lake and lodge realty: Mecosta Area Chamber of Commerce Social Media Setup & Spirits
- 07/15/12 03:33 AM
The Coppertop Inn in Rogers Heights is the location for the Mecosta Area Chamber of Commerce Social Media Setup & Spirits this month. What a great event for those looking to hone their social media skills and what better place than mixed with drinks and networking. Social media sites like Face Book, Twitter, You Tube and LinkedIn are great places to network but sometimes leave us scratching our head on participating so these mini clinics will help you learn how to connect and hone your social skills. You will learn how to set up an account, update your existing account, check … (3 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Mecosta County Chamber Bowl 2012
- 07/15/12 03:16 AM
The stage is set for the Mecosta County Chamber Bowl 2012. Captains have been selected. This year it will be Michelle Herron representing the Red Team vs Randy Ostrander of the Blue Team. The kick off for this event will be at the August Business After Hours at Implied Imaging downtown Big Rapids. Looks like it will be quite the kick off with a portion of Michigan Avenue (main st) being shut down for the bleachers, cheerleaders and bands. The Chamber Bowl is a membership drive in which the two teams square off to gain new members with each new member … (0 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Remus Heritage Days Festival 2012
- 07/15/12 02:50 AM
The Remus Heritage Days Festival 2012 will take place on July 20, 21 and 22nd this year. If you have never been it is well worth the trip to check out the Remus area. Right on the crossroads of M66 and M20 it is an easy place to get to from no matter where you happen to be, Wheatland Park gets to be a busy place during the festival. The Hospitality Tent is there along with the Crafts and Vendors and the Softball Tournament that draws teams from all over. The band Center Stage will be playing in the park Friday and … (0 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Big Rapids Antique Farm and Power Club
- 07/15/12 01:45 AM
The Big Rapids Antique Farm and Power Club is hosting its 14th annual Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show July 20-22, located at 15422 Old Millpond Road in Big Rapids. Every year it seems to get bigger and better and this year looks to be a great one. There will be a huge selection of not only rare but home built tractors and equipment along with a great line up of antique machines. Antique cars, trucks and even a working sawmill will be on display along with a shingle mill, blacksmith and a wood carver. There will also be daily … (2 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Disc Golf in Big Rapids, MI
- 07/15/12 12:15 AM
When I wandered through the North End Riverside Park this weekend it left me wondering how long we have had Disc Golf in Big Rapids, MI? Turns out over 6 years. Not being able to throw a Frisbee (or in non trademarked terms, disc) very well somehow this sport slipped under my radar. There is an amazing course here over a mile in length. Leonard Johnson designed the course winding through the heavily wooded terrain. They even have a Tournament every Wednesday through the summer and it's just $5 to enter, there will also be prizes. For more information call Gary Van … (2 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Commenting Tip: Read Before You Comment
- 07/12/12 08:49 PM
Seems the way to get a post Featured is to write one you are uncomfortable seeing how people will respond. I have written posts I knew were going to be Featured and had only a handful of comments and then again, I have ranted through a post and worried how others would perceive it and it has been Featured every time. One common thing I notice is people will agree but disagree with parts of the original post that if they had read the ENTIRE post would have answered their question. Last week I wrote a post about an agent … (9 comments)
lake and lodge realty: The Hurdles of Township Government
- 07/11/12 02:32 AM
Most agents that work outside of the metro areas have a common hurdle we have to jump....or wait to jump. Dealing with small townships where the officials are part time, good intending folk who just want to help. Case in point. I showed several houses to a Buyer last week and we quickly narrowed it to a couple. Square footage was close, same water frontage on the same lake. Same number of beds and baths yet were over 40% difference in SEV. How could that be? One would think that two similar homes in the same neighborhood with almost identical amenities would … (2 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Why Are You Calling Me??? Because It's Your Listing!
- 07/07/12 11:13 AM
If you have read many of my posts you know how I stand on part time agents representing a listing. While I have no issue with them representing I do think it should be disclosed to the seller PRIOR to signing a listing agreement how many days a week the seller will be represented. This goes for full time agents also if they take weekends off or holidays. I just think everyone should have a clear picture of the extent of representation they will receive before signing an agreement. This week I had a client call late in the week to … (54 comments)
lake and lodge realty: How Pending is it?
- 07/01/12 03:00 AM
One of the most frustrating things we come across as REALTORS® is the non-updated status of a listing in our MLS. You would think it would be easy. If it has an offer on it, mark it contingent or pending but more and more agents are refusing to change status saying "if I mark it Pending no one will want to see it". Yet, if it's pending, some indeed won't want to waste their time, energy and at $4 per gallon, gas to come look at a home they probably won't have an opportunity to purchase. Is it fair to the … (6 comments)
lake and lodge realty: My Android Assistant
- 06/26/12 09:31 AM
Technology surrounds us and while most are passing fancies that never really fill the bill my Motorola Bionic has made me a better agent. Not only does it sync with Google so it reminds me appointments but with all the apps out there it has become a must have for my business. Of course being able to call someone while on the road is amazing but being able to open and read PDF's, photograph listings and email them, take pictures of docs and convert them to PDF's is amazing. I can find my listing ala GPS and find my phone with … (6 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Bitely, Mi
- 06/26/12 08:52 AM
About 20 miles due West of Big Rapids is a little place called Bitely, MI. I lived there for a few years and absolutely fell in love with the area. If you are looking for connecting with nature it starts in Bitely, MI. The town itself is not very big but the hearts of it's residents more than fill it. With a few thriving businesses like the Bitely Tavern, Bitely Store and the Up North Gift Shop along with a post office and Sippy Flats Party Store has all of your necessities covered. Lilley Township Fire Department is right in town … (2 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Paris, MI
- 06/25/12 11:52 PM
Just North of Big Rapids lies a hidden treasure called Paris, MI. Known for it's Fish Hatchery it has been a visitors destination for 100 years. Back in the day it was a huge operation employing several hundred workers. Today it is a quiet place sitting along the Muskegon River offering several deals in the real estate market. Being only minutes from Big Rapids most of it's residents have no trouble making the 5 minute commute either direction to Big Rapids or Reed City. Anyone who has ventured back into the park area has seen their scaled down version of the … (1 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Chippewa Lake, MI
- 06/25/12 02:54 AM
If you are looking for all sports fun try Chippewa Lake, MI. Over 750 acres in size Chippewa Lake offers some of this area's finest water frontage. With sandy bottoms and clear water this is a must try for people who like to play in the water. Not nearly as busy as one would think there are even quiet bays to enjoy. Situated between Big Rapids and Barryton, Chippewa Lake, MI is a destination station for water sports. In the winter they have auto races out on the ice as well as some pretty good ice fishing and come summer let … (2 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Ferris Student Off Campus Living
- 06/24/12 12:00 AM
Each year we encounter a new batch of Students attending Ferris State University looking for Ferris Student Off Campus Living. While it can be a very rewarding experience their are rules off campus too. Whether renting or buying it is always best to check with Ferris as there are students who MUST be on campus their first year. At Lake and Lodge Realty we pride ourselves in our expertise in helping those who decide buying a home while attending college as a good option. Our website www.bigrapidshomes.com has lots of helpful information on the Big Rapids area and for those Ferris … (0 comments)
lake and lodge realty: That's Mr Appraiser to You!
- 06/20/12 10:48 PM
We all have had our share of appraiser and underwriter woes last few years. Recently I had an FHA loan on a beautiful doublewide come to a screeching halt by an appraiser. There is a small rear deck the sellers used for bbq's. It is only about a 10' x 12' and is 15" high. Appraiser needs to see a handrail around to accept it. Local building code is 32" before a rail is required so I called the appraiser to let him know about the local code and was schooled quickly on his interpretation of FHA rules. He said it … (5 comments)
lake and lodge realty: To Air Is Human, Right?
- 06/20/12 01:15 AM
Very rarely in Michigan do we get to say it is just to hot. Yesterday we had our yearly golf outing and the 90+ temps about killed me only to come home to an even hotter house. With all the technology most of us have running at any given time the indoor temps are warmer than ever. I have been fighting the temptation to just go buy an air conditioner as our converted 1880"s school house doesn't have central air. When we remodeled it was a typical Michigan fall where air conditioning was not a huge concern. Question now is...do we … (4 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Raise the Woof Dog Day in the Park in Big Rapids, MI
- 06/15/12 09:31 AM
June 30, 2012 is the day that Hemlock Park in Big Rapids, MI will go to the dogs, literally. The event is called Raise the Woof—Dog Day in the Park held at Hemlock Park. There will be competitions such as speed, beauty, agility, best trick and more. All proceeds benefit their building fund. Pawfect Companions Canine Therapy Group and the Soon to be Big Rapids Dog Park. Sounds like the place to be if you and your canine friend are in the area. Here is a list of scheduled events: 10:00 2-mile fun run with you and your dog10:30 agility demonstration11:00-12:00 … (4 comments)
lake and lodge realty: 1st Annual Dam Festival in Rogers Heights
- 06/15/12 01:43 AM
Saturday July 21, 2012 marks the date of the 1st Annual Dam Festival in Rogers Heights, MI. Consumer Energy is the main sponsor and it looks like it will be the place to be so mark your calendars and make plans to visit. Events like the Damsel in Distress, where contestants are challenged to construct a human powered corrugated cardboard boat capable of racing out to your "Damsel in Distress", picking that person up and racing back to shore safely and still afloat. Entries will be judged on Creativity, Speed and of course Costumes worn by your crew. There will also … (0 comments)
lake and lodge realty: 9th Annual WCAR Golf Outing
- 06/15/12 12:20 AM
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 is the date set for the 9th annual West Central Association of Realtors golf outing. I am by no menas a good golfer but do enjoy the event. Almost every hole has something fun and with it being a scramble I only need a few good shots to be a contributor. I only golf three or four times a year and that is insane because I do ejnoy it. I have a little bit of a time managment issue. If I am awake, I like to be making money. This year we will be playing at Falcon … (1 comments)
lake and lodge realty: Community Pride
- 06/12/12 12:31 AM
My wife and I were walking down Michigan Avenue Sunday after having Brunch at the Blue Cow and I was almost overwhelmed at the sense of community pride I have for our town. I have been many places in Michigan but never felt more "at home" than when I drove through Big Rapids for the first time 30 years ago. It just seemed to say "come on in, take your shoes off and relax". Since that time we have permanently moved here, opened Lake and Lodge Realty and became more involved with helping shape the community others might be driving through for … (1 comments)
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.
The Coppertop Inn in Rogers Heights is the location for the Mecosta Area Chamber of Commerce Social Media Setup & Spirits this month. What a great event for those looking to hone their social media skills and what better place than mixed with drinks and networking. Social media sites like Face Book, Twitter, You Tube and LinkedIn are great places to network but sometimes leave us scratching our head on participating so these mini clinics will help you learn how to connect and hone your social skills.
;)
;)
