randy ostrander: 100 Men Campaign
- 07/19/12 10:42 AM
What a great idea for WISE to do a 100 Men Campaign here in Big Rapids, MI. WISE (Women's Information Service Inc.) provides support services as well as safety options for survivors of domestic or sexual assault. It totally blew me away to read some of their statistics like 1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted by age 25 and 1 in 6 males will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Thus the need for the 100 Men Campaign. They are looking for 100 men to take a stand against abuse and violence. These men commit to donating $100 per … (3 comments)
randy ostrander: Yes, Your Kitty is Cute But Still a Distraction!
- 07/18/12 12:30 AM
Yes, Your Kitty is Cute But Still a Distraction. We have all shown the house that had the adorable pet that stayed during the showing simply because it wasn't mean so why move it. Someitmes no matter how much we beg and plead sellers don't get the whole "Distraction" thing. Basically if my Buyer is looking at you cudley pet, they are NOT looking at your house. Soooo....if you are selling pets, Nice Job!!!! but if you are selling a home in a tough market, You blew it!. Case in point. I showed three cottages to clients a couple weeks ago. … (3 comments)
randy ostrander: Want to be Attacked by a Cash Mob?
- 07/16/12 10:49 PM
Our local Buy Local campaign asks if your business wants to be attacked by a cash mob. Everyone these days is focusing on buying local and helping small local shops stay in the game. Last month our Chamber backed Buy Local group decided we would try a cash mob. We chose a business that we though could use a huge spike of business and mobbed them. To be precise we all got together and in one group went and ate at this restaurant. They were elated to see that many people on their normally quite Tuesday. This month we chose the … (1 comments)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: Canadian Lakes, MI
- 06/24/12 11:24 PM
One of my favorite places on earth is Canadian Lakes, MI. I am lucky enough to cover that area in my real estate sales and love it when I get a chance to show it off. Ammenities like both indoor and outdoor pools, several park areas, beaches, airstrip, 3 golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts and even a castle. They have security patrols constntly monitoring the area to give the residence peace of mind. The development is ste up in sections with each offering a different feel. To the North of Buchannon the land is hilly and very woody. Gives you a … (1 comments)
randy ostrander: Sunrise Haven Estates, Big Rapids, MI
- 06/24/12 07:20 AM
One of my favorite subdivisons is Sunrise Haven Estates in Big Rapids, MI. Steve Fenstermacher is the developer and even before the land was cleared he had a clear vision of what it would look like and the lifestyle he could offer. The view from most every lot is amazing. You can see for miles to the South and East and to the West and North is beautifully wooded acreage. Paved walkways lit up at night make walking around Lake Esther an even better experience or wandering over to the lighted tennis courts and basketball courts for a late game is … (2 comments)
randy ostrander: 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)
randy ostrander: 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)
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.
What a great idea for WISE to do a 100 Men Campaign here in Big Rapids, MI. WISE (Women's Information Service Inc.) provides support services as well as safety options for survivors of domestic or sexual assault. It totally blew me away to read some of their statistics like 1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted by age 25 and 1 in 6 males will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Thus the need for the 100 Men Campaign. They are looking for 100 men to take a stand against abuse and violence. These men commit to donating $100 per … (3 comments)
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