Summertime Survival Tips for Realtors - 06/30/10 02:02 PM
Summer is here and with the heat comes new things to watch for in our real estate world. Beside the obvious advice for showings, like not allowing your vehicle to get boxed in and always letting someone else know where you are and with whom, there are a few thinks to watch for in summer that can save you a little misery. Thinks like bees and hornets. They love to build nests in doorways and well pits so before you fling the door open take a peek through the glass and see if that space is occupied by a nest. I … (2 comments)

Fourth of July Fireworks in Big Rapids, MI - 06/30/10 10:45 AM

Both the Parade and the Fireworks will be on the 4th this year in Big Rapids. The parade line-up begins at the Big Rapids Middle School parking lot, and will proceed down Michigan going east to Pine then south on Warren and ending on Linden. Starts at 6pm and lasts about an hour. Gives you time to grab dinner at the Blue Cow before heading out to watch fireworks at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds at dusk. Last year it was a great show and I am sure this years will be as good if not better. If you want to see … (2 comments)

Do Your Listings Work Holidays? - 06/29/10 12:09 PM

When I started my real estate career it was under the illusion that I would have all sorts of time to do whatever I want....then reality came and I have found you could easily work 18 a day 7 days a week year round and never really be completely caught up. With the economy being where it is and no one sure where their next sale was coming from or when it will be, I was curious how many agents will be working this weekend with it being the July 4th Holiday? I will be doing an open house or two and … (7 comments)

Free Music Events in Big Rapids, Mi - 06/28/10 10:57 AM

One of the things I love about Big Rapids is there is always something to do. I often post area to do's and for those who enjoy listening to music we have a few to share. For the next couple Wednesday's starting with June 30th at 7PM at the Band Shell behind the Middle School you can enjoy the FSU Community Summer Concerts. These weeks the FSU Summer Band will be playing. What a great way to spend the evening with no charge to listen.
Fridays are a double header for music fans. There is music in Pocket Park at noon. … (2 comments)

Is Part Time of the Essence? - 06/27/10 05:00 AM
We have all heard the Full time/ Part Time debate before and there are some very strong feelings on both sides of the debate. I would personally think availability should be the issue not how much time a person puts into their career. How much time does any agent put into an individual listing per day? If agents are available to answer questions or do get back to their clients in a timely matter does it matter how many hours they spend at their office? I have always been a Full Time fan, mostly because of the number of times I have … (6 comments)

Ferris Student Home Buying 101 - 06/26/10 08:44 PM
Twice a year in our area we get a rush of students that would rather build equity in a house than pay rent. While that is some great thinking it's not for everyone and not as easy as one would think. First there are the University rules. You should always start there and see if you qualify to live off campus. If you do, the next step is chat with a lender. Actually that should read "chat with several lenders". There are so many programs out there when house hunting to get the most up to date info try two or … (0 comments)

Big Rapids Golf Pro Aaron Waltz - 06/25/10 01:33 PM
Another "To Do" if you are in the Big Rapids Area is to try some golf at Katke Golf Course right behind the Holiday Inn on Perry St in Big Rapids, MI. They have an awesome driving range for those just wanting to hit a bucket of balls and I can tell you from experience if you want to take your game to the next level chat with the golf Pro Aaron Waltz. There are very few people I meet that will ever make into a blog but Aaron is one of a kind. I had a Realtor Golf outing coming … (1 comments)

Chippewa Lake Days - 06/25/10 01:04 PM
Looking for another "To Do" around Big Rapids, MI and Mecosta County? The Chippewa Lake Days are a "Must Do" if you are in ther area. Starts off with a Parade on Saturday June 26th, 2010 and runs through Sunday June 27th. Parade lines up at 9:30 and they welcome cars, floats, trucks, horses, emergency vehicles, 4 wheelers, 4-h and boats (trailered I would imagine). Some of the Events this year include a two day softball tournement, chicken bbq, kids games and a poker run out on the lake. Sounds like the place to be and who knows, I might see … (0 comments)

Northern Michigan Lakefront Home - 06/24/10 03:07 PM

Just listed a nicely remodeled 2 bedroom stickbuilt home with an awesome addition featuring a cathedral ceiling and a wall of glass overlooking Little Long Lake in Osceola County. Kitchen has Oak cabinets and ceramic tile floors. Little Long Lake is no wake and offers great fishing. Perfect little spot away from it all. The view from the living room needs to be seen.
For those looking for all sports fun Sunrise Lake Public access is just down the road so you can have the best of both worlds. Queit nights on your lakeshore and all sports fun nearby. Priced … (0 comments)

Learn From The Politicians - 06/24/10 02:52 PM
As many of you know I am an Ambassador with the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce. We hold a lot events for our members to help with networking and show casing our members goods or services. This morning we did a Rise and Shine at the Holiday Inn and I noticed how many politicians were there making their appearances and it hit me. If we all worked like politicians looking for votes how busy we would be. In sales we are all looking for votes(votes of confidence) and we can tell how we are doing by our sales. politicians really … (2 comments)

10th Annual Tour De S.I.N.S in Mecosta - 06/22/10 05:12 PM
Wednesday, June 23rd marks the start date for the 10th Annual Tour De S.I. N.S (St. Ives Northern Shores- named for the locales in which the early years of the Tour were centered ). The tour began 10 years ago with 12 hearty souls who departed Chicago for a multi-day adventure in Mecosta. It has since evolved into a series of "events" starting with their arrival in the area this Wednesday night and concluding at their departure back to the Chicago area next Sunday morning.  Over the years these events have seen them stopping at various locations throughout the region mostly in and … (0 comments)

June Rise and Shine at Holiday Inn - 06/22/10 03:01 PM
June 24th at 7:30am will be this months Rise and Shine, and this month we will be at Holiday Inn right on Perry St in Big Rapids, MI. The Holiday Inn always puts on a great rise and shine. For those who don't know the Big Rapids Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center recently purchased luxurious beds, bedding and Showers,we provide all of our guests with the comforts of home as well as the necessary services for successful business meetings. They also provide "Pick up and Go" catering through the sales office for any home or business office meetings or parties! … (0 comments)

52nd Annual MCMC Auxiliary Ice Cream Social - 06/21/10 03:50 PM
The Mecosta County Medical Center Auxiliary has invited everyone to the 52nd Annual Ice Cream Social, at Centennial Triangle Park at 605 Oak St here in Big Rapids, MI this Thursday, June 24th from 6pm to 9pm. The MCMC Auxiliary will present their Health Career Scholarship recipients. This event funds the scholarships so area students can carry on the great tradition of advanced care with a personal touch. There also will be a concert by the FSU Community Band and STAGE M mini presentation from their production of 'Annie'. No cost to attend just buy lots of ice cream.
Thursday … (2 comments)

New Riverfront Listing on Roger's Pond - 06/21/10 08:13 AM
Just Listed:
Turn key ready 2 bedroom year round home on the Big Muskegon River. Completely remodeled including new windows and furnace with a wide open floorplan with great views of the river. Beautiful deck at waters edge for entertaining. Comes with a 2 car detached garage for your toys and extensive landscape block work at waters edge Located on Roger's Pond just South of Big Rapids. Within 5 miles of US131 for easy commute and priced to sell at only $139,900.
This and other listings can be found at www.bigrapidsexit.com
… (0 comments)

Happy 100th Fathers Day! - 06/20/10 06:27 AM
What a grea opportunity to take a few and make tribute to the father in your life. This year is the 100th Father's Day and for those who still have Fathers a chance to say thanks for all they have done. My dad passed away about 18 years ago but not a day goes by I don't think of something he taught me or hear him in my mind. Thanks Dad. Like the saying goes you don't realize what you have till it's gone and I for one can testify how true that is. Don't be a "one day soon" person. … (3 comments)

Journey to 100K - 06/17/10 05:57 AM
 
With this post I will be over 100,000 points with Active Rain. I had quite an unremarkable journey to get here but never the less I am here. Like most Rainer's, I joined the Rain and let it sit dormant for almost a year before an "Daily Drop" email prompted me to read a post. I believe it was a Lenn Harley post that first caught my eye. I was almost overwhelmed by her knowledge and what she had to say. Seems like from that moment on the addiction had started and what surprises me most is my own evolution … (13 comments)

Blog Fog - 06/16/10 10:59 AM

Whether it is your first post ever or your 393rd, all of us at times suffer from Blog Fog. It's that cloud that stands between the thoughts in our minds and a really great post. You know there is good post inside you but for the life of you it doesn't make it to paper. Some call it writers block but to me it will always be Blog Fog. When this happens you have two choices. First you can try and out wait it. Sometimes the fog lifts quickly and your creative juices start flowing and before you know it … (9 comments)

Don't put all your eggs in the Face Book Basket - 06/15/10 06:34 AM
 
Seems like everyone these days is solely concentrating on Social Media Marketing and especially Face Book. Keep in mind that not everyone is on your fan pages and may not have a clue what you are trying to advertise. Recently there have been a couple Localism events here in Big Rapids, where a year ago I could have Google them for more info, neither were anywhere to be found on the net. Discouraged, I called the event coordinators and was told they were posted all over Face Book so I should have seen them. I went to the Face Book … (59 comments)

WCAR 2010 Golf Outing in Big Rapids, MI - 06/14/10 11:03 AM
The 7th annual WCAR Golf Outing will be at at Falcon Head in Big Rapids, MI and promises to be a great event. The golf outing is open to anyone... $50 to play 18 hole scramble. Sack lunch and steak dinner provided. Hole prizes, door prizes and raffle. All proceeds go to the scholarship given away in October. While I have tried the driving range at Falcon Head, I have never played the course so this will be my opportunity to give it a shot. This will be my second time golfing ever so it should prove to be interesting at least. … (0 comments)

Flag Day 2010 - 06/14/10 06:37 AM
Today is Flag Day and I commend all those who choose to fly their flags proudly. While the American pride makes you want to run out and get a flag to display either in your yard or on your vehicle take a moment to remember to take care of it AFTER today. Too many times we drive down the road after holidays to see the little flags that proudly adorned cars now tattered and laying on road sides and the flags in yards forgotten until they have lost their color and became weather torn. I salute everyone for being proud of their … (3 comments)

Admin Fee or just More for Me? - 06/13/10 10:25 AM
Does your company charge an Admin Fee at closing to your seller? I have not nor likely will ever charge an Admin Fee. I have however ran across many companies that do and more than once at a closing table had the seller get very angry at the thought. One of those contacted me to look at houses later as they had lost confidence in their agent. We have all heard arguments both for and against but here is what HUD says (Check out the underlined portion):
If, however, the total charges required to be disclosed in the 700-series exceed the … (67 comments)

Beginner's Beginnings Begin With... - 06/13/10 09:46 AM
You have been reading the blogs for a while now and you are ready for your first post. Every great post starts with a great title. Something catchy that will force readers into opening your post rather than the other thousand that day. Almost everyone I know that reads random posts start by looking at the titles and the ones that quote interest rates or listing info are great for points but rarely opens them to read. I try the eye grabbers like my Pets are NOT People which received almost 150 comments. That one made almost any pet owner want … (4 comments)

The Blog That Got Away - 06/11/10 08:54 PM
We are all mostly in awe of the great info we obtain in our daily ritual of reading and writing the posts here on Active Rain. Have you every thought about the excellent posts that could have really made a difference in you life or career that we miss everyday? I know if I post something and go answer the phone my post is second page when I return leaving me to think that maybe the best posts ever are buried in the archive pile somewhere. So I want to wish a quick thank you to the re-bloggers that keep info … (4 comments)

Focus Pocus! - 06/11/10 07:05 AM
Imagine if you will your life is a journey. You can pick your destination and with free will, you decide how to get there. For the focused person they would simply choose their destination, sit down and plan the trip. In their mind their is a road map which must be followed and distractions are not noticed as they hurl along to get where they are going. For the rest of us focus is a challenge. Our destination changes daily depending on what the journey brings our way. Takes us longer to get there but the trip is far more interesting.
… (2 comments)

I Built It But They Didn't Come - 06/08/10 03:13 PM
The old saying "Build it and They Will Come" doesn't play with blogging. What makes a person click on your blog and more important what drives the reader to comment on what you have wrote? I have written blogs that I thought would be a flop and they were featured, yet I have taken hours to write one that is meaningful and insightful and received no comments at all. One of my last posts about Blogger's Remorse was featured and a lot of comments mentioned some blogs get no comments while others get dozens of responses so here are a few … (59 comments)

Cran-Hill Ranch Summer Celebration 2010 - 06/08/10 02:27 PM
Another "Must Do" if in the Mecosta County area Saturday June 12th would be the Cran-Hill Ranch Summer Celebration 2010. If you haven't experienced Cran-Hill Ranch yet this is an excellent opportunity for you and the family to see what they are all about. Did I mention this was a FREE EVENT!!!
Cran-Hill Ranch will be hosting with carnival games, inflatables, wagon rides, climbing tower, skate park, petting farm and much more. This is a really great event for those with kids looking for something new to try. There is no way you could experience everything they have to offer … (1 comments)

Big Country Colgate Showdown in Big Rapids, MI - 06/08/10 02:11 PM

Another great "To Do" when in Big Rapids is the Big Country Colgate Showdown to be held at the Big Rapids Band Shell Saturday June 12th starting at 4pm.
WWBR Big Country 100.9 is putting on this event and so far there are over 15 entrants so if you like Country Music this is a "Must Do" for you.
The Band Shell is located behind the Middle School which is on the North end of Michigan Ave. You can also access it from Hemlock Park by just walking across the footbridge. This is a totally FREE event!
For more information on this event Jacob … (0 comments)

Catch-A-Fish, Grant-A-Wish Fishing Tournament - 06/08/10 12:09 PM
Saturday June 12, 2010 is the date for the 5th annual Catch-A-Fish, Grant-A-Wish Fishing Tournament at Hemlock Park in Big Rapids, MI
This fishing tournament is another area "To Do" here in Big Rapids. The tournament is held during the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend, so no licenses are required! Bring your own pole & tackle and get set for a day of great outdoor fun! The first 50 registered participants will receive FREE tournament t-shirts and fishing bait. Starts at 9am and runs until noon. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Pre-registered anglers are  $8 each and those registering the day … (1 comments)

June 2010 Business After Hours at Silvernail Realty - 06/07/10 11:47 AM
This months Business after hours will be hosted by Silvernail Realty right here in Big Rapids. Owner Sue Glatz is having a riverfront BBQ for all Chamber Members and their employees. Silvernail Realty has relocated and the new office is at 17810 205th ave which is just North of the airport in Big Rapids. Business After Hours will be from 5pm to 6:30pm. BAH is another great event offered to Chamber Members by the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce. You can RSVP directly by calling the Chamber at (231) 796-7649. Hope to see you there.
… (0 comments)

Blogger's Remorse? - 06/07/10 05:50 AM
Blogger's Remorse? You have all heard of buyer's remorse. That feeling of dread we get after making a large purchase. I remember working with a good closer once who would tell the buyers to stop on the way home and buy a bag of M&M candies and when the buyer's remorse hit just eat a green one and everything would be alright. It would help the buyer realize how silly the remorse was but what about Blogger's Remorse? That is the feeling you get when you pour your heart out into a post and you wait for your first comment. Will … (45 comments)

Why I Protest the BP Protesters - 06/05/10 07:37 AM
Normally when I start writing a post it takes off and I get long winded but today I will be brief. Seems like everywhere I read, people are angry with BP for the oil spill and Boycotting the local stations and they should be. WHOA!!!!! Do you really think a multi billion dollar company that can afford to lose that much crude oil is going to be shut down by losing a few gas stations? I know who will be affected...thousands of small business owners who have done nothing wrong other than choose the wrong affiliation to brand their store. These are the … (7 comments)

Clay, Art and Fire Fest in Downtown Big Rapids - 06/04/10 06:45 AM
Another great "To Do" to add to your list. Saturday and Sunday June 5th and 6th from 10am to 10pm at beautiful Mitchell Creek Park in Downtown Big Rapids, Artworks in Big Rapids is proud to present the 2nd Annual Clay, Art and Fire Fest and the good news is:
You are invited! This is a free event open to the public and will include live demonstrations from nationally known potters who will be coming to Big Rapids from all over the United States. In addition to learning all about pottery there will be lots of other activities going on. This … (0 comments)

Incredible Northern Michigan Lake Frontage - 06/04/10 05:19 AM
 Here is a rare find. Incredible describes the frontage for this 3 bed/2 bath Year Round Home on All Sports Pickerel Lake. Everything you could want or need. 32x40 Pole Barn for toys, 2 car detached garage for cars. Home has a 13x23 Master suite for you and two large bedrooms for kids or guests. From the custom island in the kitchen you can see the lake or for a better view try it from the 12x24 Covered porch. Large yard with sandy beach frontage for playing and plenty of trees for seclusion towards the road. This is a move in … (1 comments)

Too Broke To Advertise? - 06/03/10 12:15 PM
 
One common scenario with new agents is when first starting out sometimes it is tough to be able to afford to advertise your listings. You know they need exposure but with all the costs associated with getting started you just don't have the money available to use for advertising listings. Now days, with the Internet, that is no longer a stopper. One of the first tools you should have in your Realtor toolbox is a website. There are many places where you can get a decent site for around $30 a month and if you are a little tech savvy … (3 comments)

Emotionless Text - 06/03/10 08:48 AM
Now that we all have became more cyber-bound and lean towards social networking and texting instead of calling or personal visits we have to use extra care in how we write and how we perceive the written words of each other. We all use FaceBook, Twitter and a messenger service or two and one thing I still have trouble with is the mood behind the text. You can throw on a lol or a lmao or even a roflmao but unless you are chatting with someone who is chat savvy you could easily offend or annoy whomever your are chatting with. … (4 comments)

A Slap in the FaceBook - 06/02/10 04:36 PM
By now most everyone has heard about the importance of FaceBook. Huge amounts of people waiting to rush your business as soon as you plague them with unwanted advertisements. While the huge amounts of people are true, most FaceBookers I have talked with do not welcome businesses filling their pages with ads. They feel it is a slap in the FaceBook for businesses to try and take over their SOCIAL networking. Daily we are all asked to "like" area businesses which open the door for the business to send you alerts about upcoming bargains but if you like 20 businesses what … (2 comments)

Rate Yourself! - 06/01/10 03:29 PM
Rate Yourself All finger pointing aside, how would you rate yourself if you had to deal with you? Would you be as impatient with yourself as you are with others. Probably not. Mainly because you know there are reasons when you make an occasional oops. When you take a listing do you go out of your way to make sure the seller knows the realities of the market? Do you help them plan ahead for trouble free showings? What to do with pets, clutter short notice showings? Are your contact's info up to date? Do you explain that it may be … (16 comments)

The Active Rain Realtor Nationwide Survey about Michigan - 06/01/10 01:19 PM
Here in Big Rapids, located in West Cenral Michigan, overall the phones are ringing more. Seems most buyers today are Internet savvy and don't call asking for us to find them a property as much as asking for info on a property they have found themselves. In my opinion there are way too many websites selling outdated foreclosure info giving the buyers a false sense of the market. Sellers are still reluctant to reduce prices and buyers are still looking for deals. There is no normal in today's market. Every transaction seems to be more work than ever before and the overall … (0 comments)

 
Greenrandy Rainmaker_large

Randy Ostrander-Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Big Rapids, MI

More about me…

Lake and Lodge Realty LLC

Address: 107 N. Michigan Suite B, Big Rapids, MI, 49307

Office Phone: (231) 796-5253

Cell Phone: (231) 250-9802

Email Me

<!---- start copying here ----->Author Bio: Randy Ostrander, Broker/Owner of Lake and Lodge Realty in Big Rapids, MI covers all of West Central Michigan. He does work weekends so he can be there wheneve you are ready to handle all of your real estate needs. <!-- insert your own bio between the <p> tags ---->


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog