are coming from California, Texas, Maryland and New York—hyper-expensive markets creating sellers who walk with major amounts of cash, and turn their eyes to the affordable Midwest.

e sussed out national trends and checked in with Matt Hodges, board president of Aspire North Realtors (an alliance of area Realtors focused on professional advancement) for a sense of what the market realities are now— and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

But be cautious with full-tilt renos on your way out the door—two in five buyers surveyed were willing to do their own renovations. And with high demand for contractors and labor, something like a major kitchen remodel could not only set you back a lot of money, but a good deal of time as well— not worth missing a great seller’s window.

1. IT’S STILL A GOOD TIME TO SELL. AND TO BUY.

Here’s why: “The market is slowing but not softening,” Hodges says. “There is less inventory, but the values continue to rise.” And Fannie Mae is forecasting housing prices to in crease 10.8 percent this year—that’s a slowdown from last year’s record 18.8 percent, but it’s still a record-breaking increase. If you can get in the market now, these continued ris ing prices lead to increased equity right out of the gate. And with the shortage of rental properties, homeownership means totakemytoadds.“Don’tfixed housing costs.wait,”Hodges“Thepricesaregoingcontinuetorise,andinopinion,it’sgoingtosomethingcatastrophicmoveusoffthetrajectorywe’reon.”So,hisadvice?Ifyou’reabuyer,hanginthere.“Thereisopportunity.Ifyou’reoverpayingtoday,you’resettingthenewcompandcreatingthenewlevelofvalue.Don’tbeafraidofoverpayingforyourprimaryhome…Buyittoday,stayinit,andyou’llbehappytomorrow,you’llbehappynextyear.You’llstillseeaddedvalue.”

2. IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN, THINGS AREN’T COOLING OFF ANYTIME SOON.

Despite the fact that interest rates have shot up two points or more in the last few months, and the stock market is all over the place, prices continue to climb. “I don’t see things slowing down,” says Hodges. Paired with low inventory and a ton of buyer demand, there’s not a real slowing, and he adds that at the moment, the interest rates aren’t affect ing that market.

OFFER’SALL-CASHTOACCORDINGREDFIN,ANOFFERIMPROVEDACOMPETITIVESUCCESSBYAWHOPPING334PERCENT.

5. THE RIGHT RENOVATIONS WILL PAY OFF, BUT DON’T OVERDO IT.

The most recent  State of Home Spending  report states home improvement spending rose 25 percent year-over-year to $10,341. Homeowners who invested in home improvements did an average of 3.7 projects, up from 2.7 in Improvements2020.like ga rage doors (nearly 100 per cent of costs recouped) and decks (70 percent of costs recouped) have some of the best return on investment (ROI), and don’t overlook the value of a good paint refresh: According to a 2019 National Association of Realtors survey, 66 percent of Realtors recom mended interior and exterior painting, with a 107 percent ROI for interior paint jobs, and 55 percent for exterior.

226 E. Mitchell St, Petoskey, MI 49770 New location! 236 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684 Visit our website to view our complete photo gallery. glennwoodcustombuilders.com | 231.439.9103 Custom Builders

Choosing the right property is one of the most important steps in the process of building a new home, says Jeff Collins, CEO and owner of Glennwood Custom Builders, a fullservice design and build team that has offices in downtown Petoskey and Traverse City. The company specializes in new construction and extensive remodeling projects.

“We like to visit the site with our client and their real estate agent,” Collins says. “We try to give advice on the cost, what can be done there, what are the setbacks. All the lakes in Northern Michigan have different regulations on whether you can build a

Love at First Site

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 7

Collins recommends the buyer have their team in place— including the builder and real estate agent—before the selec tion process begins. The builder can identify issues with a property; how things such as topography, soil types, drainage and regulations for setbacks from lakes, rivers and roads may impact the building envelope. Those elements could add costs to the building project or deem a property unsuitable for the client’s vision.

Before you fall in love with a dream-home design, here’s what your builder wants you to know about working with your lot and the landscape.

“We typically work with our clients to help them locate the perfect property, assist with pre-purchase due diligence and work through any items that may require interacting with state agencies, township zoning and county permitting,” Collins says, noting the state agencies include the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Natural Resources. “We have long-standing, high-quality relationships with these and other agencies important to the build process.” Glennwood Custom Builders has more than 25 years of experi ence helping customers build their dream homes in Northern Michigan. The family-owned company’s portfolio includes homes of all sizes, ranging from 3,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet or more. Their service includes coordinating and managing all the people, entities and components required in the complex process of purchasing the ideal property.

“Putting that team together and working with a builder who is truly custom and is engaged right from the start, even on the lot selection, can work with you to make sure your vision is going to happen, to make sure it’s going to be feasible,” Collins adds. “At Glennwood we enjoy and appreciate assisting our clients with their lot selection options, whether they are full of opportunities or challenges, to make sure their vision can be carried out. This does take time, so we encourage them to reach out to us as soon as they start the process of searching for the perfect property.”

One example is the topography of a site. A customer may dream of a walk-out, but to build that on a flat parcel will mean moving and sculpting a lot of dirt. Steep slopes may also mean moving dirt around or constructing a retaining wall. The type of soil could require pilings for a foundation—more expensive than a traditional foundation. Other considerations include lo cal setback requirements from waterways and roads.

“There are so many things to think about,” Collins says. “Do you want to be right up against the water or do you want to be able to play yard games? Maybe you want to be 100 feet from the water—is the lot deep enough? You have to under stand the pros and cons of different properties and how you plan to live there.”

Many properties in Northern Michigan have wetland issues, which dictate how big the building envelope on a property can be. You cannot build on wetlands but there are ways to work aroundWetlandsthem.were an issue for a client a few years ago. Before choosing Glennwood, the client had been told it was im possible to build his desired home on a 10-acre site on Lake Charlevoix because of setback requirements and wetlands. Glennwood negotiated with state agencies for a year to find workable solutions, reshaping the landscape to make the 10,000-square-foot house work on the property. Part of the solution included re-creating the wetlands elsewhere on the site and building bridges over streams to protect water. “It was extremely complicated and detailed,” Collins recalls. “We got the house in there when everyone said it was impossible. It took us a while, but [the customer] eventually got everything he wanted.” Choosing the right property also impacts the liv ability of the home, something most prospective clients don’t think about either. The livability of a site includes consider ing such things as how the sun falls in the afternoon—do you want shade after you’ve been out on the boat all day or do you want to grill in the sun? Others include where is the prevailing wind, and how deep is the water in front of the property?

by Greg Tasker

guest house or a storage barn, and how big … there are a lot of things to weigh before purchasing a lot.”

“A lot of times people don’t consult with a builder ahead of time and they’ll buy the lot and then discover there are issues they didn’t consider,” Collins says.

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When it comes to building your dream home amid the lakes and woods of Northern Michigan, there’s much more to con sider than just gorgeous views or settings.

BUYERSSELLERSWATERFRONTWANTED!AREWAITING! KIMBERLY BORK • RESIDENTIALKimberly@venturepropertiesmi.com231-631-2119&VACANTLAND Top selling independent brokerage in Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS 2017-2021 venturepropertiesmi.com PO BOX 6634 • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49686

CountsExperienceWhen

Who would have thought the pandemic would have brought the real estate industry such huge growth? Venture Properties witnessed this firsthand, closing $112 million during a time they thought would be a downturn in the market. The fact remains: Buyers continue to flock to Northern Michigan in search of the perfect property. But in a crazy market, it’s the experience of your real estate team that makes the difference. Venture Properties has successfully connected their clients with vacation homes, primary residences and land since 1980, and is known for selling Leelanau County waterfront property. The brokerage had the largest sale on north Lake Leelanau in 2021 at $3.8 million, selling at $300,000 over the list price. Kimberly Bork, broker/owner of Venture Properties, then sold another home after a knock on the door from a neighbor be fore the listing ink was even dry—and this home also closed over $3 Venturemillion.Properties

“I was fortunate to learn from the best in the business, and I am grateful for all Perry has taught me,” she says. “It is an honor to carry on the legacy with like-minded individuals.”

founder and Associate Broker Perry Pentiuk based the values of the brokerage on building rela tionships, not sales. As a result, Venture Properties is one of the most successful independently owned real estate companies in our region, with many long-time friends that remain clients today. When Kimberly purchased the company from Perry in 2019, she kept those core values intact.

by Cara McDonald

Kimberly now has a team of seven, including Perry, as well as Realtors Nicole White, Hillary Voight, Powell Smith, Marissa Wege and recent addition Mark Hood—her father. “My dad hired me as his admin when I was in college,” she says. “He is responsible for shaping my entrepreneurial spirit. This is going to be an exciting new chapter for us.”

Mark has always been keenly interested in real estate. Since moving to Traverse City in 2001, he and his wife, Karen, have

acquired and sold many vacant land parcels and residential homes. They also completely remodeled four homes on Old Mission Peninsula and became well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of home construction. Mark served on the Peninsula Township Board of Review for several years, gaining valuable experience and knowledge on the tax assessment and appeals process. Mark also brings decades of experience in the finance industry to Venture Properties. He has been directly or indi rectly involved in more than $3 billion of financing for a wide spectrum of assets including aircraft, ships, barges, railcars, oil wells and computers.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 9 PropertiesVentureofcourtesyphotos SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What’s next for Venture Properties? Home staging and prop erty management are a few of the services that will continue to grow in 2022. Team members Kimberly, Marissa, Hillary and Nicole all have years of experience in this department. “We love to work with our clients to get a property ready for the market,” Kimberly says. A recent staging project included a waterfront cottage. The seller called for advice, and the team provided a detailed plan. The client followed the plan to the letter—they cleared the home of personal items, painted the interior, cleaned the house, carpets and windows, and had a pre-home inspection completed. Venture Properties staged the home and listed at a fair price. The result was 68 showings and 10 offers; all wildly above the list price. The property sold in three days for $225,000 over asking price. Sure, it would have sold without the staging plan—but not for nearly a quarter mil lion

“Itmore.pays to prepare,” Kimberly says. “We have many prequalified financed and all-cash buyers searching for homes in our region and the lowest inventory levels we’ve seen in a long time. If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time. Interest rates will continue to rise, and the market will shift, so don’t wait. And, if you need to find a home, Venture Properties excels at competing in this crazy market. We are here to help.”

A crazy real estate market requires more than just a Realtor—you need a team of strategic partners.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL.

950BIRMINGHAMS.OldWoodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 283-8400 1100GAYLORDGornick Ave. Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 732-1690 SHELBY TOWNSHIP 50800 Corporate Drive Shelby Township, MI 48315 (586) 731-4111 TRAVERSE CITY 1610 W. South Airport Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) wittock.com946-5160 Clean lines, contemporary styles and functional design can make your home a delight to live in. Wittock Kitchen and Bath has the fixtures, faucets, countertops, accessories and wonderfully livable details that can transform your home into your own personal masterpiece. Visit our showrooms today.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 11 Ann Porter ASSOCIATE BROKER 231.944.4959 VisitAnn@AnnPorterTC.comAnnPorterTC.comfor more information. 402 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686 Does the current Real Estate Market wrinkle your brow? Let my experience and energy take the stress out of buying & selling. Together, we can make a plan that’s right for your needs and goals, without any pressure. Elk Rapids Northville 231.498.2500josephmoseyarchitecture.com248.515.4477 The ultimate goal of the Architect is to create a paradise... every house should be a fruit of our endeavor to create an earthly paradise for people. Photo by Maconochie Photography www.greenstonefcs.com Custom-built loans. Rolling acres, country homes, and room to grow. GreenStone can help build your dream of life off the beaten path. Contact your local GreenStone team to learn more about our unique financing options. 800-444-3276

Bryant Wilson Call or Text: 231.668.6805 MichiganInsuranceCoach.com • bryant@michiganinsurancecoach.com 5756 US 31N, Williamsburg, MI 49690 (Next to Chase Bank)

The ApproachCoach

Bryant Wilson doesn’t want to sell you insurance; he wants to coach you, so you can make the right choices for your life. by Carly Simpson

Heteam.brings his passion for coaching to home insurance, too, at his State Farm office in Williamsburg. “Our job is to inform and to ask the right questions,” Bryant says. “We love to have a conversation and coach you on insurance so you can make an informed decision. If you go with another company, that’s fine, no hard feelings, we sleep well at night knowing we did our job informing you.”

Bryant’s process involves three key questions you need to be aware of before committing to an insurance purchase or working with an agent:

3 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT 1) Am I overinsured or underinsured?

3) I have a secondary home I want to rent out. Do I need to tell my agent?

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 13

“Liability is what people should really be concerned about. Many people retire up here, and they over-insure their home because they think that’s the biggest risk exposure. On the flip side of that, a lot of people carry very low liability limits, and that’s the scary part. If something happens on your premises and you get sued, you may have to dip into your retirement ac counts, or use up your nest egg—that’s a big risk. Also, liability exposures are much more significant on lakes. You might have a boat, or some kids are over who aren’t used to using a jet ski … It’s all your property; it’s your exposure. Having a conversation is worth it, to make sure you’re protected in the right way.”

“It’s common for people to rent out their second or third homes as vacation rentals, but some people don’t tell their insur ance company the house is being used as a rental. In the event of a loss, if it’s not documented and somebody sues or somebody accidentally burns it down, and your insurance company finds out that it was a rental, they’re not going to pay your claim. It’s not that those houses aren’t insurable as rentals, you just have to note that you’re using the house in a different capacity.”

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Like so many others when Covid-19 hit, Bryant Wilson was thrown for a loop. Central Michigan University cut its men’s track and field program and Bryant, who was the 2019 Assistant Coach of the Year at CMU and was a four-time na tional champion pole vaulter at Grand Valley State University, was out of a job. So, with a baby on the way, he and his wife took the opportunity to reset and find the perfect place to raise a family. Their search brought them to the Traverse City area, where they could be a part of the community and Bryant could carry on his passion for coaching with Traverse City Central’s track

2) Do I have enough liability insurance?

“Real estate is a big investment, especially in our area. When it comes to home insurance, a lot of people have an es crow account and so their insurance is tied up in their mortgage payment and they don’t really think about it. Let’s say they buy a million-dollar home on Old Mission Peninsula or Torch Lake and they insure it for that price, but it’s a 1,200-square-foot ranch that would ‘only’ cost $250,000 to rebuild. You had to pay for the view, though, and the land, which is what adds up to that million dollars. We’re not going to rebuild the view if your house burns down, we’re only going to rebuild a structure of like kind and quality. A lot of people don’t know they’re overpaying for home insurance because their bank loan is for $1 million so the bank says, ‘Hey, we need to insure this for $1 million,’ and that’s not the case. In reality, if the structure is only worth $200,000, that’s the amount you need to insure.”

Why local? If you don’t have a personal relationship with your insurance agent, give Bryant a call or text at 231.668.6805 or stop by the office (5756 US-31 N., Williamsburg next to Chase Bank). His local team is happy to answer insurance questions, or recommend their favorite coffee shop, breweries and trails. “We don’t mind telling people, ‘We can’t beat that price,’” Bryant says. “But if price is all that matters, everyone would still have flip phones.”

Situated on 191’ of private East Bay frontage yet just 8 miles from downtown Traverse City, this captivating West Coast style home designed by an award winning Seattle architect will welcome & wow. The intentional interplay of light, space & glass brings the outdoors in through each spectacular season. It is truly rare to find walk-out beach frontage that is this expansive, sandy, and private. One of the best locations on East Bay, with deep water access ideal for boating. Private showings available for qualified buyers. Listed by Carly Smith Petrucci REALTOR® www.TheShawnSchmidtGroup.comcarly.cbrealtor@gmail.com231-649-3137 Stunning Modern Design Meets Old Mission Tranquility 11596 Bluff Road, Traverse City Offered for sale at $3,800,000

1. As a buyer, you should make sure your Realtor is calling the listing agent to start a dialogue and find out what is im portant to the seller before submitting your offer. Having the strongest overall offer is about so much more than just having the highest price—your other terms have to appeal to the seller as well. Your Realtor should be picking up the phone, making that call and finding out what the seller is looking for besides just price.

by Allison Jarrell Competitionthe

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4. There are diamonds in the rough out there. If there’s an area you like but you can’t find the perfect home, consider a rehab loan that allows you to wrap the costs into your loan. Coast One Mortgage does a nice job with these loans.

2. Minimize your contingencies! The fewer contingencies your offer has, the better. In a seller’s eyes, every contingency is just a possible way that the deal may fall apart, so you need

Shawn Schmidt Smith, a fourth-generation Traverse City Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, shares five tips for making the most competitive offer in today’s market.

5. Look for the hidden gems. Kingsley, for example, is a scenic, less crowded, more under-the-radar area to consider— perfect for families, professionals and retirees. It’s not as dis covered, but give it a few years; choosing to live in an area on the front end of a trending location is valuable. Alden is tucked into a scenic area with water and rolling landscapes all around. These are great areas to buy real estate, knowing that your property values will grow nicely.

to minimize that in order to give the seller confidence that the deal will make it to the closing table. For example, as a buyer, you shouldn’t be asking for more than a three- to four-day inspection period in this market. In 2015, you could ask for a two-week-long inspection period. Not anymore. Shorten/ minimize that inspection contingency to remain competitive.

3. Convey your enthusiasm about the home to the seller. Your Realtor should be filling out glowing feedback after the showing, telling the seller how much you love it. Sellers will feel more confident about you as a buyer if they know how badly you want the house—it conveys a willingness to do what it takes to make sure the deal will get to closing.

Beat

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 15

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Millwork StatementsStyle

TIP: START WITH ONE SMALL FOCUS.

On another front, Strawderman says, Northern Michigan design is starting to lean more toward modern, contemporary aesthetics. It’s increasingly common to have stylish drywall re turns on windows and doors with minimal baseboards and to see doors with contemporary flair.

You’ve got Thomas & Milliken’s creative and dedicated em ployees and longstanding reputation on your millwork team.

Milliken&Thomasofcourtesyphoto SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Walking into a millwork showroom can be a little daunting. Doors, window trims, molding, baseboards and panels in so many textures, styles and hues—“overwhelm” can creep in. And that’s ok. That’s when the experts stroll up, take your hand and help you articulate your vision.“It can be a pretty long and pain ful process to get to the first selection, but once that is made, it tends to be pretty smooth sailing,” says Thomas & Milliken sales associate Kent Strawderman.With showrooms in Petoskey and Traverse City, the retailer specializes in doors, windows and stair parts and has notched its pedestal as the number one millshop in Northern Michigan. Andy Thomas launched Thomas & Mil liken Millwork in 1977 with his wife, Gloria. When he was just six years old, Andy’s parents gifted him a small red steel toolbox labeled “Handy Andy,” jumpstarting a basement woodwork ing shop and continuing the family tradition of woodworking, dating back to his great-great-grandfather who built Northport homes in the 1850s.

Thomas & Milliken welcomes loads of requests to replicate trim, interior doors and hardware from every architectural era. Step back in time, adding a Victorian vibe to your project with curated millwork and door packages. Trends are capturing looks from mid-century modern to contemporary farmhouse, and Thomas & Milliken pride themselves on accurate representations of period millwork.

The pros thrive on helping homeowners, architects and de signers wade through products and services and lend projects that “uniquely you” touch.

An entrance sets the tone for a home’s interior and enhances the overall appeal of a space. In the past, modern homes called on flush solid-core birch and other species of durable wood. To make a fairly simple yet bold style statement, Strawderman points to TruStile’s modern door collection and its stacked rail designs and sleek plank styles.

READY TO GET STARTED

Today, designers and DIY-ers appreciate Thomas & Milliken’s boundless custom millwork and hands-on approach. Here, Strawderman helps homeowners break down tips and trends for 2022.

TREND: CONJURE AN ERA.

TIP: DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO MODERN.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 19

TIP: EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE. ASK FOR HELP.

Since millwork in general and trims, doors and cabinetry in particular are a reflection of a home’s geographical location and regional tastes, it’s no surprise the “Up North Cottage” is Thomas & Milliken’s top-selling millwork package. The lake side-inspired design is clean-lined and linear with detailed base boards and casing and a crown that follows the same line. It’s not uncommon to see beadboard paneling and nickel-slot ceilings and accenting in various patterns and widths, Strawderman says. Nature-inspired textures and customized light and airy nooks round out the Up North feel.

by Lisa Blake

Unless you have a finalized idea book tabbed out room by room, you’re starting with a blank slate. Don’t let product se lection bog you down. Start with one thing—this could be the doors, the baseboard or the crown—and key in on that. “All other decisions can be made once you pick one thing,” Strawderman says.

“When someone comes into the showroom looking to pick out millwork, the basic premise is that they have a problem that they want to solve. It’s our job to help find the solution,” Strawderman says.

TREND: WELCOME UP NORTH COTTAGE NOSTALGIA.

Pro tips and trends for homeowners seeking outstanding design.

HonorBuildingSupply 10635US31 HonorMI, 231-325-4551 800-444-6396 49640 Building Supply MI, Onekama 4847Main St. Onekama49675 231-889-3456

WHY CHOOSE PVC?

Earl and Shirley Soderquist recognized these facts of Up North life when the local building material and hardware purveyors opened Honor & Onekama Building Supply. The trusted Northern Michigan lumber and building supplies source launched in 1963 with steadfast dedication to helping contractors and DIYers shop and build locally. As Honor & Onekama Building Supply has evolved from one generation of owners to another, so have the products they offer, adding to traditional wood-based products a wide range of long-lasting, low-maintenance items in a variety of materials.

HEAT SHEDDING

PVC boards have the authentic color streaks and natural wood grain texture of real stained hardwoods. You can pick from rich on-trend hues that are updated every year. Current

SUSTAINABILITY

Add value and longevity to your favorite outdoor living spaces.

Living Your Best Lake Life with PVC Decking

“PVC became active in our market 10 years ago,” he says. “It’s a premium product that comes with premium pricing. Now it’s one of the fastest growing categories here at the lumberyard.”

FLEXIBILITY IN DESIGN

DURABILITY

Natural seasonal elements and construction trends have had their way with wood and aluminum over the years. Now it’s PVC’s turn to take the decking spotlight, says Honor & Onekama Building Supply Manager Kevin Ingleston.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 21

popular colors include driftwood gray, rosewood and sand cas tle. Solid and grooved boards provide more options and the classic matte finish never goes out of style.

Northern Michigan’s shoreline comes with its own unique climate—long winters where snow and ice sit on decks for months on end are followed by summers of intense sunshine and humidity. PVC decking is moisture resistant so there’s no rotting or mildew. The product doesn’t warp, crack or split and retains its color without fading from years of sun. Feet are safe from splinters and insects don’t care for the material.

In Northern Michigan, a beautiful, comfortable outdoor liv ing space is just as important as interior aesthetics. Decks are the new dining room; patios step in as family dens and game rooms. When winter temperatures dip below zero and summer mercury soars to 90 degrees, durable building materials and solid construction are paramount to keeping these al fresco commons safe and enjoyable.

Wolf decking is made of 94 percent recycled material and features a strong core, taking durability to a whole new level. When wood is used, Ingleston says, approximately 15 percent of the wood purchased isn’t usable because of knots, wanes and chatter marks, so there’s a lot more waste and cost.

The premium decking product is basically maintenance free, so you can enjoy your deck and not spend off-seasons cleaning, sanding and staining. Low-maintenance engineered decking means a quick spray with the hose once in a while and an annual clean with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. PVC decking comes with a 50-year warranty while composite decking typi cally comes with a 25-year warranty.

by Lisa Blake

With more manufacturers producing it and more home owners and contractors using it, the premium pricing per board has become more reasonable in recent years. Honor & Onekama Building Supply sells the high-style, low-stress Wolf Serenity Decking line. Here’s what consumers are loving about PVC decking:

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, deck boards are made from recycled plastic and can be shaped, colored and textured or embossed to appear like a grained or wood surface. Ingleston points to PVC as a superior product picking up speed in the Northern Michigan construction market.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

REDUCED MAINTENANCE

Honor & Onekama Building Supply offers free project esti mates and a $15 local delivery fee from their yard to your home or jobsite. No contractor’s license required.

Unlike wood or composite materials that are dense and retain heat longer, UV-protected PVC is lightweight and easily sheds heat. Bring on the barefoot summers.

22 MyNorth.com Outdoor Living at its Finest 2,260 Square Foot Home with 486’ Peninsula on Lake Cadillac Mid-Century Modern lakefront home nestled into a huge 486’ private peninsula. Natural stone seawall and sugar-sand lake bottom. Quiet central location, yet close to everything. Most beautiful lakefront property in the area! Bright open kitchen, dining and living area with vaulted ceilings, walls of windows and breathtaking views. Home features quartz countertops, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, hot water heat and central air. Two-sided gas fireplace runs between the dining room and additional living room. Large private yard with Trex deck, 2 docks, hot tub and lawn irrigation. Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell are connected by a navigable canal. Together they providing over 3,700 acres of all-sports recreational fun. 601 LAKE SHORE DRIVE, CADILLAC / $980,000 Michael Broker/OwnerFagermanRealtor 200 Vick Avenue, Cadillac, MI 49601 Office and Cell: 231-920-8970 Mike@CadillacRealtyByFagerman.comwww.CadillacRealtyByFagerman.com See all the winners at link.mynorth.com/RHB2022Winners ABOVE THE BRIDGE REGION SUZANNE SASSO KUUSINEN Drummond Island Realty LUDINGTONCADILLAC,&MANISTEE REGION VIRGINIA PELTON Century 21 CHARLEVOIXBoardwalk & CHAIN OF LAKES REGION PAT O’BRIEN Pat O’Brien & Associates BENZIE & LEELANAU REGION KATHY NEVEU Real Estate One KALKASKA, GAYLORD & GRAYLING REGION CHET WILLIAMPETOSKEY,ReMaxWHEELERofGraylingHARBORSPRINGS&THESTRAITSREGIONBETHFLYNNNorthHarborRealtyTRAVERSECITYREGIONKAUPASSocialRealty

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3285 South Airport Road West 231-933-5263

4110 Copper Ridge Dr, Building D Suite 202 231-252-3561

Interlochen Bill

Financial Advisor in Collin

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Yancy Boivin, AAMS®

Andrew Weaver 125 Park Street, Suite 250 231-947-3032

Heather J Boivin, AAMS®

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Greg Williams 513 S Union 231-933-0881St

Jamie Keillor 4110 Copper Ridge Dr, Building D, Suite 202 231-252-3561

Call or visit any of our financial advisors in the edwardjones.comarea.

John W Elwell, AAMS®

Teressa Hupfer

3588 Veterans Dr Traverse City, MI 49684-4569 231-947-0079

3285 South Airport Road West 231-933-5263

Jim Mellinger 12935 SW Bay Shore Dr, Ste 310 231-947-1123

Financial Advisor

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John W Elwell, AAMS®

John Tredway 806 S Garfield Ave, Suite B 231-932-1290

Financial

Advisors in Traverse City IRT-1848G-A

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Member

William helped us discover Traverse City

Nancy G.

Our family has some specific challenges, that require a specific home. William didn't just ask what we needed. He came to our old home several times to view first hand how we used the home. William understood our needs. William used that intimate knowledge, to not only find our new home. William also helped us coordinate all the specialized improvements we needed to make, so our family would be comfortable.

William Kaupas

Our family has some specific challenges, that require a specific home. William didn't just ask what we needed. He came to our old home several times to view first hand how we used the home. William understood our needs. William used that intimate knowledge, to not only find our new home. William also helped us coordinate all the specialized improvements we needed to make, so our family would be comfortable.

Tom E.

William helped us discover Traverse City

Nancy G.

Our family has some specific challenges, that require a specific home. William didn't just ask what we needed. He came to our old home several times to view first hand how we used the home. William understood our needs. William used that intimate knowledge, to not only find our new home. William also helped us coordinate all the specialized improvements we needed to make, so our family would be comfortable.

The knowledge we gained during our first meeting with William was priceless. William grew up and graduated from Traverse City, well before it was on the map. He couldn't have been more gracious in sharing those lifelong relationships with us. We fell in love with the area over many vacations. However, it was the community that William and his staff were able to provide us with that we are most grateful for.

Nancy G.

William231-392-9445william@socialrealty.comKaupas

Tom E.

231-392-9445william@socialrealty.com

Paul H.

William Kaupas Listens to his clients needs

We had a dream of living on Lake Front in Traverse City, but never thought it would be a reality. William went above and beyond. He had a creative solution to everyone of our concerns. His vision is outstanding. William left no stone unturned. Once he found the perfect property for us, his relationships gave us the edge we needed to ensure our offer was accepted. Thanks to William, we are now in our forever home

William231-392-9445william@socialrealty.comKaupas

William Kaupas Listens to his clients needs

William Kaupas Listens to his clients needs

Paul H.

The knowledge we gained during our first meeting with William was priceless. William grew up and graduated from Traverse City, well before it was on the map. He couldn't have been more gracious in sharing those lifelong relationships with us. We fell in love with the area over many vacations. However, it was the community that William and his staff were able to provide us with that we are most grateful for.

We had a dream of living on Lake Front in Traverse City, but never thought it would be a reality. William went above and beyond. He had a creative solution to everyone of our concerns. His vision is outstanding. William left no stone unturned. Once he found the perfect property for us, his relationships gave us the edge we needed to ensure our offer was accepted. Thanks to William, we are now in our forever home

William Kaupas helped us find our lake dream

Paul H.

The Swiss Army Knife of Brokers, always has the right tools on hand

William Kaupas helped us find our lake dream

Tom E.

William Kaupas helped us find our lake dream

We had a dream of living on Lake Front in Traverse City, but never thought it would be a reality. William went above and beyond. He had a creative solution to everyone of our concerns. His vision is outstanding. William left no stone unturned. Once he found the perfect property for us, his relationships gave us the edge we needed to ensure our offer was accepted. Thanks to William, we are now in our forever home

The Swiss Army Knife of Brokers, always has the right tools on hand

William helped us discover Traverse City

The knowledge we gained during our first meeting with William was priceless. William grew up and graduated from Traverse City, well before it was on the map. He couldn't have been more gracious in sharing those lifelong relationships with us. We fell in love with the area over many vacations. However, it was the community that William and his staff were able to provide us with that we are most grateful for.

The Swiss Army Knife of Brokers, always has the right tools on hand

Active, social: A Houston couple relocating to Traverse City had their eyes on Old Mission Peninsula. But as Kaupas learned about their lifestyle, he realized they loved biking, being out in the community, spending time at restaurants and happy hour on Traverse City’s Front Street. They preferred to bike or Uber rather than drive. He redirected them to a downtown Victorianera home, with easy access to the city’s amenities and no worries about getting around.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION BrownTaylorbyphoto

For Kaupas, the interview process is not a formal survey. In stead, he tends to ask less about the house a client is dreaming about, and more about their family, their interests, and what they do. He doesn’t have a ready set of questions in mind; he considers himself naturally curious and social (hence the name of his real estate“I’mcompany).veryinformal up front,” says Kaupas, who also maintains a second office outside of Detroit in Royal Oak. “I take someone to lunch or dinner and get to learn about them. We spend a lot of time together. Where the conversation begins is not where we are going to finish up.”

Busy, social and concerned about resale value: A thirtysomething tech guy wanted to relocate from his Traverse City condo to lakefront property. This client didn’t like fixing things around the house, didn’t want to deal with cutting the lawn and was very social; his main impetus for a lake property was to entertain. After looking at several lakefront properties, Kaupas found him a modern home in Traverse City, where he could entertain and not worry about the lawn; the back yard had all native plants. What’s more, he is close to downtown and popular hangouts, and the house will be easy to resell.

Here are a few of the lifestyle scenarios Kaupas has encoun tered in recent months, and how his talents helped steer clients to more suitable options.

Family: A young couple in their thirties with four young children were looking for a second home. They wanted a small cottage on the water for swimming and to use as a source of rental income. Instead, Kaupas steered them toward selling their suburban home and adding those funds to their cottage budget so they could live on the water. They ended up on south Long Lake, with a 120-foot beach they can enjoy every day. “I told them, ‘You are never going to use the cottage the way you think you will,’” he recalls, pointing out a host of kid-related issues on their horizon, everything from sports and activities to something as simple as a child not feeling well. “Our children are only little once, the memories of them growing up in this special place are priceless,” he says.

Before you ask yourself what (and where) to buy, first ask, “How do I love to live?”

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 25

by Greg Tasker

When it comes to buying a new home in Northern Michigan, there’s much more to consider than bricks and mortar or a prized parcel of land.

Your lifestyle plays an important role in your decision, and can ultimately determine how well you adapt to—or even like—your new home, says William Kaupas, owner of Social Realty in Traverse City. Kaupas, who has been in the real estate business 15 years, is adept at helping his clients figure their life style needs into their home-buying decisions.

“Everybody is different and if you’re willing to take the time to listen to them, to let them speak, you’ll find out what they really want,” Kaupas says.

Elderly widow: The children of a 78-year-old widow want ed to sell her spacious Williamsburg home and move her into a Traverse City condo. The woman was spry and active but couldn’t maintain the property on her own. “When her chil dren left the room, I asked her point-blank, ‘What do you want?’” Kaupas recalls. Although she realized she couldn’t live there anymore, she didn’t want to sell the house; it contained many of her late husband’s artifacts—he was a paleontologist. Kaupas came up with an alternative: the family is keeping the house, housing the artifacts in a locked basement and renting the rest of the house as an Airbnb, providing enough income for the client to live in Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons, an all-inclusive senior residential community.

Aging, active: A man in his early sixties was looking to buy a house on Old Mission Peninsula; a bay view was his only non-negotiable. During conversation, the man joked, “I’m only one fall away from never mountain biking again.” With that in mind, and a 1 million-dollar budget to work with, Kaupas ended up finding this client a 1970s ranch home for just over $600,000. Kaupas is now coordinating extensive renovations that include panoramic bay views, as well as a spacious first floor guest suite with a large barrier-free bathroom, just in case it’s ever needed in the future.

The QuestionLifestyle

It’s Better than Paint! IMAGINE NOT HAVING TO PAINT YOUR HOUSE AGAIN! Ceramic based coating won’t peel, chip, or crack 25 Year Warranty • Waterproof and breathable • Endless array of colors BASF tested and proven to last • Eco-friendly, green product Works on virtually any surface including wood, aluminum, vinyl, HardiePlank®, brick, and block RhinoshieldMI.com • 231-642-2442

• Allows for good moisture management

Never Paint Again?

Sun and water are synonymous with Michigan summers, but these elements mean wear and tear on the exterior of traditionally painted homes along the state’s lakes and rivers.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work on houses on the west side of the state, along Lake Michigan,” says Sheryl Mercier, part of the husband-wife team behind the company. “People don’t want to return to their summer home and have to paint every year. That’s a lot of work. Ceramic-based paint lasts a lot longer.”

• Can reduce energy costs

Sheryl and her husband, Marc Mercier, are licensed dealers for Rhino Shield, a brand of ceramic paint. They’ve been selling the brand since they opened their business 15 years ago.

based paint allows homeowners to maintain the natural look of their homes. In fact, Timeless Coatings has painted the ex terior of historic homes for several customers in Traverse City, Mercier says.

• Creates a waterproof barrier

• No chipping or flaking

“Theproduct.primerprotects the house from moisture,” Mercier says. “It’s almost like a rubber membrane around your house. It helps keep the water out.”

How ceramic-based paint can battle mildew, moisture, cracking and peeling, and keep your house looking beautiful for years to come.

• Longer lasting than regular exterior paint

before after

While more expensive than traditional latex paint, ceramic paint costs about the same as vinyl siding, and using ceramic-

“The homeowners were very satisfied with the ceramic coat ing and are looking forward to never painting their home again,” she says.

More homeowners are turning away from regular latex paint to a longer-lasting alternative: ceramic-based paint, a product offered by Timeless Coatings, LLC in Brighton, Michigan. Already a popular option in the Ann Arbor area, ceramic paint is gaining traction with homeowners in the northern Lower Peninsula and along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Before putting the ceramic paint on a home, the com pany’s crew uses primer on the surface. One or two coats of paint are added. The primer needs about four to six hours to dry; the paint takes longer to cure because it’s a softer, more elastic

• Reduces noise

Ceramic paint, Sheryl Mercier explains, is thicker than regular latex paint and lasts years longer. Ceramic paint contains far less water than latex paint and includes ceramic microspheres instead of the inexpensive fillers found in most exterior house paints. Packed tightly together, the ceramic microspheres have pockets of air that form a protective insulation barrier, which helps insu late walls against heat, UV rays and coating breakdowns.

• Offers UV protection

by Greg Tasker

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 27 ShieldRhinoofcourtesyphotos SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The biggest problems Michigan waterfront homeowners face are mold and mildew because of moisture, which causes paint to crack, peel and chip. The intensity of the summer sun wreaks havoc on painted structures, too—ultraviolet rays cause paint to break down, prompting cracking, peeling and fading.

In addition, ceramic paint also includes mildicide, which prevents mold and mildew. It’s an additive not found in many paints, Mercier says. What’s more, the paint comes with a 25-year warranty against cracking, chipping and peeling.

“If you look at our paint in a bucket, it looks like pudding. It’s very, very thick,” Mercier says. “Other paints look thin because of the amount of water in them.”

The benefits of ceramic-based paints are many, including:

“The paint fades light years slower than regular paint,” Mercier notes. “The paint also helps lower the wall surface temperature—it won’t get as hot in your home with the sun beating on the Ceramic-basedhouse.”paint is flexible, she adds, pointing out that as a house naturally expands and contracts, latex paint cracks and peels. Because of its elasticity, ceramic paint expands and con tracts with the house so there is no cracking or peeling.

Customers in West Michigan and beyond have been very happy with the change from latex to ceramic paint, she says. Some have tapped Timeless Coating to boost their home’s curb appeal before a sale or to save money by not having to paint every year. One customer, she says, was tired of being in the constant loop of painting every five years and reached out to Timeless Coatings.

28 MyNorth.com agency inc. 2018LeelanauCountyBusinessoftheYear Integrity • Relationships • Since 1934 BEST AGENCYINSURANCELOCAL2020 Why choose Bonek? For 85 years, Bonek Insurance has provided personal and commercial insurance protection. We form strong relationships with our clients – keeping their best interests in mind. Let us customize your coverage. agency inc. agency inc. Call us today! (231) 271-3623 | www.bonek.com Integrity • Relationships • Since 1934 BEST AGENCYINSURANCELOCAL2020 commercialhasstrongmind.coverage. agency inc. agency inc. today! (231) 271-3623 | www.bonek.com BusinessLeelanauCountyoftheYear Integrity • Relationships • Since 1934 BEST AGENCYINSURANCELOCAL2020 Why choose Bonek? For 85 years, Bonek Insurance has provided personal and commercial insurance protection. We form strong relationships with our clients keeping their best interests in mind. Let us customize your coverage. agency inc. agency inc. Call us today! (231) 271-3623 | www.bonek.com More than 25 years of experience in building distinctive homes while exceeding the expectations of discriminating clients. jim@cooleycontracting.com Total Commitment to Quality LOCAL TICKETS.ONE PLACE. MYNORTHTICKETS.com 800.836.0717

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 29 808 South Garfield Avenue Suite B, Traverse City MI 49686 www.homecabinetryandinteriors.com231.947.7040 Our mission is to help you “feel @ home”! Fresh. Modern. Cottage. Michigan’s Premier Garage Door Dealer 829 Robinwood Court Traverse City MI 231-941-0381 NorthernGarageDoors.com  Michigan’s Premier Garage Door Dealer 829 Robinwood Court Traverse City MI 231-941-0381 NorthernGarageDoors.com  Michigan’s Premier Garage Door Dealer 829 Robinwood Court Michigan’s Premier Garage Door Dealer Michigan’s Premier Garage Door Dealer 829 Robinwood Court Traverse City MI 231-941-0381 NorthernGarageDoors.com

WHITE & LIEBLER | a r c h i t e c t s 117 howard street, petoskey mi 49770 www.white-liebler.com 231-347-6870 Inspiring Design | Thoughtfully Crafted | Exceptionally Built Refined Waterfront Living ~ Simplified

White & Liebler Architects in Petoskey is known for classic and period-inspired designs rich with historic details and embel lishments. “We help clients focus on features of the home that really bring the custom-design aspect of it to life,” explains Nick Liebler, LEED AP and partner at White & Liebler.

But beyond building envelopes and interior floor plans, an ar chitect brings to life the design inspiration and feel of the home by uniting period details, focal points and materials that make a home feel cohesive, welcoming and contextually beautiful.

1. Focus on the fireplace. Liebler treats fireplaces as the cen tral feature of the house, one that everyone gravitates toward. “Fireplaces are the focal piece of the room, the showstopper,” he explains. “When you step in the front door, you want to have a visual to that—put the featured element where you can celebrate it; when you step in, your eye lands on it.

6. Choose materials with authenticity. For one, don’t shy away from wood. “Homes have been built out of wood for hundreds of years,” Liebler says. So cedar shingles, siding and trim are natural products that “add a ton of authenticity.” A cedar roof gives a house a timeless appearance, too. He also likes working with copper flashings and trim which, although ex pensive, “add so much visual interest and can elevate the look.”

7. Utilize an extensive amount of glass. From an investment standpoint, windows can be one of the biggest-ticket items, but Liebler reminds, “What you are paying for is the view of the lake, the experience of living on the water. That interaction through the windows is worth the investment.”

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 31 SouthbyJacquelinebyphoto SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

3. Build in beauty and function with millwork. This is where you can create a sense of authenticity in detailing. “We’re known for capturing period style,” Liebler explains. “We’re not chasing trends, but working through traditional forms.” He helps clients capture this sense of history and utility by creating beautiful built-ins and striking molding, trim, doors and more.

Most prospective custom-home clients are eager to hire an architect for the big-picture plans—it’s the surest way to a oneof-a-kind dwelling that speaks to your distinct lifestyle and honors the setting and site.

Architect Nick Liebler weighs in on how to create warm and welcoming spaces rich with detail and authenticity. by Cara McDonald

5. Make room for a four-season porch. Not only is the porch a traditional part of a lake home, but for contemporary homeowners, porches have become almost year-round exten sions of the living space and a connection to the outdoors. To add more draw to the porch, Liebler often adds a fireplace and big folding doors that lead out to those spaces.

4. Consider the staircase a piece of art. If you’ve only ever thought of stairs as a way to get you from A to B, you’re missing an opportunity to create a moment. “Staircase design can make or break that part of the house,” Liebler says. “Stairs are beauti ful; a feature that’s celebrated. The beauty of the handrail, the continuous curve of the form … these elements are critical.”

Delight is in the Details

Here, he shares seven guiding principles that will help elevate the look and feel of any Up North home.

2. Draw people through the spaces. According to Liebler, this is critical: “When someone enters the home, you want to pull them through with long sight lines in a way that is very clear, very orderly,” he explains. For example, good design can create an instant visual connection to the water, or draw people through the home to key focal points.

magic

relaxing

home

How sweet it is at this one of a kind Sweet Lake waterfront estate. Custom finishes you don’t see every day. Stone fireplace that is a work of art. Full log home that has been loved and cared for over the years and stands the test of time. Stunning wrap around porch with covered area overlooking the lake for enjoying sunsets or the summer rain. Many recent updates including a newer Geothermal heat system, kitchen counters, appliances, roof, chinking and stain. Rare opportunity to have peace, tranquility and privacy with this legacy, one of a kind waterfront property. Situated on 5 acres with 300’ of private frontage on Sweet Lake which is a private lake. Many happy memories made here, ready for the next owner to enjoy. 15 Minutes to Downtown TC, 15 minutes to Crystal Mountain!

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Custom built by Maple Island Log homes, windows, interior, floors, everything feels better than new! Over the years the owners added extensive gardens with water scapes and pond that adorn the gentle rolling slopes to the waters edge. Sandy bottom lake that is perfect for swimming. Dock and outdoor shower. Being a private lake you won’t experience jet skies or big boat tie offs, just nature, the loons call, campfires, kids laughter and joy. A true “legacy” waterfront estate which can sleep up to 12 of your most favorite people!

and separate shower. Gorgeous maple floors on the main floor. Large main floor laundry to keep up with the beach towels.

laundry. This

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Grill. If you want all

Peninsula Drive Waterfront Home- west facing to take in the pristine waters of West Grand Traverse Bay and all its splendor. Overlooking sunsets, Power Island views, sitting in an Adirondack chair, your feet in the sugar sand with a bonfire crackling--ready for you to move right in. This turnkey, immaculate-fully furnished Peninsula home provides instant comfort and relaxation. From the front covered porch overlooking the bay to the outdoor shower and woodside deck in the back, you will have no problem claiming where you want to relax. Generous kitchen, dining and living areas to entertain a crowd, yet not overwhelming for the day-to-day. Master suite has a main bedroom with additional sleeping area or sitting room and 2 extra closets for seasonal storage, garden tub Bountiful floor lake the years--pride of ownership shows! Minutes to the wineries or for a quick bite Boat House Peninsula the of the Peninsula, this has all!

storage throughout with basement and garage, plus extra linen, coat, and broom closets along with cabinetry in main

home has been exceptionally maintained over

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,800 Sq Ft8881 ALVINAS TRL, LAKE ANN 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,191 Sq Ft | $1,200,000 10191 PENINSULA DR, TRAVERSE CITY 231.218.5324 canderson@lakehomes.com www.LakeHomes.com Cindy Anderson MANAGING BROKER Cindy Anderson MANAGING 12935www.LakeHomes.comcanderson@lakehomes.com231.218.5324BROKERSWBayShoreDr.,STE 335 Traverse City, MI 49684

Selling the family cottage? Here’s how to do it right.

Maintain your property’s septic, exterior and interior. We go through and advise on what repairs or staging are needed to get

The emotional and physical exchange that comes with selling the family lake home can be heavy. Use these tips to lighten the load.

It’s a hot seller’s market. How can a lakefront homeowner use this to their advantage?

Estate plan if you can. Suburban houses usually sell every five years, so there is not a big legacy attached. With lake homes, mom and dad built the house when they retired and summer after summer families hang out there. There is a much longer holding period for a lake home. As soon as you buy a lake home, have your exit strategy in place or be thinking about it. Don’t leave it to your kids; be a part of the process early on.

I often see families list emotionally, going with the agent who sends them calendars over the years and not interview ing to find the best fit. Look at hiring a lake home agent much like you would hire a heart surgeon. Would you hire a heart surgeon based on an ad on a park bench? Experience and mar ket coverage area matters in getting the maximum dollar and best results.

MyNorth Real Estate & Home Services 2022 33

Craft a careful market strategy instead. Because our bro kerage only sells lake homes, we know the regional market as well as state and national. Only selling to the immediate area leaves hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table. I have story after story of listings that we sold for $50,000, $100,000, $400,000 more than what the sellers were told by others. People may be looking to buy in Michigan, upstate New York, South Carolina, etc. We have our finger on the pulse of the lake home buyer, because that is all we do here in Northern Michigan and throughout the country.

When it comes to family cottages, what are the biggest seller mistakes you see?

Any insight for buyers?

the best price. You want to be on the edge of where the buyer cannot say no and not have buyers find the repairs.

About Cindy Anderson: A Detroit native, Cindy spent every spring, summer and fall on the lakes of Northern Michigan. Fond family memories and deep knowledge of lake living spurred her successful 30-plus-year real estate career in Northern Michigan, for which she’s been honored with more than a dozen awards and designations. When she’s not in her of fice, Cindy and her husband are making memories with their four children, their spouses and three grandchildren, or cruis ing the lakes on their 42-foot sailboat.

Make it a family affair. When it comes time to sell, have a family meeting. You may get pushback and that’s okay. Ulti mately, it is up to the decision maker. Just make sure voices have been heard.

by Lisa Blake

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Let’s say the property was built in the 1950s before building codes were invented. You can run into what we call dry wells, which are old-fashioned septics, or you may have water wells where the water has never been tested. Many times, families do not know where the septic field is and find that it is an old field that is leaching into the lake. The property may be a part of an old plat where there has not been a survey in years. We have run into waterfront properties without any waterfront attached. We are prepared for just about anything.

Family properties are highly sentimental, carrying genera tions of memories. How do you let go? And make it all worth it? Lake Homes Realty Associate Broker Cindy Anderson helps us dissect what she calls one of the biggest conflicts she’s seen in the real estate industry.

How can sellers prepare?

Our lake homes forecast is based on the representative from the Fed who visited us in October and indicated rates would climb by two points overall by the end of 2022. The forecast also was that sellers will want to take advantage of this market because they are fearful that it will end soon, so we will see more inventory on the water. Inventory is still short, but we are start ing to see more waterfront homes come to market at the writing of this article. My prediction is short-term rentals will start to see backlash not only in Northern Michigan, but in all vacation des tinations in the U.S. They can be a negative if you have a prop erty next door to one of them; they impact the environment of our inland lakes, and many townships and neighborhoods are moving toward banning them completely. My professional opinion is short-term rentals do not belong on inland lakes. If you are considering buying a short-term rental, I would be very cautious of the environment surrounding your investment— you are a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

What are some of the nuances of selling a lake property?

There are so many emotions when a family goes to sell what is basically their memories, and many times emotions cloud their approach.

List smart. Don’t fall for the strategy of listing low and having a piranha-like feeding frenzy. That creates negative emotions and only benefits the real estate agent’s business; it’s a dog and pony show at the seller’s expense.

34 MyNorth.com The essential Northern Michigan guide for building, remodeling and decorating your home. AudioArchitects&Video Systems Builders & RealMillworkKitchenFinancialExcavatingContractorsServices&BathDesignersEstateWhether your home project involves building a new home from scratch, just adding a bath, or landscaping your special bit of the North, you’ll find the talented, skilled suppliers and craftspeople and skilled services you need in MyNorth Home Services guide. Visit link.mynorth.com/homeservices for more resources, products and services for homes and cottages in Northern Michigan. Home Services Guide Your Building & Remodeling Resource Guide

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