Strangest Listing Appointment to Date - 05/29/11 12:37 PM
Alright, we have all had a strange listing here and there. Some even stick in our memories but this one was over the top for me. I list a lot Amish homes so when I was called to list a log home up near Marion it cam as no surprise. When I got there we chatted about the house and barn and unique property. It has a couple of ponds and the deer have taken up residence in the back hay field. We walked out into the main pasture to check out his 6 legged steer. Nope...I wasn't drinking. Once we … (19 comments)

3rd Annual Clay Art & Fire in Big Rapids, Michigan - 05/29/11 10:11 AM
Usually I write about local events a few days before they are happening but this one needs a little notice. It is the Third Annual Clay Art and Fire pottery fest to be held in Mitchell Creek Park in Downtown Big Rapids on June 18th and 19th, 2011. This is a must do event open to the public and will include live demonstrations from over 15 nationally known premiere potters who will be traveling to Big Rapids from all over the United States. There is live music playing and the atmosphere is amazing. Instead of posting pics, I am going to … (0 comments)

Leaves are like Vinyl Siding for the Trees - 05/29/11 09:33 AM
Who doesn't love spring. Everything is so green and selling vacant land just got easier cause it all looks so good. I have always thought of leaves being vinyl siding for the trees and bushes. Imagine if there were times of the year you could see a house without it's pretty siding. Yikes. Most were sided because the houses needed a little make over. I think that's why pine trees are my favorites. They are always green year round. I remember hearing a client say vinyl siding was like expensive make up on an ugly girl. She may be pretty today but who … (1 comments)

Susan P Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Walk - 05/22/11 09:17 AM

Yesterday was the annual Susan P Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness walk here in Big Rapids, MI. This year they made it a 5K, almost double last years. The scenery was amazing as we walked along a paved walkway along the Muskegon River. Yes...I said walked. There were those who ran but I like to enjoy the walk. If you ever get to Big Rapids you really need to visit the River Walk. Plan on taking a few hours so you can take your time and enjoy every step. You can get more information about the walk and ways you can … (6 comments)

Are you Volunteering Your Way Out of Business? - 05/21/11 08:47 AM
Like most I have spent the first part of this year scratching my head, wondering how to increase business. Thinks are ok but could always use improving. Recently I was brainstorming on why some areas were weaker than last year and noticed a trend. The months I do a ton of volunteering are the months I am needing a boost. While we volunteer as much as possible the spring months are usually the big hitters with all sorts of fund raisers happening and I wonder sometimes if I am losing focus on my money maker while making money for someone else. … (7 comments)

Mecosta County Area Chamber Golf Outing 2011 - 05/21/11 07:37 AM
The 2011 Chamber Golf Outing has came and gone. All that is left is a few sore muscles and new found friendships. While not an avid golfer I am quite competitive and enjoy the outings as much as anyone. This year we had a chance to golf at Ferris State Universtiy's Katke Golf Course and I really like the lay out and feel. I usually consider it a great outing if I come home with the same ball and tee that I left with and who doesn't like a scramble? I love the way I can hit it onto the wrong … (0 comments)

Ground Breaking for Morton Township Library Expansion - 05/16/11 01:42 PM
This morning I attended a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Morton Township Library Expansion Project on Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m at 110 S. James St., Mecosta. Even the brisk winds couldn't stop the crowd from gathering. The State Director of USDA Rural Development and a representative from Senator Stabenow's office spoke as well as many local speakers who have made this construction project possible.   In addition to the speakers a group of students were present to join in the ceremony by singing a couple of songs. Phil Potvin was also there. Always a good day when a library makes the news. … (2 comments)

The Effects of Gas Prices on Real Estate - 05/15/11 11:29 AM

Higher prices at the pump affect us all in many ways but have you noticed how much it affects real estate? I noticed a change in the overall dynamics of my solds this week. Comparing to years before my vacation home sales were way down and my local residential are up. Most of our vacation home buyers are from down state or even Northern Indiana or Illinois and I noticed last year more were asking for vacation homes within a 3 hours of their areas. Now gas is $4 per gallon I think they have tightened up that radius even … (8 comments)

Barryton Michigan has an Internet Presence (www.barrytonconnect.com) - 05/14/11 11:08 AM
Recently during a Leadership Mecosta visit we noted that while Barryton Michigan and Fork Townships were great places to visit they had virtually no Internet presence. Even Google had very little info. Barryton sits within Fork Township and while the two are separate entities they work well together so we decided to do a website connecting the two in one venue. There is now a place where you can get contact info for the Village of Barryton and Fork Township and even see upcoming events and pics of the area. The website BarrytonConnect.com is up and running. Still a work in progress … (2 comments)

Barryton Lilac Festival 2011 - 05/14/11 10:54 AM
Coming up quickly is the Barryton Lilac Festival for 2011. Starts Thursday May 19th at 3:30pm with a Carnival and Flea market. Friday has the Gas and Steam engines at 9am, Photo Contest at 10am, Barbeque at 4pm and the Prince and Princess Contest at 7pm. Saturday is the main day with many things going on all day and it winds down on Sunday. If you are thinking on going check out their schedule on their website at www.barrytonconnect.com and look for the Lilac link. Great little Village filled with good people who will be glad to see you. See you … (1 comments)

Leadership Mecosta 2011 Graduation Day - 05/12/11 08:29 PM
Today marked the end of a 9 month journey in Leadership Mecosta. What an amazing group of people I now call friends. We learned so much about our area. The businesses, government, needs and available help were all explored. Before the program started I already knew everything about our area. After living here for 30 years I should. Wrong....Every month opened my eyes a little farther and I have grown as a person because of it. If you have a Leadership Program available where you live get involved. If not, find one nearby and try bringing it to your area. With … (1 comments)

Moms are a terrible thing to waste. Enjoy yours today! - 05/08/11 07:05 AM

Wishing a very Happy Mother's Day to all our Active Rain moms. I think everyday should be Mothers day. Like most everyone else I was way to involved with work and my own life to notice my mom getting older. She has been gone 8 years now and not a day goes by I wouldn't love to have a do over and make the time to take her to lunch so enjoy your mothers today and everyday as time slips by too fast and memories, while as sweet as they are, are nothing like the real deal. Stop what ever … (7 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 ---->


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