Dee Dee 's Blog

Three Cottages under $200,000 in Saugatuck, Mi area

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:35:17 -0600

OK This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now you can have your choice of three lovely and very affordable cottages in the Saugatuck area. All three of these are charming and they all have real wood fireplaces!

The first one is "on the hill" in Saugatuck with a great rental history and its very own website at www.saugatuckretreat.com.

The Hoffman Street home called "La Casaita" has the advantage of being in a quiet, very desirable area and yet just a few blocks away from all that Saugatuck has to offer.

Located on a standard Saugatuck lot of 66 X 132 with a screened porch on the front and another enclosed porch on the back, this home has a rental history of $1,000 per week during the summer season, two bedrooms and a combined living and dining area with the wood burning fireplace. Priced at just under $200,000, this is a fantastic deal.

Always wanted a place in Saugatuck? This is your chance. Check out additional photos on www.mysaugatuck.com.

Your second choice is a Darling Douglas Cottage!

This two bedroom home priced just under $200,000 sports an open concept living and dining area with the wood burning fireplace, pine floors, a huge screen porch and just over half an acre of land with a meditation garden.

Absolutely charming and just a couple of blocks to downtown Douglas, Mi. This home has been used as a primary home but would also be very effective as a second home with good rental potential.

The third choice on Crawford Street is a totally renovated, brick bungalow located in the quiet town of Glenn halfway between Saugatuck and South Haven.

This immaculate home has been carefully remodeled and maintained with hard wood and ceramic floors, newer roof, electrical, kitchen, plumbing, a large dining and living room with the wood burning fireplace, three bedrooms, over half an acre with a garage and an attached shop with 220 service.

Best of all, THIS HOME IS LESS THAN HALF A MILE down a quiet street FROM THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO LAKE MICHIGAN! This home is priced at $159,900.

So you decide - close to all the happenings in Saugatuck or all the restaurants and fun in Douglas or public access to Lake Michigan? Having trouble deciding? Here is what you should do.

Check out more photos of the three homes on www.mysaugatuck.com and then email Dee Dee at deehans@ameritech.net or call her at 616 836 8535 and set up an appointment see all three homes.

YOU CAN AFFORD SAUGATUCK, DOUGLAS, AND LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS! Property in the area has never been a better value!

Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Mi is Great in the Fall!

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:21:32 -0500

Come on over to Saugatuck, Mi and walk Oval Beach. There is always free access to Oval Beach after Labor Day and the room rates are less out of season.

Right now there is a lot of driftwood and fantastic wave action due to the high winds that recently came in from the West.

THESE COULD BE YOUR FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND.

While you are here, drop by Dee Dee Hanson's office in Douglas on Blue Star Highway near Wiley Road and pick up some maps. While you are there, you can look at all the Saugatuck real estate listings on the big screen in her office. Three ways to contact Dee Dee - call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or email her at deehans@ameritech.net or visit her website at www.mysaugatuck.com

Dee Dee's blog about at Saugatuck area, Saugatuck real estate, Saugatuck market studies is located on the blog to the right of the little dog. SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!

Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Mi Adding 171 Acres of Beach and Dunes

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:27:11 -0500

The City of Saugatuck is purchasing 171 acres from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan who is purchasing the land formerly known as Denison South from Aubrey McClendon for $20 Million Dollars. The new land will be added to the original Oval Beach and is located between the current beach and the Kalamazoo River.

It is a somewhat complicated transaction involving $6 Million in donations from various groups and a $12.5 Million Grant to the City of Saugatuck from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The grant still has to be awarded but at the meeting today everyone seemed pretty confident that it will be forthcoming at the Board Meeting on Dec 2. If so, the property will close before the end of this year!

Once the closing occurs, the land will be leased to the City of Saugatuck for immediate use and the City of Saugatuck will make future payments to complete the transaction from donations during the next few years in three payments.

A lot of people have been working on this transaction which started out as a gleam in someone's eye in the 1930s and a hope for the City of Saugatuck in the 1950s.

This is fantastic news and probably the best thing to happen to this area since Oval Beach began. It was a very emotional press release meeting for the presenters and the audience today at the SCA at 2 PM.

SOON OVAL BEACH WILL NOT END HERE as it does today. There will be nature trails and free access all the way to the Kalamazoo River.

The final photo here is the view of the acquisition from the north end of the first Oval Beach all the way to the Kalamazoo River.

This is even more reason to have your place in the Saugatuck Area.

For more information about the area go to www.mysaugatuck.com and click on Dee Dee's Blog to the right of the little dog for more information about the area along with market information. You can also see all the real estate listings in Saugatuck, Douglas, and the surrounding area on this website. Dee Dee Hanson can be reached at deehans@ameritech.net or by phone at 616-836-8535. Dee Dee can send you the listings as they come available. Lots of good opportunities NOW!

SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!

Wind and Waves in Saugatuck, Mi at Oval Beach

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:51:55 -0500

Living in Saugatuck, Mi on the shore of Lake Michigan one of the Great Lakes really puts you in touch with nature. Lots of wind and waves in the last couple of days. It has been spectacular !

What is wrong with this picture?

YOU'RE NOT IN IT!

Call Dee Dee Hanson at CB Woodland Schmidt at 616-836-8535 or email her at deehans@ameritech.net and you can correct that situation.

Always wanted a place in Saugatuck near Oval Beach? Now is the time. Prices have never been better.

Get your place here and you can be here for the wind, waves, and see the seasons change.

See all real estate listings at www.mysaugatuck.com Also read the rest of the blogs to the right of the little dog.

Fall Colors in Saugatuck, Mi NOW! Get over here pronto.

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:40:18 -0500

The fall colors are starting in Saugatuck, Mi. Drop everything and get to Saugatuck, Mi this weekend. The best time to see the colors is in the morning light and the evening light. Two great places to go are the Douglas Cemetery on Wiley Road. (Blue Star to the flashing light - Wiley and east to past the overpass for the expressway to the Douglas CemeteryThis is actually my second favorite cemetery - the first being in Key West, Florida. This cemetery is maintained beautifully by the Saugatuck Township. It is full of Maple trees with charming old tombstones.

Another great location to see the colors is the drive from Park Street to Oval Beach down Perryman in Saugatuck. You only get one fall every year and the best place to spend it is Saugatuck, Mi.

While you are here visit Dee Dee Hanson at CB Woodland Schmidt and check out all the saugatuck real estate on the big screen in her office and pick out your second home. There are some fantastic opportunities right now in the area. Then you will never miss fall in Michigan.

Call me at 616-836-8535 or visit my website at www.mysaugatuck.com to see all the homes available and read all my blogs about the area to the right of the little dog.

Life is short. You can't be to busy to miss the Fall Colors. See you soon!

Blog produces first sale for Dee Dee Hanson in Saugatuck, Mi ! IT REALLY WORKS!

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:10:10 -0500

Just sold my first property directly from a blog. The client read about foreclosure opportunities in a blog I posted on Activerain and called me.

We spent a lot of time looking until he was really comfortable with the market. He made an aggressive offer on this property in Saugatuck, Mi. Home was listed as a short sale in the MLS.

It took us all summer but we finally got bank approval and closed yesterday. HERE IT IS!

A lovely home with three bedrooms and a finished lower level near Goshorn Lake. Right near the bike path so he can bike into Saugatuck. Price - $133,000.

Due to our perseverance and after overcoming numerous hurdles, this was his reward. The last sale on this home was in excess of $200,000.

Now is the time to get a first or second home in the Saugatuck, Mi area. If you are interested in Saugatuck Real Estate, specifially foreclosures or short sales, call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or visit my website at www.mysaugatuck.com.

There are new opportunities every day and I can help you find you dream home. Learn more about the area by visiting my blogs located to the right of the little dog on my website or at activerain.com. Just go to Michigan and Allegan County, Saugatuck and Dee Dee Hanson. Let's get started!

Real Estate Market is Sizzling in Saugatuck!

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:39:41 -0500

There is a hot market in the Saugatuck area in foreclosures and short sales. And the owners of properties are pricing their homes TO SELL! Last week I presented four offers for my buyer clients and three of them were in multiple offer situations! My clients offers were the ones that were accepted in all three instances.

Cash is King! Because it is hard to get the banks to perform in anything like a timely fashion and appraisals are an issue, in a multiple offer situation, the smart sellers will often take a lower cash offer that will close in two weeks instead of struggling through the financing with a higher buyer for two months with the possibility that the price will be struck down in the appraisal process anyway.

Just to give you a little taste of what has been available in the foreclosure market -

Home listed for sale in Fennville, Mi - about seven miles from Saugatuck for $10,000! Listed only one week and then under contract.

Drop dead gorgeous four year old Home on 2.5 square acres of beautiful trees located between Saugatuck and South Haven for $155,000 with fireplace, corian, recessed and lighted master bedroom ceiling, buried LP tank, decks, walkout, finished lower level, large 2 car garage, etc. This was also under contract in less than a week.

Home within walking distance of public access to Lake Michigan between Holland and Saugatuck with see through fireplace between the kitchen and living area, over one acre of trees, trees, trees with finished lower level at $104,900. This one took about a month and then it was gone too.

Home just east of Saugatuck on 16 tree filled acres listed in the low $40s. This was gone in less than a week.

The good deals don't stay around very long.

NOW IS THE TIME! Get yourself a good realtor and get your finances in order and be ready to pounce. I send my clients all new listings on the day they hit the MLS so they are ready when their dream home is available. Call Dee Dee Hanson, CB Woodland Schmidt, at 616-836-8535 or email me at deehans@ameritech.net. Be sure to check out my website - www.mysaugatuck.com where you can search all the homes yourself and read all my blogs.

Insider's Guide to Cheap Saugatuck Part 5

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:10:09 -0500

Have I got a deal for you today! Wow! This is FREE - can't get much cheaper than that.

The Saugatuck Douglas District Library has FREE MOVIES with FREE POPCORN every other Thursday night either in the lower level of the Library or across the street in the Old School House. The Library and the schoolhouse are located at the corner of Center and Mixer in Douglas, Mi.

Movies start at 7 PM and are generally group by theme.

A new group will be starting August 27th. These are movies directed by William Wyler and the theme is WILLIAM WYLER'S WOMEN.

The Good Fairy with Margaret Sullavan and Herbert Marshall on August 27th.

Jezebel with Bette Davis and Henry Fonda on September 10th.

The Letter with Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall on September 24th.

Mrs. Miniver with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon on October 8th.

The Heiress with Olivia de havilland and Montgomery Clift on October 22nd.

and finally, my personal favorite, Friendly Persuasion with Gary Cooper and Dorothy McGuire on November 5th.

Don't Hire a Real Estate Agent Because ...

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:16:22 -0500

The first really bad reason for hiring a real estate agent is that you feel sorry for the agent.

I can't believe it but I hear it over and over again from sellers of property. They tell me that they had their properties listed with agents who did nothing to market the property and the property never sold. So I asked, "Why did you choose that agent?" The client tells me that the agent had given him a sob story about how much the agent needed the business and the client felt sorry for him.

My next questions is, "Would you hire a brain surgeon because you felt sorry for him?" I don't think so! So the response is, "This isn't brain surgery." That's right. The sale of your home is NOT BRAIN SURGERY. The sale of your home is just the sale of your most valuable asset and you entrusted it to someone because you felt sorry for him? Would you entrust your stock portfolio to someone because you felt sorry for him? Or the education of your children?

Another bad reason is to take the agent who charges the least commission. Often that is the first question out of a seller's mouth. "How much is your commission?"

It would be more important to ask, "What is your marketing plan?" Do you have broker open houses? with a sit down lunch for the agents? Do you have your own website? How many websites will my home be on? Do you do a visual tour? How about Youtube? Does your company have national exposure? Are you a full time agent who can focus on the sale of my property or do you work somewhere else and just do this "part time".

Still a Buyer's Market in Saugatuck, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:34:32 -0500

This market study for this year since January 1 versus last year from January 1 to July 23, 2009 indicates that it is probably the best time to get a home in Saugatuck Township for quite a while. The number of sales have decreased from last year as has the average price and median price of homes.

This year 35 single family homes sold in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Saugatuck Township. Last year to July 23rd, 43 single family homes sold.

Total dollar spend last year were $13,400,000 versus $8,400,000 this year. Average price last year was $311,000 and this year $240,000. Medium price last year was $280,000 versus $219,000 this year.

Last year three of the sales were lake front homes over $1M while this year only one has been. Currently there are 22 Lake Michigan properties available in Saugatuck and Ganges Townships starting below $1M and ranging up to almost $2M.

If you have always wanted a home in Saugatuck or on Lake Michigan, now is the time. There are quite a few great properties available at prices that have not inflated in the last two years. In addition, there is a smattering of short sale properties and foreclosures that come on the market now and again.

Just call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or e-mail me at deehans@ameritech.net. Then I can send you all the homes that meet your criteria and put you on automatic for any new homes that come on line. The great bargains don't last long so let's get together so you can learn the market and be ready when your special property becomes available. Take advantage of this great market. You won't be sorry you did!

See you soon!

Darling Cottage in Douglas Michigan near Saugatuck, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:39:50 -0500

Own your own cottage in Douglas, Mi - right across the Kalamazoo River from Saugatuck. This home is priced under $200,000 with an extremely large lot of over 1/2 acre.

Set back from the road, beautifully landscaped with a giant Maple tree in the front your and a cluster of mediation pines in your back yard, this home boasts a large, very secluded, screened back porch which would make a lovely sleeping porch.

The living and dining area is open concept with a fireplace. This is cute, cute, cute and affordable. Now is the time to get your home in the Saugatuck/Douglas communities. This home is within a few minutes of the Interurban bus that will pick you up and take you anywhere in Saugatuck Township for 50 cents to $1. Seven minute walk to the coffee shop and the post office.

Call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or e-mail her at deehans@ameritech.net for more information or to set up your private tour.

Best time to buy a Condo in Saugatuck or Douglas, Mi.

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:36:24 -0500

This may not be the greatest news for sellers but WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BUYERS! When I ran the numbers earlier this week, there were 89 condos available in the Saugatuck and Douglas Area and fifty of these are ON THE WATER!

In the last twelve months five condos sold and currently there are three pending. That means we have a ten year supply of condos on the water or an eighteen years supply of condos on and off the water! Absorption for condos in the last twelve months was only 5 condos. You can do the math.

Hurry over and check out the choices. There are several in each association so you can have your pick of the litter. I am very familiar with all the choices having sold one of the five last year and with one of the three pending right now.

If you always wanted to be on the water in Saugatuck, you won't get a better deal than right now. Several of the choices have docks either that come with the condo or can be purchased separately. You can enjoy these views at the best prices in recent history. There are even a few scattered foreclosure opportunities and several more coming on the market.

Call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or e-mail me at deehans@ameritech.net Be sure to see all the properties available at www.mysaugatuck.com and read all the other blogs regarding the market and properties.

Don't miss this OPPORTUNITY!

Insider's Guide to Cheap Saugatuck Part 4 - Historical Society Museum

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:05:23 -0500

The new exhibit by the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society is now open in the museum. Grand opening was last week. This exhibit is always FREE, FREE, FREE. The museum is located across the parking area from the stairway to Mt. Baldhead.

The exhibit has photos for past years of Summer fun in Saugatuck and at the beach. One notable subject of lots of the photos was the donkey, Dynamite.

Be sure to see this when you are here. This exhibit is a quiet, charming place to take the kids or yourself after your exhausting climb of Mt. Baldhead.

It is open daily until Labor Day from noon to 4PM.

The Museum is on the Kalamazoo River and you can see the boats go up and down right in front of the museum where you can just sit, photograph, paint, or have a picnic. To get to the museum take Ferry Street until it turns into Park Street and keep going straight past the Beachway. Do not make the turn left to Oval Beach. You will find the museum on the right just past the curve. The museum is on the way to Oxbox, the summer school of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The grand opening was lots of fun complete with all the "movers and shakers" in the community and the rest of us. The new Pavillion book is available for purchase along with all the past books published about Saugatuck history in the little gift shop inside the museum.

The exhibit this year has fantastic photos of past years of Summertime fun in Saugatuck grouped by activities such as boating or the beach. A great addition are home made postcards with original drawings by the students in art classes in the school. These are very creative. I especially liked the one that was addressed to Brazil. Check them out along with the gift shop.

There is even a replica of the Pavillion created by a member of the community.

If you have any trouble locating the museum, just stop by the Coldwell Banker office on Blue Star Highway before you reach Douglas and ask for Dee Dee Hanson.

I will give you a map and specific directions to the museum. Once you are in love with Saugatuck, you can purchase your home from me. Check out my website at www.mysaugatuck.com for a complete selection of the available homes. All my blogs (with other Insider's Guides) are located at Dee Dee's Blog to the right of the little dog. Feel free to contact me at deehans@ameritech.net or 616-836-8535. See you at the beach!

Insider's Guide to Cheap Saugatuck Part 3

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:40:20 -0500

Run, don't walk to the SCA (Saugatuck Center for the Arts) FREE exhibit of the works of Sylvia Randolph.

This exhibit is open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM during the week and 1-4 on weekends.

Sylvia left us last year after having graced us with her presence for over 100 years. The exhibit includes portraits and landscapes and several unusual fun pieces created by Sylvia and other works created by the Tuesday Artists who met every Tuesday at her home or on location.

Saugatuck is delightful. Sylvia is delightful. Here you have a chance to see Saugatuck projected with love and simplicity through her eyes over the eighty year span.

I have attended quite a few artist events in the museums of Chicago and New York but have found more enjoyable than this exhibit.

It will be open until June 22nd. Sylvia also authored a cook book- she had starving artists to her home for dinner every Sunday evening. You can get a copy of the book at Good Goods in Saugatuck on Water Street.

I was especially fond of the landscapes and some of the whimsical pieces such as Sylvia's maid. An almost life size three dimensional stuffed creation.

You can find the SCA if you take the Lake Street turn into Saugatuck (by the palette sign of Saugatuck) and follow it into town as it turns into Culver. The SCA is on the right. While you are there you might want to check out their entertainment schedule - plays, music, etc. These are not FREE but often well worth the expense.

Let me know how you enjoy the collected works of Sylvia Randolph at deehans@ameritech.net. and be sure to check out my other blogs and all available real estate at www.mysaugatuck.com. Come on over - The Weather and the water are Fine!

Affordable Living on the Kalamazoo in Saugatuck/Douglas, Mi at Mariner's Cove

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:54:27 -0500

Have you always wanted a place on the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck? Now is the time.

There are fantastic condos available at affordable prices on the River. From this Mariner's Cove Condo this is the view of the boat docks and the Kalamazoo Lake and River.

This great condo with new carpet is decorated in a nautical theme of while with blue accents. It has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and an open concept living, dining, kitchen area with cathedral ceilings with a fireplace.

There are two decks - one the living room and another off the master bedroom. All this for $249,900!

This condo can be rented out for $1,500/week in season!

So when you are not using it, the condo will be helping pay for itself with rentals.

Best of all, you will always have your own place available to you and not have to worry about finding lodgings when you are in Saugatuck.

Unbelievable opportunities are available now.

Don't miss your chance to own in Saugatuck. Smart investors and second home owners are making their move while the choice properties are available at reasonable prices. To see this lovely home, just call me (616-836-8535) and I will set up your showing.

To view all homes in the area, go to www.mysaugatuck.com and check out all the listings or call me, Dee Dee, at 616-836-8535 or e-mail me at deehans@ameritech.net and I will put you on automatic so that all the home that meet your criteria will be sent to you immediately as they come on the market For information on the area click on Dee Dee's Blogs on my home page

Insider's Guide to Cheap Saugatuck Part 2

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:55:02 -0500

How about a couple of great cheap places to get an excellent lunch when you are visiting the area?

Go over to River Market and get a six inch Italian Sub with all the trimmings for under $5.00. One of these can be split between two people if you are not very hungry. The sub includes salami, ham, capacola, provolone, onions, pickles, peppers, tomatoes, olives, and italian dressing on a very fresh bun!

Take it down the street the park to eat while you watch the boats go up and down the Kalamazoo River. It doesn't get any better than this!

To get to River Market, go to end of Water Street (street west of Butler along the River) to the end of the street on the west side. They have a lot of other choices for lunch and you can pick up a bottle of wine for your dinner while you are there. Their phone number is 269-857-8899.

Second choice for a cheap lunch - is Tastee Treet in Fennville. Fennville is located over by Hutchins Lake about seven miles from Saugatuck on M89. Take Blue Star Highway souht to M89 and go left or east until you get to Fennville. Their phone number is 269-561-2236. Call ahead and pick it up on your way to the Antique Market in Allegan-last Sunday of each month starting in April.

At the east end of town near 56th Street you will find the Tastee Treet. My favorite lunch there is the Chili Dog - they grill the dog and put it on a warmed bun with lots of yummy chili for $2.25. I usually have the chili dog along with a Root Beer Float. All this for about $5.00. You can eat your hot dog on the benches in front of the Tastee Treet.

While you are in Fennville, you might want to have your hair done. Best place for great hair cut for $14.00 or with wash and blow dry for $25 is Cris Hair Salon. If you are here for a week's stay, try it out. Her number is 269-561-4211. Tell her Dee Dee sent you.

Stay tuned for further installments of Cheap Saugatuck! Check out previous blogs at www.mysaugatuck.com Blogs are to the right of the little dog. Previous Blog on Cheap Saugatuck can be found by clicking on link below. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1021026/Insiders-Guide-to-Cheap-Saugatuck

You can also view all the homes available at www.mysaugatuck.com or give me, Dee Dee, a call at 616-836-8535. I will put you in automatic and send you homes that meet your criteria as soon as they become available. Stop by my office for a "Care Package" including a map of the area when you are in town. Coldwell Banker is south of Douglas on Blue Star Highway. Looking forward to seeing you in town.

Insider's Guide to Cheap Saugatuck

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:20:41 -0500

As the song says, "The best things in Life are Free!" or almost! There are a lot of things you can have in Saugatuck that are free or really cheap. Can't afford an expensive week end get away? Come to Saugatuck!.

This is the first blog of a series that I am writing highlighting fun and inexpensive activities in the Douglas/Saugatuck area.

To collect all the blogs, you should subscribe to my blogs at activerain.com - Go to www.activerain.com, Go to Michigan, Go to Allegan County, Go to Saugatuck and get on Dee Dee Hanson's Blog. Just sign on for my blogs to come to you automatically which will happen as they are posted - hopefully one a week in this series. Or you can check my website at www.mysaugatuck.com and click to the right of the little dog at Dee Dee's Blog. While you are there you can check out all the fantastic real estate opportunities in the area or just send me an e-mail at deehans@ameritech.net or call me at 616-836-8535 and I will put you on automatic to send your the homes that meet your requirements as soon as they hit the market.

When you are planning to come to town, you can pick up information on the area and your own, personal, private Allegan County Map at my office at Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt. Call me to let me know you are coming and I will have a "care package" ready for you to pick up. We are just off I 196, Exit 36, on the right hand side before you get to Douglas.

First "cheap" thing you need to know about is the Interurban This will take you anywhere in Saugatuck Township for $1.00 or if you are a Senior - 50 cents!

Great if you want to go downtown Saugatuck and don't want to worry about parking or if you should be going to one of the beaches or if you plan to have a few martinis in town. The Interurban can be your designated driver.

The interurban can be called at 269-857-1418. This is really an enjoyable ride at a very affordable price. You also get to meet some of the locals on the bus.

The next place you need to know about is the "free Beach" - the Douglas Beach is free.

There is only one catch. You have to use the stairs to get down to the water. At the Oval Beach there are no stairs but there is a nominal charge in the daytime during the season. At the Douglas Beach on Lakeshore Drive, there are just over twenty parking spaces. If you plan on taking your car, get there early to get a space during the height of the season OR JUST TAKE THE INTERURBAN.

Now you MUST see the sunset in the evening FROM OVAL BEACH.

Yes, Virginia, the sunset is still free!

Oval Beach is free in the evenings.

By this time you will have had your dinner. About half an hour before Sunset go to the Star of Saugatuck - at the end of Water Street in Saugatuck and picked up ice cream cones for the entire family

Marilyn will sell you the the best ice cream in town at the most reasonable price. Baby cones - are big enough for anyone and sell for $1.50 each. Take your ice cream and drive over to Oval Beach and watch the sunset. SEE YOU THERE!

Barns near Saugatuck in Allegan County, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:46:59 -0500

When out to show a property the other day - all the way across the county - Where God lost his sandals. It was a delightful trip and the barns are fantastic so I stopped at several of them and took photos to share with all of you. Some of these were in great condition and some of them won't last very long.

When you come over to stay in Saugatuck and check out the Saugatuck and Douglas real estate and enjoy Oval Beach, be sure to allow sometime to just ride around and look at the scenery. Bring your oils or watercolors and capture one of these on canvas. Allegan County is waiting for you.

Great New Listing on Jasmine Near Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:22:42 -0500

If you would like your children to be able to get themselves to Holland Christian Schools WITHOUT CROSSING A STREET, this is the home at 598 Jasmine for you. Just out the back door and across the field to the school!

This is your perfect home - immaculate with many extras. Three bedrooms, two and one half baths, tastefully decorated, two story entry way, gorgeous fireplace, window seat, alcoves, full basement with work area, deck, designer kitchen with center island, courtyard - and the list goes on. All this for under $200,000.

The location is very close to all the amenities of Washington Street - grocery, drug store, banks, butcher shop, fish market, etc. and has easy access to a number of churches and schools and 8th Street, Downtown Holland.

This home is perfectly located on Jasmine just off Grassfshap between 32nd and 40th Street on Holland's south side.

Ready to move into with a great view from the dining, kitchen and living area of the sun set. You will appreciate the secluded life style afforded from the deck.

The amount of light that penetrates the rooms through the pella windows, transoms and skylights is remarkable.

Your designer kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances.

The bathrooms have been recently redone. The master bath even has a rain shower!

Your workbench is already in place in the basement.

Relax on your deck , enjoy the courtyard, work in your workship or just sit by the fireplace. Lots of options in this beautiful home.

For a private showing and more information contact Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 or at deehans@ameritech.net.

For more photos go to my website at www.mysaugatuck.com and click on Featured Listings. Scroll down to Jasmine.

It would be hard to find another home in such great condition with all these amenities at this affordable price.

Current Foreclosure Opportunities in Saugatuck, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:56:17 -0500

There are three fantastic foreclosure opportunities currently available in the Saugatuck area.

The first is a lot on the outskirts of "the hill" that is much larger than normal lots in Saugatuck. Usually lots are platted at 66' X 132' while this one is 124' X 132'.

This may even be possible to divide this property into two lots (have to check with the City to determine this) with the approval of the City of Saugatuck due to the fact that East Street is platted on the edge of the property but was never extended nor will it be as this is a dead end.

Lots in Saugatuck can go for up to $150,000 so this is really a great deal if you have decided that you just will not be happy unless you build your home and want to be in the City of Saugatuck. Nothing else is available "on the hill" and especially at this price - the asking price is currently $69,000!

The second current opportunity is in the Village of Douglas and just about a block from the Douglas Beach.

This fantastic home was listed a couple of years ago for $589,000. It is a 1978 ranch that was redone "to the nines" by an architect. It is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and backs up to a golf course with a very secluded back yard. Asking price is - are you ready? - $327,000.

This is a great deal for the four bedrooms and three bath home with 2,268 SF.

Sorry that the photo is dark but the front of the home faces North and the sun is low in the South in the winter months in Michigan. Although that makes for a dark photo it means that you will get sun in the entire home from the back of the house in the winter.

Couldn't be placed better if you built it yourself!

What an opportunity for someone who has always wanted to have a home in the Saugatuck/Douglas area near Lake Michigan!

Now I come to the best property of all. This home sold for $850,000 a couple of years ago. It is Arts and Crafts and was built in 2002 with 2,833 SF AND IT IS ON THE KALAMAZOO RIVER with 3.8 acres. Very secluded location with custom built-ins, natural stone countertops and tiled bathrooms. Constructed to afford panoramic view of the river. Three bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, cathedral ceilings with an asking price of $729,900.

Although the front shows one level the back - which is on the Kalamazoo River has two floors to make the most of the magnificent view.

Go to my website www.mysaugatuck.com to see all of these and all the listings in the area or

Better yet, call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535.

Tell me your requirements and your budget and I will forward all the homes to you as they come on the market.

I check the paper every week and am aware of several more opportunities that will be coming up as soon as the redemption period expires. I have helped quite a few clients purchase foreclosures. Now is the time to buy!

Great News for Buyers! Fantastic Supply of Homes in Saugatuck, Mi

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:11:36 -0500

By popular demand, I have finally completed the market study for sales of residential units in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Saugatuck Township in 2008 as compared to 2007.

147 Residential Units sold in 2007 versus 96 in 2008. Number of sales dropped by 65%.

$45,500,000 was spent for residential units in 2007 as compared to $27,800,000 in 2008. Dollars spend dropped by 61%.

Lowest priced sale in 2007 was $50,000. Lowest priced sale in 2008 was $17,000. SUCH A DEAL!

Highest priced sale in 2007 was $1,711,000 and in 2008 it was $1,300,000. Even the lake shore properties are going for less. NOW YOU CAN OWN ON LAKE MICHIGAN. COME ON OVER!

In 2007 buyers were paying an average of 94% of the asking price while in 2008, they were paying 92%. Great deals for buyers.

Medium price in 2007 was $254,500 while in 2008 it was $221,000.

Buyers appear to have had more choices in 2008 at lesser cost than in 2007. This trend is continuing. THERE ARE GREAT DEALS IN SAUGATUCK TOWNSHIP!

Call Dee Dee at 616-836-8535 and get your dream home near Saugatuck NOW. To see all the listings, just go to www.mysaugatuck.com.

Interesting Foreclosure opportunities in Saugatuck Mi as of January, 2009

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:59:36 -0600

The foreclosure opportunities in Saugatuck, Mi continue to trickle in. Currently there are three interesting properties on the market.

The first one is a building from the turn of the century that is about one and one-half blocks from Butler Street "on the hill" with three available condo units. One unit is in foreclosure and priced in the $40,000s and the other two subject to short sale and priced in the $60,000s.

Two of the units are on the ground floor - one in the front and one in the rear and the third unit is upstairs. These are very small uits with about 600 SF each and only one bedroom each, a small kitchen and living room.

Perfect as a getaway for one or two people and can be rented out. If you have been anxious to get "something small" in Saugatuck, here is your chance.

Another home just became available near Lake Michigan in Douglas.

This is a fanastic opportunity that had been listed in the past in the $500,000+ range and is now listed in the mid $300,000s as a foreclosure. Lots of very upscale work has been done on this home.

It is at the end of a quite cul-de-sac and very close to the Douglas Beach. It comes complete with a secluded back yard and is in a lovely neighborhood. Sorry the photo is so dark as the sun was coming from behind when I took the photo.

The third choice is in Saugatuck Township just outside of town in Saugatuck Township at the end of a cul-de-sac. It has over an acre of land and has new light carpeting throughout. With two fireplaces and a very secluded back yard, a two car garage, and lovely fixtures, this is quite a bargain at an asking price in the $170,000s. This home is so bright and cheery that I couldn't resist taking another photo of it through the trees in the center of the cul-de-sac. To receive information about all foreclosures as they come on the market just call me, Dee Dee, at 616-836-8535 or e-mail me at deehans@ameritech.net.

If you would prefer you can see every home on the market go to my website at www.mysaugatuck.com

Just go to search the MLS and look for yourself.

I have helped several clients obtain foreclosures this year and would be glad to help you also. Just let me know where you would like your home, how much you would like to spend, etc. and I will put you in an automatic search. As properties come available on the market, I will send them to you. The good ones don't last long. Hope to hear from you soon. Together We Can Find It!

When will the foreclosures in Saugatuck and Allegan County, Michigan SLOW DOWN?

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:25:46 -0600

I guess my crystal ball is broken. I can't tell you the exact date that we will be at the bottom of this market. BUT I WILL KNOW WHEN WE ARE SIX MONTHS FROM THE END OF THE NEW FORECLOSURES. How will I know this? by reading the Allegan County News.

Every week the new foreclosure notices for properties in Allegan County where Sauguatuck is located are listed in the Allegan County News behind the sports section. Each notice indicates the date that the property will be "foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises" at the County Courthouse. This date is usually shortly after the publication of the announcement.

There are at least five or six pages of these properties each week. Each page contains about fifteen properties. That is about ninety properties per week for Allegan County. Each property is run three consecutive weeks so about 30 properties are added per week. Thirty properties per week for 52 weeks is 1,660 foreclosures in Allegan County per year.

The redemption period in Michigan is six months after the sale UNLESS the property contains o ver three acres. Then the redemption period is a year. That may have been due to a law that was passed when farmers where losing their crops along with their land. A few of the properties may be redeemed or sold at short sale before the end of the six months or year timeframe but most of them continue through the process and are eventually listed.

At any rate, when the number of pages of foreclosures in the Allegan County News is reduced considerably, then we will know that we are reaching the end of this foreclosure cycle.

Keep tuned, I will be sure to let you know when things slow down. In the interium, there are quite a few opportunities in the Saugatuck, Mi area. Where else can you put your money right now? You can have your second home or rental opportunity at a very reasonable price by buying in a down market. I keep track of all foreclosures and even have a handle on those that will be available in the next six months. All I have to give you is knowledge and expertise. That knowledge and experise if available for the asking.

Your dream home may be on the market now. Call me, Dee Dee, at 616-836-8535 and I will do a special search of foreclosed properties for you in your price range and location. I can help you through this entire process from seaching to selection, financing, inspections and close.

Every share of stock is like another share of stock so in the financial markets you can wait until prices drop. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET. No home like any other home. EACH HOME IS UNIQUE, ESPECIALLY IN SAUGATUCK, MI. With my help, you can WATCH THE MARKET. When you home is available, will you be ready?? If we work together, you will be. You can see all listings on my website at www.mysaugatuck.com

Great Deals on Foreclosures in Saugatuck Township, Allegan County, Michigan

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:45:34 -0600

If you always wanted a second home near Saugatuck, Michigan, but thought you could not afford it, think again. Now is the time! In the current market with some surprising foreclosures, you may be in luck.

Last Wednesday one of my clients bought this home less than 1/2 a mile from Douglas, Michigan, in Saugatuck Township on one acre of land for $25,000! SUCH A DEAL!Yes, you read that right - $25,000.

This property is essentially in move in condition with only a few minor repairs required. Complete with wood floors and replacement windows. And guess what? As an added bonus, it comes with this cute pole barn with an upstairs and separate electrical, on a quiet street (known to the old time locals as the Hooter Road - for the large number of owls in the area) and lots of trees on an essentially square piece of land. This would be perfect for an affordable second home with its three bedrooms, large family room, and great kitchen and close to the beaches of Douglas and Saugatuck and just down the street from the Kalamazoo River for your canoeing and kayaking fun! This would also make a great rental property with, can you believe it, positive cash flow.

As this was foreclosure I worked with my client for sometime before this one became available. We looked and looked and negotiated and waited and finally got the property. Anyone who is considering buying a foreclosure must be ready to purchase with either cash in the bank or preapproved for a mortgage and be available to look at the property AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE or someone else will take it if it is a really great deal.

Check out all the listings on my website www.mysaugatuck.com or,better yet, just call me, Dee Dee, at 616-836-8535 and I will get you set up to received the listings as soon as they are available. Don't miss the opportunity of a lifetime!

Allegan, Michigan Market Study Ten Miles Radius from Perrigo

Dee Dee Hanson (CB Woodland Schmidt) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:51:02 -0500

There are some fantasic opportunities to purchase your dream home near Allegan, Michigan. Woods and lakes abound. Here you can have Water access to Lake Allegan and the Kalamazoo River as well as opportunities to be near the Allegan Woods for hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, etc. IT is a vacation all year long.

Recently one of my clients sold this beautiful property with acreage on Monroe Road for $224,900. Where else can you get a home at this price in excellent condition with a finished lower level and access to the Kalamazoo River and very near to the Allegan Woods? I currently have an absolutely wonderful home listed. This home can be purchased with either nearly twenty wooded acres or forty wooded acres. Decks abound as you live in your own nature preserve. Along with the furnace, this home boasts a wood stove that is piped through the house and its own supply of timber. The current owners use the wood stove primarily and has someone harvest some of the wood each year. No problem with heating expense here! There is even a pass through door in the living room for passing the wood into the home so you don't have to drag it in the back door.

Start living close to nature now. Watch the seasons change. Watch deer and turkey in your yard. See the leaves change. Here it is like CAMPING BUT NOT SUFFERING! See more photos of of this great home on my website - www.mysaugatuck.com Just go to featured listings or office listings. This home was recently reduced 5% and it can be yours before the snow flies. And speaking of snow, this home comes with its own plow truck. What a way to live!

This is indeed a Buyer's Market. For my number oriented clients, here is a market study comparing sales of properties within a ten mile radius of Perrigo in Allegan for all of 2007 - twelve months versus 2008 to the current date for a nine month period. This is comparing a nine month period to a twelve month period so the second column should be 1/4 less than the first column. You will note that even accounting for difference in time the second column is considerably less than the first which means THERE ARE FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUYERS!

1/1/07 to 12/21/07 1/1/08 to 10/01/08

Single Family homes SOLD to $150,000 271 191

Single Family SOLD $150,000 to $300,000 63 28

Single Family SOLD over $300,000 7 5

ACTIVE HOMES ON THE MARKET NOW Lots of Great Choices

Single Family Homes on market to $150,000 247

Single Family Homes on market $150,000 to $300,000 109

Single Family Homes on market over $300,000 27

NOW FOR THE CREME DE LA CREME

WATERFRONT HOMES ON LAKES AND RIVERS AVAILABLE 47

What are you waiting for? Live the rest of your life close to Nature. Come to Allegan, Michigan. You will never regret the decision. Feel free to me,Dee Dee, at 616-836-8535 or e-mail me at deehans@ameritech.net . Once I know your requirements, I will e-mail you a selection of homes from which to choose.