realty round up: holland, mi

Key Information

What: Holland is a town of roughly 33,000 people situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Founded by Dutch Calvinist separatists in 1847, the area has maintained its strong Dutch connection by hosting Tulip Time Festival and being home to many Dutch themed attractions. The area is also known as the "city of churches" with hundreds of churches and two religiously affiliated colleges - Hope and Calvin. Finally, Holland was ranked as the 2nd healthiest/happiest town in the United States by the Well-being index (2010).

When: 1847

Why: My future sister-in-law lives there and is starting her own house hunt after the holidays (hi Kristen!).

How many: 33,051 (2010)

Local Attractions:
- New Holland Brewing - a micro-brewery that looks to have a lot to offer 
- Deboer Bakkerij & Dutch Brothers Restaurant - when in Rome or rather Holland eat as the Dutch do
- JP's Coffee - a classic coffeehouse in downtown Holland

House #1:  $159,900

information and images via Zillow

Definitely a fixer upper but it has good clean lines, lots of original wood work, five bedrooms and two bathrooms. Also it seems very centrally located.

House #2: $369,900

information and images via Zillow

I really like this house or shall I saw cottage. It is a classic Michigan lake house but has been updated and meticulously maintained. It also has Lake Macatawa access and sits on 0.75 acres.

House #3: $398,900

information and images via Zillow

This cottage has lots of charm and apparently was owned by the same family for 50 years. I like it for its screened in porch, lots of windows and light and bead board through out. 

House #4: $772,500

information and images via Zillow

This LEED certified dream home is brand new construction and is part of an association that has Lake Michigan beach access, swimming pool, tennis courts, community amphitheater and theater. It features an open floor plan and great wooded lot.

Have a good weekend everyone!

realty round up: petoskey, michigan

We are in Northern Michigan for a long weekend so I thought I would feature Petoskey. Petoskey is on the other side of Little Traverse Bay across from Harbor Springs. It is a slightly larger town with more year round residents than Harbor. Named for its high concentration of the Petoskey stones, the town is also famous for being the birthplace of Ernst Hemingway. This year,  Smithsonian Magazine named Petoskey one of the best small towns in America. Some of my favorite local places include:
- Stafford's Perry Hotel - a historic hotel with a great big porch
- McLean and Eakin - my favorite bookstore and a must ever time I visit
- Chandler's - an upscale intimate restaurant with amazing food 
- Roast & Toast - a fun and yummy coffee shop with a full breakfast and lunch menu
- American Spoon - a local producer of all things canned and delicious

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This restored Victorian home is centrally located and has lots of curb appeal. Other features include lots of windows, two bathrooms which can be hard to find in old homes and an updated kitchen.  

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

The cabin aesthetic is not always my first choice but a lot of people come "up north" looking for the cabin experience. This home is located on 5 acres in a secluded area. Other attributes include an open floor plan and a workshop above the two car garage. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This large home is located right in town. In addition to having an ideal location, it has great curb appeal, a spacious backyard, an updated kitchen and original historic charm.  

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is located in Bay Harbor just five minutes outside of Petoskey. Bay Harbor is largely a resort community and this house would be great for entertaining a large crowd. I like it for its large porch and views of the lake.

Have a good weekend!

realty round up: east lansing, michigan

This weekend is the Michigan State verse Notre Dame football game. Being that I am a MSU fan, this is sort of a big deal. Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch as I will be at Pilates teacher training. However, to honor the Spartans and hopefully send them good luck tomorrow, I thought I would select East Lansing for this week's realty round up. East Lansing is the home of Michigan State University. The University is the eighth largest in the United States with approximately 50,000 students. The life of the area is centered on the University especially in the fall and with a home game. Some local finds include:

- Golden Harvest - the go to place for breakfast, one reviewer even claimed it was the best breakfast in Michigan
- Crunchy's - known for having the "most spartan spirit" and the best beer selection in the area, this looks like a great place for watching the game
- Peanut Barrel - loved by students and alumni (my mom included) this place is known for their burgers, back patio and long island iced tea

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

I think this house is really charming. It has great curb appeal, a nice backyard and deck and lots of the original finish work.  

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

This home needs a little TLC but has great bones. I love the big windows on the back of the house, the upper deck and its historic detailing. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This stately home sit on a huge lot and is centrally located. It features 4 levels, hardwood floors, a walnut paneled library and three fireplaces. 

House #4: 750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

Located just east of East Lansing in Okemos, this large home has 100 feet of river frontage. It needs quite a bit of updating but I think it has good potential and seems to be in a sought after neighborhood. 

Go Spartans!