For approximately 5 years we have patiently waited for the construction of the new casino that will be off I-94 at the eleven mile exit just east of town. The real estate market has been down for the last three years in the Battle Creek market but the end of the "bad market" is in sight ( just as soon as the construction equipment rolls in to start the construction of the potawatomi casino.) I have heard through several sources that the casino (at least to some degree) should be semi-operational by next fall (2008). If this is true than probably the first 1,000 employees of the 2,100 or so they are going to hire will probably be in place by this time next year (Yeah!!).
The hiring of these people will be the beginning of the end for what has been a long extended "Buyers Market" in our community. I don't expect that we will see a complete swing all the way around to a "Sellers Market" but I do expect to at least see a balanced market, and brisk sales for the next three years in our county.
Whether you like gambling or not, I can tell you that there are many hungry Realtors (I include myself in this list) that can't wait to hear the rumble of that big construction equipment, because the casino will act as a catalyst to change the current market conditions that hung on for far to long. If you have been a buyer on the fence waiting in Calhoun county for the prices to hit rock bottom, I need to tell you that your days are limited. Prices will start going back up sometime next spring and we will see a spike in prces probably late next spring directly related to the hiring of the Casino staff. NOW is the time if you want that great deal in Calhoun County don't wait or you will be one of the many that will say "Could of.. should of...) - and now it is too late!"
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Dear Mr. Stauffer,
Greetings!
My name is Jon Alan Bird, and I was born in Battle Creek. I read your blog because I posted an alert for "Battle Creek Casinos".
Are you any relation to a Mr. Chris Stauffer? I grew up with him.
The reason I am responding to your blog is because I agree with you optimism about the casinos. The new Potawatomi casino will be the greatest thing to hit Battle Creek since breakfast cereal. You mention the real estate market will go up, and you are right, but tourism will bring it's largest rewards. Hence, commercial real estate will bring additional money. Think of all the little side projects that will come to the Cereal City.
Imagine, one night you might see Jay Leno or Celine Dion performing live in Battle Creek via the casino.