Matt's Blog

Burt Lake Cottages For Sale

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:35:52 -0500

Burt Lake, Michigan's 4th largest inland lake with 17,120 acres of surface water, boasts crystal clear water, great fishing and boating, and is connected to the rest of the Inland Waterway where you can boat to the Great Lakes. The shoreline is dotted with cottages, old and new, quaint and grand, and old majestic trees and sandy beaches. Burt Lake is a gem in the North, and so many people have yet to discover it's beauty.

Enjoy some of my photos taken from one of our trips in the RE/MAX hot air balloon. Enjoy!

Here are some links with information on Burt Lake:

http://www.wunderground.com/US/MI/Burt_Lake.html?bannertypeclick=big2

http://www.michiganvacations.com/regions/Burt-Lake-Michigan.html

http://www.michiganfishingonline.com/Burt%20Lake%20Michigan%20Map.gif

http://blpa.org/news.htm

And for Local Real Estate for Sale on Burt Lake:

www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com

Brought to you by Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country, Indian River, MI 49749 231-238-4820

Indian River Michigan Top O'Michigan Marathon Boat Races

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:49:22 -0500

It's time again. The Indian River Michigan Top O'Michigan Marathon Boat Races are going on as I post this blog, bringing in people from all over to race and watch as the small power boats race up and down the Inland Waterway.

Seems to be a good group of people in town, definitely more traffic than was around last weekend. The weather is perfect, low 80's and sunny. Still some great weather to be had up here, so come on, what are you waiting for!

If you've never experienced it, make plans next year to stop by and see for yourself! you can also see my blog post with a video about the races, just scroll through the list and you'll see it.

And stop by my website anytime to browse the Indian River, Michigan area real estate listings. www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com

Have a great rest of your summer,

Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country 231-2238-4820

4 Bedroom Home For Sale in Wolverine, Michigan

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:28:06 -0500

Large 4 bedroom 1.5 bath home in town on 2 lots across from school with huge new 30 x 36 garage, 16 x 16 breezeway, 18 x 18 bedroom, new shingles & vinyl siding. Some old wood floors under carpet. Located at end of road, and has views of the Sturgeon River. Great place to call home! $135,000

Matt Stahl

RE/MAX Lake Country PO Box 989 Indian River MI 49749

231-238-4820

see more information and photos at www.MattStahl.com/WW258255

Waterfront Listings For Sale

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:01:00 -0500

Looking for a Waterfront cottage? Or perhaps a building site? or rather have a waterfront condo?

There is a tremendous selection of waterfront homes, cottages, condos and lots for sale in the Indian River, Michigan area, including the always beautiful Burt and Mullett Lake. Two of the largest and cleanest inland lakes in Michigan, and also connected to a large chain of rivers and lakes where you can boat to the Great Lakes as well. There are prices for these cottages starting around $100,000, so take a look around on my website, and come on up and take a look at some wonderful places on some fantastic water!

www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com

Matt Stahl

RE/MAX Lake Country PO Box 989 Indian River MI 49749 231-238-4820

IndyMac's Failure Hits Close to Home Continued...& Closed

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:50:23 -0500

Back when we heard that Indmac Bank was seized by the governement I had some clients that had finally received a written committment on a foreclosed house owned by Indymac. We didn't know what to think of all the changes, and did not know if we would even be closing. After a few weeks of nothing, the listing agent finally had some communication with a title company representing Indymac for this sale. Two weeks later they were scheduling a closing, which took place on last Tuesday, much to our relief. My clients received the keys, and proceded to their new home. The other strange part of this whole transaction though was that there was no funds dispersed that day, but we were told "they would mail it to us", regarding the commission. We did receive the check on Friday. This entire transaction was that of truely delayed gratification on the part of all involved!

Foreclosure Sale Opportunity in Topinabee for $99,900

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:02:52 -0500

Charming location in Topinabee on bike/snowmobile trail and feet from Mullett Lake swimming. Large 4 bedroom, 3 baths, 3 car garage. Foreclosure sale, take advantage only $99,900! Property sold as-is, no warranties implied or expressed.

Contact Matt Stahl 231-238-4820

RE/MAX Lake Country PO Box 989 Indian River MI 49749

www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com/WW257920

IndyMac's Failure Hits Close to Home Continued...

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:06:22 -0500

In regards to my first blog entry about Indymac's failure effecting a client of mine, just to report some good news in this.

My client's lender has had communication with Indymac's title company liason, and sounds as if they will be able to provide satisfactory proof of authority to sign on behalf of Indymac bank. There is some good news for my clients! And it could happen as early as this Friday, but we won't "bank" on that! (sorry, couldn't help myself)

I couldn't imagine them not wanting to collect on their assests, so we figured it would just be a matter of time (how much we time we didn't know) before they would resume communications and see this to the closing.

If These Walls Could Talk...Historic 1903 School House for Sale

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:25:27 -0500

If These Walls Could Talk...what an amazing piece of history now available for the 1st time in over 50 years! Featured extensively in the 'Pageant of Tuscarora' this original 1903 school house is full of nostalgia & surprises. Resting on 3.3 hardwood, rolling acres in old 'Ohioville' w/many updates, the 'atmosphere' inside will surprise you, so schedule your tour Now! Offered at $135,000

Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI

RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16

http://www.mattstahl.com

Ranch Home on 1 acre wooded parcel with garage & huge pole building

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:19:02 -0500

Move-in condition ranch home w/2Bed/1Bath, 2 car att/garage, 3 yr old 32x64 x12' pole building on 1 acre wooded parcel only 10 miles to town, very close to Mullett Lake. Also features newer well & septic & furnace, like new shingles & siding, wood burning stone fireplace, woodstove, blacktop drive on paved roads. Great price of only $129,900

Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16

http://www.mattstahl.com

IndyMac's Failure Hits Close to Home

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:38:56 -0500

When I heard IndyMac had failed and was seized by the FDIC, I was stunned. It did not even hit me until a few days later how it would affect me in a personal way.

That was Friday when the government announced they had taken control of the troubled bank. On the following Monday, I realized that it was that bank, IndyMac, that owned a foreclosure house in my area that I have under contract with buyer clients. It had already been a very difficult transacation as far as receiving communication from the bank to the listing agent, and then also actually receiving a signature from them on the contract to purchase. Knowing now that this bank was crashing down, it sheds some light on that problem.

All of the hurdles were overcome, and then the news that the bank had failed. My buyers and I, and their lender, all wondered "Now What?" Will they be able to close on this house? Will it take some time to sort it out, and if so how long? or will it sit in limbo for so long, my buyers will have no choice but to move on?

We still have not heard anything in this regard, and can only continue to probe and pry, trying to get answers. A very frustrating experience for my clients and all of us involved. The listing agent cannot get any communication from those now in control of IndyMac. Never saw this one coming?

Anyone have any experience in this matter, or insight? would be appreciated

Matt Stahl

100' lakefront buiding site for $120,000

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:17:17 -0500

RARE - 100'frontage, sandy bottom, beautifully wooded building site w/sunset views on Wildwood Lake's island. Drive right to your new lakefront property & build your dream cottage. Great site for walkout basement. $120,000

Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country, Indian River, MI 49749

231-238-4820

See more information and photos at mattstahl.com/WW255420

CHEAP building sites! only $5,000 each

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:59:25 -0500

Beautifully wooded parcel (3 to choose from, $5,000 each) across from fishing lake & close to Pigeon River State Forest on county roads w/electric & phone available. County maintained roads, with electric and telephone at the road. Private "out of the way" location, but only minutes to I-75 exit 301 and US 27. Need a CHEAP lot to build on? these Can't be topped

Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country, Indian River, MI 49749

231-238-4820

See more information at mattstahl.com/WW257069

Beautiful Wooded Building Site for $24,900

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:54:05 -0500

Estate sized building site 2.3 wooded acres in private Restrictive Development near Treetops Resort. Paved, private roads w/utilities available, rolling terrain offers walkout lower level potential. Site Built homes only, full list on restrictions on file. $24,900

Matt Stahl

RE/MAX Lake Country Indian River MI 49749

231-238-4820

see more information and photos at www.MattStahl.com/WW255858

The little house that could (be sold)

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:41:20 -0500

I write to you from the Michigan Real Estate Market's perspective, as an experience real estate agent. I do know, however, that our state is not the only state realing right now.

There is an enormous amount of houses for sale, it seems from speaking with others and seeing for myself, in nearly every county in Michigan. It does not matter the type; residential, condo, waterfront, acreage; and in every price range. So much for sale, and so much to be for sale for extended periods of time.

So what do you do if you are one of those "houses for sale"? The little house that could...keeps at it, works hard, and has the right outlook and perspective on the market it's in. Let's look at it further:

1. Keeps at it - Never give up! Winston Churchill once said, while delivering a speech to his beleaguered country during World War II, when Germany was knocking on their front door. He was know for being a great orator, but this speech just reiterated the words "Never give up!" 3 times, then he was finished. If you have/need/want/etc. to sell your house, then Don't Give Up! Just reevaluate every aspect of your efforts and see if there is anything else you can do...

2. Works hard - the little house that could (be sold) needs to get "all dressed up" and looks its best for the big date. In this market, unless you are giving the house away at such a drastically low price, your house better look its best. Listen to the experts. Clean up inside and out, get the clutter out, freshen up the exterior and/or interior where needed, clean or replace that carpet, and make it sparkle for Every showing, for you never know which one will be your house's next suitor. With so many for the purchasers to choose from, what makes yours stand out? Better figure that out fast...

3. The right outlook and perspective - Yes, it will be longer on the market, yes there will be fewer potential purchasers coming through it, and yes, you will not get the price you really want. Face the truth head on. If you cannot, or will not, then don't even try to sell your house right now. But if you will look truth dead in the eyes and march forward, and do the right things to and for your house, then this final step will be easier for you, and land you a much better opportunity of being one of "the few, the happy, the sold crowd", instead of the expired, withdrawn, or on the market for so long people "run away" from it, or low ball you so bad you want to, well, give up. The most critical part of your "little house that could (be sold)" is the price, and regardless of the real estate market. It is always the money. Sure location is huge, but if the price is wrong for the location, and everything else your house is or is not, then that will not matter. Again, LISTEN to the experts on the price. Price it to sell in the market you are in, and purchasers will notice, which will then make them want to tour your home, where, if you will take diligent heed to item #2, your house could actually be in the coveted SOLD column.

Matt Stahl

Bottom Feeders

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:59:19 -0500

Bottom Feeders - reference to fish that dwell only at the bottom of a body of water and feed off the vegetation found there, the low lying sort.

Also reference to the current source of purchasers in the Michigan Real Estate Market. For the majority of transactions that are taking place, it is the bottom feeders doing the purchasing, grabbing up foreclosures and desperation sales, and leaving the rest untouched. And so far the rest of the "species" is not biting on the remainder of the market. The overall market for my area is recreational/2nd homes, and these sellers are not "effected" by the current economic troubles. There is a large inventory of these homes on our large lakes, but there is not a market within these that the bottom feeders are even looking at.

This market I am speaking of is Indian River Michigan area. What are you seeing in your respective market places if you don't mind my asking? Your comments and insight are appreciated.

Downtown Indian River Cottage

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:42:09 -0500

4 Bedroom home in town just across from the golf course and Indian River green docks. Two living rooms, fireplace, attached 2 car garage and mud room, newer natural gas furnace, also has central air, blacktop drive, large corner lot with mature trees and privacy fence. Offered at $155,000

Contact Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country Indian River MI 49749

231-238-4820 or 231-881-4522; mstahl@remax.net

see more information and photos at www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com/WW257179

Crooked Lake Estate for $980,000

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:33:29 -0500

Eloquent large residence with a romantically private setting and 230 feet of lake frontage. The Executive style home has 5 bedrooms 5 baths, two stairways to the 2nd level, 3 fireplaces, a recreation room, and an immense studio, great wood work with solid wood doors, large waterside deck, immaculate landscaping and great views of Crooked Lake, plus water depth for the largest boat on the lake. Very private setting on part of the Inland Waterway. $980,000

Contact Matt Stahl, RE/MAX Lake Country

231-238-4820 or 231-881-4522; mstahl@remax.net

see more information, photos, and virtual tour at www.InlandWaterwayRealEstate.com/WW257189

Lakefront Log Cottage for $197,000

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:27:57 -0500

Your up north cottage awaits! This lakefront beauty has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Move-in condition with FEATURES GALORE!!! Beautiful oak hardwood floors, knotty pine interior, 'Vermont Castings' woodstove, french doors lead to a 16x24 deck, BRAND NEW bathroom with custom, tiled walk-in euro shower, large kitchen with a butcher block island and custom cherry cabinets, wonderful screened porch for relaxing, landscaping & garden! Professional interior design. Nearly 3/4 acre, 102' of frontage on a spring-fed lake, as well as STURGEON RIVER ACCESS!!!!! Very close to state land for hunting, hiking, morel mushroom picking. Brand new 2.5 car garage. Home warranty is included. Can't be duplicated at this price. Schedule your showing today! Would make a great vacation rental with easy I-75 access, very close to Burt and Mullett Lake, Indian River, Sturgeon River, Snowmobile trails, and thousands of acres of State Land!! ▪ Excellent fishing right off dock - Bass, Bluegill, Pike!!! ▪ Sandy beach area for swimming at lake commons! ▪ Wildlife! Deer, turkey, loons and more often seen. Enjoy watching the cardinals, blue jays, finches and more. ▪ Plenty of indoor and outdoor space for entertaining! Additional parcels available. ▪ Rowboat and canoe included!!! Lakeside shed to store fishing gear and boating equipment. ▪ Large stone firepit perfect for s'mores and evening campfires! ▪ 10x12 shed. Brand new 24x24 log sided 2.5 car garage with 10' sidewalls and 8x16 overhead door and lots of storage; additional parking area for boat/trailer. ▪ Enjoy bug free relaxation on your screened porch. Quiet and peaceful setting. ▪ Quality features throughout! A rare opportunity at an affordable price. Own your dream cottage today! Seller is licensed realtor

Offered at $197,000

Contact Matt Stahl @ 231-881-5422 or 231-238-4820, mstahl@remax.net

RE/MAX Lake Country Indian River MI 49749

See More Information, Photos, Virtual Tour at mattstahl.com/WW6447

Indian River Michigan Top O'Michigan Marathon Boat Races Information Video

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:43:13 -0500

Check out this great video representing the annual Top O'Michigan Marathon boat races held each summer in August in Indian River, Michigan. There are several classes of boats/motors and several hundred boats engage in this two day marathon race on the Inland Waterway.

Many people from many places come to town to watch these races. So make your plans to come watch these exciting races. This years races are August 16 & 17, 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdnm8x8ExFs

Indian River Michigan Area Information Video

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:28:49 -0500

For all of you who have never heard of Indian River, Michigan, or even for those who know it well and cannot get enough of it, then this new video will get you going.

Produced by a local husband and wife team, and the background music was

Check Out the New Indian River Video on You Tube!

Jane and Pat McGinnis of McGinnis Video produced a wonderful video promoting Indian River, Michigan and posted it on You Tube. Pat McGinnis wrote the words to the video and Mike Ridley recorded the song that describes all the many things to see and do in Indian River. You'll enjoy the visit! And spread the word. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PolsXfHkPeE. Or visit Youtube.com and search for "Indian River 310".

Now you've seen it, come on up!

Beautiful building site in downtown Indian River

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:10:35 -0500

Beautiful downtown building site w/18 x 24 garage that includes a 12 x 24 loft ready to finish. Manicured lot w/gorgeous trees on paved road just a few blocks from the beach. Grab it now, use the garage and build the cottage later.

MLS#:	257122
List Price:	$ 47,500
Type:	Vacant Lots
Status:	Active
Prop Type:	Land
County:	Cheboygan
Waterfront:	No
Frontage:	None
Lot Size:	70 x 120

Provided as a courtesy of Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI

RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16
Cell Phone - (231) 881-4522
mstahl@remax.net
http://www.mattstahl.com

Mullett Lake Home with 4.5 acres

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:30:54 -0500

Immaculate 4,200 sq.ft. home w/3Bed/2 ½ Ba, 4+ Car Garage on 4.5 Acres And 1/8th Deeded Interest in 45' Mullett Lake. With Features like Central Air, Fireplace, N. Gas automatic generator, Jen Air range, baseboard heat, and walkout basement, this home is must see.

Amt of Frontage:	45' shared	Construction:	Frame	Foundation:	Full-Finished
Frontage:	All-Sport	Lake/River Name:	Mullett Lake	#Acres:	4.50
Lot Size:	242x604x370x744 +/-	Yr Built:	1995	Above SqFt:	2200
Total SqFt:	4200	School District:	Inlandlakes	County:	Cheboygan
Township:	Mullett

MLS#:	250603
List Price:	$ 340,000
Type:	Residential Water
Status:	Active
Prop Type:	Residential
Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2.00
Gar Stall:	4
Gar Type:	Detached/UN
Style:	Ranch
Waterfront:	Deeded Access
County:	Cheboygan

Provided as a courtesy of Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI

RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16
Cell Phone - (231) 881-4522
mstahl@remax.net
http://www.mattstahl.com

3.5 acre building site w/pole barn next to Silver Lake Access

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:24:09 -0500

Great Wooded building site w/3.5 acres and rows of pine trees just down from Silver Lake public access. Affordable secluded site perfect for your cottage or home. Includes 24x24 pole building w/electric and well. Near snowmobile trails & state land. Seller Financing available.

MLS#:	252734
List Price:	$ 55,000
Type:	Vacant Acreage
Status:	Active
Prop Type:	Land
County:	Cheboygan
Waterfront:	Public Access
Frontage:	None
#Acres:	3.45
Lot Size:	366 x 396 x 363 x 427 +/-

Provided as a courtesy of Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI

RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16
Cell Phone - (231) 881-4522
mstahl@remax.net
http://www.mattstahl.com

Affordable and Beautiful Lakefront Parcels for Sale

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:15:25 -0500

One of three gorgeous lake lots side by side on small fishing lake in pristing wooded setting near Pigeon River State Forest. County roads, utilities available, walkout basement potential. Grab some lakefront at a great price, only $19,000 each!

MLS#:	257071
List Price:	$ 19,000 (each)
Type:	Vacant Waterfront
Status:	Active
Prop Type:	Land
County:	Cheboygan
Waterfront:	Yes
Frontage:	Lake
Amt of Frontage:	31'
Lot Size:	90x307x31x300 (each)

Provided as a courtesy of Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI

RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16
Cell Phone - (231) 881-4522
mstahl@remax.net
http://www.mattstahl.com

Sturgeon River Retreat

Matt Stahl (RE/MAX Lake Country) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:08:29 -0500

1000' of famed trout stream frontage! Beautiful 3 Bed/1.5 Bath cottage w/wood floors, brick fireplace, knotty pine T&G, 2 car garage & 6 acres. Many rooms offer views of the Sturgeon River. Close to ORV & snowmobile trails to boot! Relax in 'Up North' style.

Amt of Frontage:	1000+/-	Construction:	Frame	Foundation:	Crawl Space
Frontage:	River	Lake/River Name:	Sturgeon River	#Acres:	6.00
Lot Size:	1000x720x599	Yr Built:	1975	Above SqFt:	1200
School District:	Wolverine	County:	Cheboygan	Township:	Wilmot

MLS#:	257044
List Price:	$ 175,000
Type:	Residential Water
Status:	Active
Prop Type:	Residential
Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1.50
Gar Stall:	2
Gar Type:	Detached/UN
Style:	Chalet
Waterfront:	Yes
County:	Cheboygan

Provided as a courtesy of Matt Stahl Associate Broker, GRI RE/MAX LAKE COUNTRY
3948 S. Straits Hwy
PO Box 989
Indian River,MI 49749
Office - (231) 238-4820 ext. 16
Cell Phone - (231) 881-4522
mstahl@remax.net
http://www.mattstahl.com