Traverse City Real Estate Blog

Two New Upscale Developments Head to Downtown Traverse City

2013-05-22T14:11:00Z

By Tom Carr

Two new upscale residential developments in the works will bring 30 new residences to downtown Traverse City.

The first, located at the northeast corner of Washington and Cass (behind City Centre Plaza), will be the four-story, 18-unit Washington Place. The development, led by Passageways Travel’s Tom and Sheila McIntyre, will have retail and office space on the ground floor. They hope to start construction this fall.

“It’s going to be our primary residence,” says Sheila McIntyre. With their kids grown, the couple wants to be able to walk downtown to the shops, restaurants and the State Theatre.

Realtors from Real Estate One and Coldwell Banker Schmidt are representing Washington Place; ten units are already spoken for.

The units will range between $180,000 to $670,000, each with 800-2,000 square feet of living space. The higher-priced units will include an indoor parking space.

The McIntyres already own one of the two parking lots now occupying the lot, and have a purchase option for the other from the City of Traverse City.

Just two blocks west on State Street past the post office, developers Tim Burden and Mike Wills are partnering to create Uptown. The $6 million project will overlook the Boardman River and Hannah Park across the water.

“I’ve really been interested in this property for fifteen years and things have just recently come together,” says Burden.

The duo has been working with city, county and brownfield development officials on the project; the site was an edge-of-town dumpsite decades ago, leaving contamination underground.

Burden also developed River’s Edge apartments and Midtown condominiums further upstream on the Boardman. Both projects utilized brownfield redevelopment funds.

Uptown will be brick, townhouse style; each unit will feature three bedrooms and a two-car garage. Prices will range between $500,000 to $700,000.

Burden hopes to have some units sold and occupied by spring 2014, with the entire project finished and occupied the following year.

Is Traverse City Golf on the Upswing?

2013-05-21T15:03:00Z

Is Local Golf Scene on the Upswing Again?

May 21, 2013

By Karen Stein

Following a five-year span that left a divot in most golf courses’ pocketbooks, some reports have the $25 billion industry on the upswing. Can the same be said here in Northern Michigan? We inquired.

For many local courses, last year brought the first signs of a turnaround.

“We have to give a nod to Mother Nature,” says Kate Morris, executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, referring to the early arrival of warm weather in 2012. “More buying confidence and an amazing, long season had a huge economic impact.”

Rodger Jabara, general manager of Bay Meadows Golf Course, also credits the weather and an unusually high number of out-of-state visitors in 2012. “When I was able to have a conversation with them [about how they decided to visit], most times Pure Michigan was mentioned,” he says.

This year’s longer winter means a more typical start to the season, but the heavier and later snowfall also means better turf conditions, notes Tom McGee, Director of Golf Operations at the Grand Traverse Resort. He believes that, combined with a predicted strong tourism season, “Northern Michigan golf courses are in a good position to have a good season.”

Boasting a $4.2 billion golfing economy, Michigan leads the nation in public courses. But is the state “over golf coursed?” Nobody knows for sure, and locals point to two key areas for survival: differentiation in the marketplace and price integrity.

“Every golf course will have to pick its own path to appeal to its market,” says Brent Maitland of LochenHeath, which reopened in 2011 after closing operations for a few years.

Many courses and clubs have tried to diversify beyond the traditional golf enthusiasts or emphasize a certain niche. Grand Traverse Resort has seen an increase in golf and resort packages for groups of 12 or more players coming into town. LochenHeath is positioning itself to those seeking a club that preserves some afternoon tee times just for members, with an ambition to someday become private again, while Bay Meadows plays-up the family golf experience.

Morris says courses statewide are also struggling with the proliferation of discount deals, particularly among courses in desperate situations to fill rounds, which “ultimately erode the real price point.” Because maintenance costs remain the same or increase each year, Jabara worries about the long-term effect on the quality of the actual courses, while Maitland asserts that in the long term, such aggressive discounting is just bad for business.

Still, with a relatively high per capita rate of golfers in Michigan and numbers strong in junior golf tournaments and high school events, the future of the state’s “green” industry looks healthy.

Perhaps its best asset? Golfers’ enthusiasm.

“Michigan golfers are hearty participants,” says Morris. “I’ve traveled all over and have never seen the determination and love of the game that our golfers have.”

Traverse City Real Estate Market Statistics

2013-05-21T14:44:00Z

Weekly Market Statistics

05/13/2013 thru 05/19/2013

303 New Listings

107Sold Listings

290 Pending

Sales By Classification

80 Residential $19,000 to $1,075,000 Median $156,200 Mean $213,681

22 Vacant Land $12,000 to $440,000 Median $79,000 Mean $97,527

05 Commercial $225 (Lease) to $285,000

Sales by Location

14 Antrim County

11 Benzie County

61 Grand Traverse County

08 Kalkaska County

13 Leelanau County

00 Wexford County

Expired Listings 56

Year over Year Comparison for Grand Traverse County on & off water homes

Off Water Homes All Values

Current Listings 603

Sales 05/12 to 05/13 1,071 05/11 to 05/12 872

Average DOM 141 or 4.7 Months

Value Direction Up 7.7%

Market Activity Up 22.7%

Inventory Supply 6 .8 Months

Direct Water Homes All Values

Current Listings 194

Sales 05/12 to 05/13 173 05/11 to 05/12 162

Average DOM 211 or 7.0 Months

Value Direction Down 2.7%

Market Activity Up 6.7%

Inventory Supply 13.5 Months

Sales for the week broke over 100 with 107 transactions last week. Off water sales continue to gain momentum with rising prices in more market segments. Rural markets continue to struggle, although momentum is moving in the right directions. Activity will continue to build as confidence returns to the market.

"Don't squander your difficulties; wring every possible lesson out of them" Chris Brady

Search all Traverse City area MLS listings

Traverse City - 2 New Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

2013-05-16T18:29:00Z

Old Mission Welcomes Two New Wineries

May 16, 2013

By Beth Milligan

Traverse City natives and siblings Carter and Todd Oosterhouse received good news from Peninsula Township Tuesday evening – which means good news for fans of Old Mission Peninsula wineries.

Township officials granted the Oosterhouses a special-use permit to build a 6,500 square-foot winery off Center Road, paving the way for the duo to apply for county building permits and begin construction next month. Todd says they hope to have production facilities built in time to begin harvesting this fall on their 20 acres of wine grapes originally planted three years ago.

According to Us Magazine, the winery will be called Bonobo, after a type of chimpanzee.

“If we stay on track, we should be ready to open (the tasting room) in June 2014,” Todd says, noting that planned varietals include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gri, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

Though the permitting process was a bumpy one for the Oosterhouses – who had to navigate zoning restrictions, land disputes and legal challenges en route to township approval – Todd says the support of other Peninsula winery owners was instrumental in negotiating the red tape.

“Going through this process, everyone has been very helpful,” Todd says. “It's definitely collaborative out here..people are willing to tell you the best steps to take.”

Marie-Chantal Dalese, marketing director at Chateau Chantal, seconds the view of the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) as a close-knit community. Dalese, who calls the business environment on the Peninsula “friendly and collaborative,” is helping oversee this month's launch of Hawthorne Vineyards, the newest winery to join the organization.

The 86-acre secluded facility, tucked on top of a private drive off Peninsula Road overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, is home to 26 acres of wine grapes, a seasonal tasting room designed by architect Bradley Wheeler, and a wine patio with an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. Hawthorne Vineyards will focus on “super-premium, single varietal wines that reflect their...elevated position on the Peninsula,” according to Dalese.

The business itself is an embodiment of vintner collaboration. While owners Bruce and Cathleen Hawthorne will maintain distinct production facilities, tasting rooms and product lines at Hawthorne, the winery will share a management staff and winemaker Brian Hosmer with Chateau Chantal, which is a joint partner in the venture.

“It’s been an interesting project working with the Hawthornes," Hosmer said in a statement. "They bring a new perspective to the wines being offered from their estate, and it will continue to be an enjoyable challenge to create unique styles of wine for this property.” Dalese notes that the winery – which is planted for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Lemberger varietals – currently has 12 wines available to accompany its launch.

Hawthorne Vineyards officially opened on May 1 and will remain open seasonally through October 31. To commemorate its launch, the winery is hosting a grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will include complimentary wine tastings, live music and light appetizers. For more information, visit www.hawthornevineyards.com.

New Traverse City Real Estate Listings Search now Available

2013-05-15T19:22:00Z

I have recently greatly enhanced my Traverse City area Real Estate Listings search on my website www.c21jb.com You can now search the most current listings and exclude listings that already have accepted offers and pending sales on them and I have included more specific search options for you to better narrow down to what best fits your needs.

You may search by cities, counties, waterfront etc. for the Grand Traverse area, Central Michigan and NE Lower Michigan. There is no sign in required or password you need, just view my Search MLS and browse until your heart is content. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please feel free to also browse the community information and links ( dining, hotels, shopping, local events, lake maps, recreational opportunities, golfing, skiiing, and much more) as well as property tax estimators, mortgage calculators and contacts etc.

I hope this is very helpful and much easier to use and do please contact me with any Traverse City real estate questions or if you are considering buying or selling in the Grand Traverse ( Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska counties) and beyond.

Sincerly,

Jon Becker - Century 21 Northland

jon@c21jb.com

231-342-5401

www.c21jb.com

National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival, Horse Show by the Bay Information

2013-05-13T17:05:00Z

Big Questions for the Big Three Festivals

May 13, 2013

By Beth Milligan

Traverse City's "big three" festivals are coming soon, each facing its own unique challenge in 2013 and beyond. One needs to appeal to a more upscale audience, another needs more "connections" to locals, and the third is finding its identity among its peers. Here's the lowdown:

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL – June 29-July 6, 2013
What's in Store for 2013: Now in its 87th year, the National Cherry Festival (NCF) is putting a modern twist on some of its traditional components, introducing the first-ever night air show and ramping up the Bay Side Music Stage with acts like Foreigner and Montgomery Gentry. The Global Wine Pavilion is gone this year, but culinary classic Cherries D'Vine is back.

Can It Go Upscale? Part of NCF's broad community appeal is its endless array of free or inexpensive entertainment, from parades to carnival rides to cheap eats. But for those seeking a more upscale experience, high-end options at the festival have historically been limited.

Cognizant of the opportunity to diversify its customer base, NCF has taken a number of steps in recent years to offer premium experiences for attendees looking to indulge. Special Air Show Galas at the Park Place Hotel, reserved seating at festival concerts, and elegant epicurean events like Cherries D'Vine are all designed to appeal to audiences seeking out more swank offerings.

“Our theme is 'Generations of Fun,' and for us that means appealing to as many different groups of people as possible,” says NCF Executive Director Trevor Tkach. “It's a balancing act. We've got a great lineup already...but we're always looking for ways to bring new demographics into the fold.”

HORSE SHOWS BY THE BAY – July 3-28 and August 2-4, 2013
What's in Store for 2013: The prestigious equestrian festival returns to the 84-acre Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg for a nearly five-week series of events, bringing in an estimated 1,500 horses and some 3,000 competitors and support staff. In celebration of the festival's tenth anniversary, organizers have added six new $10,000 awards to this year's event.

How Will It Engage Locals? Horse Shows by the Bay contributes an estimated $12 million annually to the local economy. Yet due to its niche focus, many area residents have never experienced the festival – or are even aware when it's underway.

Show owner and operator Alex Rheinheimer says increasing local engagement is a complex undertaking. While community sponsors underwrite the festival and spectators add to the atmosphere and help sustain the sport, equestrian events – which prize distraction-free environments for competitors – also demand special crowd etiquette. A sudden noise or movement in the stands, even if unintentional, could dangerously throw off an animal or rider.

To help spread awareness of show etiquette and engage more locals with the event, Horse Shows by the Bay is hosting a community Kids Day on July 6 and a Family Day on July 20. The festival is also increasing promotion for its weekend Grand Prix events, where competitors and animals are more acclimated to crowds. “We want people to come out and enjoy the events, but we also have to protect the environment for the competitors,” Rheinheimer explains. “These events are a perfect way for us to do both.”

TRAVERSE CITY FILM FESTIVAL – July 30-August 4, 2013
What's in Store for 2013: Most of the well-known elements of the Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF) will be back in 2013, including the filmmakers panels, festival parties, film school and Open Space movies. One major new addition: TCFF recently received approval to use the City's Con Foster Museum in Clinch Park as a year-round, 150-seat movie theater called Bijou by the Bay, which will open in time for this year's event.

What's Its Identity? TCFF has grown exponentially each of its past nine years, enjoying widespread local support and undeniable success. But how does it rank against other renowned film festivals, such as Sundance and Tribeca? Answering that question (along with key others, such as whether booking celebrities or first-time filmmakers is a bigger priority for the event, and whether staff will continue to hand-pick films or convert to an open submissions process) poses a number of challenges for organizers. But tackling them promises to help TCFF refine its identity in the years ahead – and ensure its long-term sustainability in the process.

“We're coming up on our tenth anniversary (in 2014), which tends to be a time when many festivals come into their own and figure out...what makes them special,” says TCFF Executive Director Deb Lake. She notes that while TCFF will never be an “industry festival,” such as Sundance, organizers are ready to consider new possibilities going forward, including formally assisting films in finding distribution and taking on more submissions.

“It's a special time for us. We're on the brink of self-identifying,” says Lake. “I think our tenth anniversary will be a really big year for us.”

Traverse City MLS Board - more options for our clients

2013-05-13T17:00:00Z

Three Michigan Associations of REALTORS® Launch a New Collaborative Multiple Listings Service

Submitted by NGLR on Mon, 2013-04-01 10:06

Today it was announced that three Michigan associations of REALTORS® have launched a new collaborative multiple listings service (MLS) venture to serve as a nucleus of what is hoped will be a truly regional real estate MLS solution.
The new entity known as the Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS is a cooperative partnership between the Central Michigan Association of REALTORS®, the Northeastern Michigan Board of REALTORS®, and the Traverse Area Association of REALTORS®.
This collaboration, which began the process of mapping and merging data fields eighteen months ago was released to the collective REALTOR® membership of these three boards last week. However, the process and ensuing activity was based upon an ongoing conversation to regionalize MLS operations in this part of the state that has spanned the last twelve years, and an Effective MLS Market Solutions (EMMS) research study funded by a grant from the National Association of REALTORS® that was completed in late 2010.
The new public facing MLS website can be found at www.nglrmls.com or by visiting any of the websites for the three partner organizations.
This regionalization effort is designed to potentially and on a discretionary basis include REALTOR® association MLS operations located in the central and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, or an area many consumers feel represents a Northern Michigan experience. Future considerations may also open the door to someday collaborate with the Upper Peninsula REALTOR® MLS operations.
The Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS (NGLR) is using the powerful Paragon 5™ MLS software developed by LPS real estate solutions to provide a high level of service and cutting edge real estate listings tools for their collective membership and to power a robust public facing property search function.

Search ALL Traverse City area real estate and the new Central Mi. and Ne Mi. real estate listings. Free 24 hours a day...7 days a week!

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac to Limit Loan Purchases

2013-05-07T16:39:00Z

Mortgage Giants to Limit Loan Purchases to 'Qualified Mortgages'

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, May 07, 2013

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Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will begin next year to purchase only loans that meet new “qualified mortgage” requirements, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Monday.

In January, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized new rules that would require lenders to verify borrowers’ ability to repay their loans. It capped loan terms and fees and the bureau said that qualified mortgages are borrowers whose debt does not exceed 43 percent of their income.

The requirements are to go into effect January 2014.

"Adoption of these new limitations by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is in keeping with [the] FHFA's goal of gradually contracting their market footprint and protecting borrowers and taxpayers," the FHFA, which regulates Fannie and Freddie, said in a statement.

The two mortgage giants, which do not issue loans, provide financing to banks and other lenders by purchasing mortgages that are often repackaged as securities that are sold to investors. Fannie and Freddie back about half of home loans today.

Following the 2007-2009 financial crisis, the Dodd-Frank law created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which issued rules that would force lenders to make sure borrowers could pay back loans to avoid the steep losses that banks experienced before. “The law also called for a category of safer, lower-priced loans that lenders could make in exchange for some protection from lawsuits arising from ability-to-repay disputes,” Reuters reports.

The CFPB is creating a temporary qualified mortgage status, which the FHFA said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be permitted to purchase loans that fit under that status to ease the transition.

Source: “Regulator says Fannie, Freddie to buy only 'qualified' loans,” Reuters (May 6, 2013

Mortgage Delinquencies Fall to 2007 Lows

2013-05-07T16:37:00Z

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, May 07, 2013

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Delinquencies on home loans dropped in March to 0.84 percent of the nation's 50.2 million mortgages -- the first month since 2007 that delinquencies were below the 1 percent mark, Lender Processing Services Inc. reports.

First-time defaults -- loans that are at least 60 days delinquent -- peaked in January 2009 at 2.89 percent.

As the economy and employment gradually are on the mend and home prices rise, more home owners are keeping up with their mortgage payments.

“Mortgage quality is improving rapidly,” says Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics Inc. “Once we’re able to work through this last bulge of foreclosed property, which I think we’ll be able to do over the next 18 to 24 months, mortgage credit quality is going to look absolutely beautiful.”

Home loans at least 30 days delinquent or in foreclosure dropped to 5 million in March. In January 2010, delinquent loans for at least 30 days peaked at 7.7 million, LPS reports.

Mortgage default rates are highest among underwater borrowers, those who owe more on their home than it is currently valued. Four percent of borrowers have defaulted on their loans that owe at least 50 percent or more on their home, compared with 0.6 percent of home owners with equity, according to LPS.

More home owners are seeing equity once again in their homes, as prices rise. The number of mortgages with negative equity dropped to 18 percent of homes with a mortgage in January, down from 41 percent one year earlier.

Source: “Housing Crash Fades as Defaults Decline to 2007 Levels,” Bloomberg (May 6, 2013)

Traverse City "Official Foodie Town" - Hotels filling up Fast

2013-05-01T16:46:00Z

Traverse City: Available and Affordable?

May 1, 2013

By Heather Johnson Durocher

Traverse City is now a legitimate “foodie town” with statewide and national buzz, while Pure Michigan helps fuel another likely blockbuster summer tourism season.

But as the region soars toward another peak season, is there fear that the Cherry Capital could become a place where “no vacancy” signs and high hotel rates could prevail?

Ron Robinson, director of operations for Comfort Inn, Cambria Suites, Shadowland Motel and Best Western Four Seasons, is ready for a nearly perfect balance of occupied hotel rooms and just enough demand for more.

“The last couple of years we’ve had 95 to 98 percent occupancy in July and August. Certain weeks are sold out already,” Robinson says, adding that while there’s “lots of openings midweek,” these, too, will eventually fill up.

As demand rises, “there’s pressure to increase the rates,” Robinson admits. But, matching pricing with amenities is crucial, he says.

“People who are coming up and paying a higher rate are expecting all the amenities to be there—like we have a complimentary shuttle to take people downtown for dinners."

Rate jumps at local hotels are a result of basic supply and demand, insists Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brad Van Dommelen.

“People who travel further distances, who come from out of state, tend to be not as rate sensitive and are used to traveling to other destinations where rates are higher,” he says. “They are from East Coast, the Carolinas … they have created additional demand for our product. It’s enabled through pure economics for hotels to increase rates, which is a very positive thing.”

Jeff Weaner of Traverse Bay Inn in Traverse City agrees there’s pressure to raise rates, but is mindful of staying competitive.

“I don’t want to get to the point where my rates are too high,” he says. “It’s a fine line. I do improvements every single year. My theory is if you’re not moving ahead, you’re moving backwards. We work really hard and try to keep things in great shape. But you have to look at where you fit in … you want to portray [your hotel] appropriately.”

Like most hotels and motels, the Traverse Bay Inn has been booked for most of July and August 2013 since 2012.

The Traverse City area has more than 5,000 guest rooms at hotels, motels, resorts, condos and B&Bs. In 2012, Traverse City’s average daily occupancy rate was up 5.1 percent from 2011, Van Dommelen says. Michigan’s overall daily occupancy rate was up 3.9 percent, while it was up 4.8 percent nationwide.

So what are the rates for peak summer hotel stays in Traverse City? The Ticker did a quick search on hotels.com, selecting the long Fourth of July weekend for a family of five. The result: Just two Traverse City hotels are available, with rates of $340 and $250 per night. (Three other hotels were located outside Grand Traverse County, and 41 other hotels were mentioned as “not available on your travel dates.”)

This summer will bring hotel owners a boon season, virtually the opposite situation they faced in 2008-09, when steep discounts to attract travelers was the norm, Van Dommelen says.

Shop for all your Traverse City Real Estate Needs and Community information, maps, links (including dining & hotels) at www.c21jb.com

Inside the Clinch Park Revitalization- Traverse City

2013-04-29T15:20:00Z

April 29, 2013

By Beth Milligan

A nearly $3 million renovation of Clinch Park in downtown Traverse City is just weeks away from completion, with a targeted June 25 public ribbon cutting ceremony set to open the park.

The project is being funded by tax increment financing funds (TIF) from both the City and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), as well as local foundational support. Hallmark Construction, which helmed projects including Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse Area District Library and Grand Traverse County District Courthouse, is managing the park revitalization.

Phase 1 of the project, currently underway, calls for a complete upgrade of Clinch Park, including a new terraced lawn area with stone sitting walls, interactive playground equipment, new site furniture and lighting, a kayak launch, a rebuilt and relocated TART trail, a splash pad and an interactive outdoor water exhibit called the William G. Milliken Waterscape (see slideshow above).

Phase 2, executed concurrently with Phase 1, features the construction of a new park bathhouse featuring public restrooms, eight changing rooms and a concessions stand. Last month, Hallmark was also awarded a $448,250 contract for – and has since begun work on – the reconstruction of the south side of the Clinch Park pedestrian tunnel.

“The block and steel structure of the bathhouse is now complete, and we'll begin work on the wood siding next week,” says Jeff Fedorinchik, Hallmark president. “We're nearly complete with installing the stone terrace walls on the waterfront, and we've begun pouring new sidewalks throughout the park.”

The project is on budget, though the cold, wet spring weather has pushed back the construction schedule, with an original target of Memorial Weekend now stretching to June 14. Fedorinchik says construction crews have also encountered “numerous unforeseen objects in Clinch Park,” including concrete foundations of previously demolished buildings that had to be removed to make way for the new planned structures.

Despite those hiccups, city officials are confident the end result will be worth the wait. DDA Executive Director Bryan Crough says his organization has long “desired to see a better connection between downtown and the bayfront,” and that renovations, particularly in the pedestrian tunnel, will help unite a “lively, active downtown with a lively, active park.”

Crough also notes that recent plans announced by the Traverse City Film Festival to open a (temporary) movie theater in Clinch Park's Con Foster building could add further vibrancy to the park. On May 7, the City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider zoning amendments to accommodate the festival at the venue.

Clinch Park is the first project tackled from the City's 2010 Bayfront Plan, a series of recommended improvements adopted by the Commission covering the shoreline between the Traverse City Senior Center and the intersection of Grandview Parkway (M-72) and M-22. Additional renovations – or phases – targeting other waterfront areas in this zone may soon follow Clinch.

According to City Planner Russ Soyring, local officials “intend to upgrade the boat launch on Boardman River near the mouth of the river" next year, and are “investigating possible grant dollars to study and design a public pier” on the river as well. Soyring also notes the City Engineering Department is seeking permits from the DEQ and Army Corp of Engineers to extend a bayfront trail to Elmwood Avenue ending in a small deck and ramp to the shoreline, as well as a new mid-block crossing to ease bayfront access from Slabtown neighborhood.

If approved, Soyring says, that project could move forward as soon as this year.

Click on the image at top to view a brief slideshow of construction progress and renderings of the final park.

Traverse City Neighborhoods Get Local, Vocal

2013-04-23T15:57:00Z

By Beth Milligan

When contentious issues come before the Traverse City Commission – be they granny flats, street repairs or urban beekeeping – commissioners often rely on public input to guide their approach in shaping new city policy.

But in recent years, some voices have become particularly influential in the local political process: Those belonging to Traverse City's numerous neighborhood associations. These volunteer groups – comprised of residents in such districts as Central Neighborhood, Old Town, Boardman, Kids Creek, Slabtown and Traverse Heights – meet on a regular basis to discuss neighborhood needs and concerns, socialize, and advocate on behalf of local homeowners to the Commission.

Seamus Shinners, a long-time area music promoter, is president of the Central Neighborhood Association. The group, which holds quarterly meetings at the History Center of Traverse City and averages attendance of 30-40 members, has over the years negotiated with Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) to mitigate noise volume from Thirlby Field (as well as advocated for the continued operation of Central Grade School), raised funds to sponsor a chair at the renovated Lars Hockstad Auditorium, and worked with the Traverse City Film Festival to reduce neighborhood concerns about the festival's summer presence.

“We get involved when necessary with the City on matters that impact the quality of life within Central Neighborhood,” Shinners explains, noting that traffic issues are also a top priority for residents. Current projects for the association include developing a tree-planting program for Hannah Park, working with TCAPS on a landscaping project for Thirlby Field, and building Little Free Libraries throughout Central Neighborhood.

Elizabeth Whelan, president of the Boardman Neighborhood Association, oversees the city's oldest “official” historic district. For 34 years running, the group has hosted the public “Boardman Neighborhood Lights the Way” event on Christmas Eve, in which sidewalks are lined with luminaria to commemorate the holiday.

The group also publishes a quarterly newsletter disseminating crucial city information to residents, establishes dedicated block captains, plans annual block parties and events, and maintains an association Facebook page to keep residents apprised of important neighborhood developments.

“Having an active neighborhood association allows us to be proactive in situations that might impact our residents,” Whelan says. “We have met with City officials to address concerns...and we have more influence than individuals might in seeking assistance with issues of interest to our neighborhood.”

Of equal importance, says Whelan, is providing residents with “a sense of place and historical perspective in these rather impersonal times.” That mission – to foster a sense of connection and community among residents – is one shared by many other other neighborhood association presidents, including Old Town Neighborhood president Janet Fleshman.

“People are becoming more and more isolated. I think it's a positive thing to reduce that alienation,” Fleshman says. “We diligently try to engage both homeowners and renters to get their input and ideas...and to give people a stake in what happens here.”

Traverse City Commissioner Jim Carruthers, himself a member of the Central Neighborhood Association, affirms that neighborhood associations that are well-organized and active “do have an influence on decision-making at the City Commission level.”

“They have louder voices and get issues moved forward faster,” he observes. “I feel they are important. They are the beginning – the first level – of citizen involvement.”

Interested in becoming involved with a local neighborhood association?A complete list of active associations is available here on the City of Traverse City website.

Traverse City Real Estate Is Red Hot

2013-04-15T16:34:00Z

April 15, 2013

Numbers don't lie, and the statistics and stories alike point to a new real estate boom in Traverse City.

The residential real estate rebound is a classic case of supply and demand, with supply of homes in Traverse City down 41 percent in February 2013 compared to a year ago. The backlog of unsold homes we heard about during the recession has finally evaporated, leaving sellers in the driver's seat.

"The inventory is very low and it’s turned Traverse City into a seller’s market," observes Meagan Luce of Century 21 Northland and Traverse City Area Association of Realtors President-Elect. "We are seeing multiple offers on properties and sale prices higher than the comparable sold sales," she adds.

After a few years of struggles, the seller's market is creating problems for prospective buyers.

Camille Campbell of Century 21 Northland: "This is a challenging situation for buyers to come to grips with, as it is a complete change from the [last] couple of years. But it is a very exciting time to be a seller."

Campbell says she recently listed a home near the Grand Traverse Mall.

"It went on the market in the morning and had eleven showings set up within three hours. We received an offer on the first day that was accepted. The homes that are in very good condition are getting a great deal of attention and not staying on the market more than a few days."

The short supply is also driving average sale prices up and average number of days homes are for sale down. Sale prices were up 5 percent and average days on market down 8 percent in February versus 2012. The average sale price of a single family home in Traverse City in February was 94 percent of its asking price, quite a rebound from sale prices from 2009-2012.

Judy Robinson at Coldwell Banker Schmidt says the current market has caused a "buying frenzy among realtors. Due to the lack of houses for sale we are seeing multiple offers, bidding wars and disappointed buyers. The pendulum has definitely swung in favor of the seller," she adds.

She tells of a frustrated buyer who made an offer $12,000 higher than the asking price of a home as soon as it came up for sale, only to learn of seventeen showings the first few days. The offer was declined because of a better offer.

"I even had a buyer from Texas make an offer on a house from a video that I sent them."

Luce tells of a client engaged in a bidding war for a home they wanted, adding, "I have about 10 other stories just like this – it's tough to be a buyer right now!"

But surely realtors have some extra pull when they're looking for themselves? Not so, says Andy Stireman of Coldwell Banker Schmidt, who is a prospective buyer himself.

Stireman heard of home on Anderson Street about to be listed and quickly drove over for a visit. Though only one or two other realtors even knew about the home about to be up for sale, he hurried home to get his girlfriend.

"I wanted to show it to her, but it sold before I was able to get her in there," he says.

courtesty of : The Ticker News-Traverse City

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Traverse City Makes another National Top 10 !!!

2013-03-22T02:53:00Z

10 Best Small Towns in America

Posted by Sandra Ramani on March 19, 2013 at 11:59:05 AM EDT
Posted in Trip Ideas Tagged: Vermont, California, Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Arizona

America's big cities may get all the splashy buzz, but for savvy travelers, our small towns are our best-kept secrets. In a time when "authentic" is a travel buzzword, these hamlets are attracting visitors with an often unexpected—and surprisingly sophisticated—array of independent and locally-minded cultural, outdoor, and culinary offerings, all minus the urban price tags.

The only downside to all this small town regeneration? Narrowing down this list to just 10 favorites. Our editors pored over the possibilities, ultimately picking the winners based on criteria like population (all are under 50,000 people), and draws like great local eats, interesting museums and cultural points, and noteworthy natural attractions or outdoor adventures. The result is a list that should inspire travelers of all walks to fill up the gas tank and hit the road.

Healdsburg, California

What it's Like: Napa and Sonoma's quieter wine country sister mixes contemporary cool with plenty of Norman Rockwell charm—not to mention mouth-watering eats and drinks.

Set about 65 miles from San Francisco, Healdsburg is not exactly an unknown—it's garnered its fair share of glossy magazine features—but the town of 11,254 manages to balance the hype with a relaxed pace and diverse price points, meaning visitors don't have to break the bank to enjoy the bounties of wine country.

Those who want to splash out can do so among the Bulgari bath products at Hotel Les Mars or in the Italianate Victorian Honor Mansion, complete with bocce courts and spa pavilions, then dine on homemade meatballs and thin-crust pizza at Scopa. The budget conscious should check into the LEED-certified h2hotel, home to a popular bar, and enjoy the free concerts in the town square and the charming country stores tucked among the lush wineries.

Bozeman, Montana

What it's Like: This Big Sky Country college town is a nature-lover's paradise, no matter the season.

Founded in the late-1800's to service travelers along a mining trail, Bozeman today is home to 37,280 permanent residents, as well as the fluctuating student population of Montana State University. The college presence lends the place an arty vibe; popular activities include the year-round Bozeman Symphony Society and summertime Shakespeare in the Parks. The mix of faculty, students, cowboys, outdoor enthusiasts, and the odd celebrity has also elevated the dining scene; The rotating menu at John Bozeman's Cafe in the historic downtown might feature Jamaican jerk chicken, while the bison burgers and Kobe beef at Montana Ale Works pair perfectly with the 40 beers on tap. Hotels like the Gallain River Lodge, set on a 350-acre working ranch, and the Lehrkind Mansion, a former brewer's residence-turned-B&B, make ideal bases for fly fishing, skiing, rafting, and exploring Yellowstone National Park.

Sedona, Arizona

What it's Like: Red-rock panoramas and the mythical "vortex" energies set the scene for this spa and wellness haven.

The striking vistas and natural splendors that once inspired artists like Max Ernst and countless Western filmmakers are today attracting a mix of New Age healers, spa therapists, artisans, and wellness-seekers to this mellow desert town of just over 10,000 residents. Sedona is light on historic activities, so visitors are free to hike, mountain bike, or jeep-tour around the red-hued canyons and buttes; shop for jewelry and Native American crafts in the town center; and park themselves at spots like Elote Cafe for gourmet Mexican (and great views), or Dahl & Di Luca for elevated Italian. Many guests simply settle into a health-minded hotel and indulge in spa treatments, yoga sessions, and excursions to the Vortex, a rock outcrop that's said to be a powerful source of ancient energy. Accommodations here tend toward the upscale—favorites include the celeb-endorsed Enchantment Resort and its Mii Amo spa and hillside, cottage-style L'Auberge de Sedona—but deals can be found at places like the Sky Ranch Lodge, where some rooms have fireplaces or kitchenettes.

St. Augustine, Florida

What it's Like: Beautiful beaches and 500 years of Spanish Colonial history make this a find in northeastern Florida.

Settled 500 years ago by the Spanish (it's celebrating this milestone anniversary this year), St. Augustine is considered the oldest European-established city in the continental US. As a result, there is plenty in this town of almost 13,000 for history buffs, from the Colonial Spanish Quarter Museum and Dow Museum of Historic Houses, to well-preserved jails, schoolhouses, and cathedrals. To enjoy the sunshine, take in the sites at Fountain of Youth National Archeological Park, laze on the pristine beaches of Anastasia State Park, or take a carriage ride around the shop-and-gallery-lined old town. Accommodations run the gamut from solid chain outposts like the Hilton, to Fodor's Gold Award winner Casa Monica, while top eats include homemade breakfasts and lunches at The Bunnery, or the seafood, meat, and adventurous items (think alligator) at the aptly-named Salt Water Cowboy's.

Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

What it's Like: Art, gourmet food, and a welcoming vibe make Cape Cod's smallest town a summer favorite, whether for a weekend, week, or month.

Though long-time visitors to Provincetown might bemoan its move from funky to upscale, even die-hards will appreciate the Cape Cod town's still-intact sense of diversity, community spirit, and slightly eccentric ways. Though the year-round population is just under 3,000, come nice weather, Commercial Street bustles with antique hunters and art enthusiasts, while Portuguese-American fisherman and cruise ship day trippers mix with the LGBT local community in enjoying the shops, nightlife, and shipping history packed within just 8-square miles. Drop your bags at the art-inspired Christopher's by the Bay or lively Crown & Anchor before heading to Bayside Betsy's for fresh seafood and harbor views, or beef Wellington and romance at Jimmy's Hideaway.

Brattleboro, Vermont

What it's Like: A rich cultural and political history mix with a vibrant contemporary scene to help keep this mountainside town decidedly independent.

Farmer's markets, gallery walks, arts festivals, indie stories, all surrounded by mountain views—this is the Vermont of your dreams. Home to 12,046 residents, Brattleboro retains the progressive cultural and political ties to its past (it was a counterculture hotspot in the '60's), while managing to feel more cool and hip than crunchy-granola. Get the ideal B&B experience among the canopy beds and fireplaces of Hickory Ridge House, set in an 1808 Federal Mansion, then venture into town to T.J. Buckley's, where just 18 diners a night are treated to a gourmet meal cooked in an open, theater-style show kitchen. No need to feel guilty: You can hike it all off the next day.

Traverse City, Michigan

What it's Like: Vineyards, craft breweries, cherry harvests, and gourmet shops and eateries are drawing foodies (including Mario Batali) to Michigan's northern shores

For years, this town of 14,894 on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay has tempted visitors with its natural wonders, which include freshwater beaches, skiing areas, forests, and the stunning Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. More recently, though, it's the food scene that's creating a buzz, thanks to kudos from magazines like Bon Appétit and chefs like Mario Batali, who makes his home here in the summer. With the largest tart cherry yield in the US (and a week-long Cherry Festival in July), as well as a number of award-winning vineyards and breweries along its peninsulas, Traverse City is home to notable restaurants like the farm-to-table Cook's House, and desert mongers like Grand Traverse Pie Company (get the cherry pie, of course.) When you're ready to roll into bed, choose from an array of chains, B&Bs, or upscale getaways like the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Or make like Batali and rent a place for a summer filled with great eats.

Door County, Wisconsin

What it's Like: Five state parks, 300 miles of shoreline, hundreds of non-chain shops, galleries, and restaurants, all amid the beauty of Lake Michigan—need we say more?

Okay, so this isn't technically one town, but this whole country—population 27,961—is made up of notable small towns, each more charming than the last. Thanks to the county-wide outlaw on chain hotels, shops, or dining, you'll find hamlets teeming with cute boutiques, upscale galleries, and working artist studios, along with natural sites like Peninsula State Park and the beaches along Lake Michigan. Be sure to try the local favorite fish boil—a stew of whitefish, potatoes, and onions made outside in a cauldron—and the locally-grown cherries, which make an appearance in nearly every dish, from appetizer to dessert. Hotel favorites include the Edgewater Resort in Ephraim, set on a private stretch of shore, and the Juniper Inn B&B in Fish Creek.

Galena, Illinois

What it's Like: Just a few hours out of Chicago, find all the musts on a small-town wish list, from historic homes and trolley tours to homemade eats and friendly locals.

Born of the lead mine industry of the mid-1800's, Galena boasts rolling hills for skiers, and plenty of history, art, and cuisine for everyone else. Over 85 percent of the town's 19th-century buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; to explore, hop on the 2.5-hour Galena Trolley Tour, which offers an overview of the historic districts, then pop into notable sites like the 1857 Italianate Belvedere Mansion, and the Ulysses S. Grant House, the former home of the 18th president. Enjoy dark stout and tapas at the Galena Brewing Company, or top-notch Italian at the unlikely-named Fried Green Tomatoes (those are on the menu, too), before retiring to the fireplaces and nooks of the Goldmoor Inn.

Walla Walla, Washington

What it's Like: An influx of quality hotels and dining have helped make Washington's thriving wine country so nice, they named it twice.

Since the late-1970's, over 100 vineyards and wineries have taken root in eastern Washington, helping to put Walla Walla (population 32,148) on the gourmet map. Get a taste for the award-winning reds at Gramercy Cellars, or enjoy sweet desert wines—and a look at sustainable farming methods—at Amavi Cellars. Lunch at Monteillet Fromagerie is, of course, a cheese-lover's dream, while Saffron serves homemade pastas and cured meats on converted champagne riddling racks. Your room at the luxe Inn at Abeja, a restored turn-of-the-century farmstead, will most likely offer vineyard views, so you'll never be far from the vines.

Photo credits: Healdsburg, h2hotel courtesy of h2hotel; Bozeman via Shutterstock; L'Auberge de Sedona courtesy of L'Auberge de Sedona; St Augustine via Shutterstock; Provincetown, Christopher's by the Bay courtesy of Christopher's by the Bay; Autumn in Brattleboro via Shutterstock; Traverse City cherries via Shutterstock; Door County Fish Boil via Shutterstock; Galena trolley via Geraldmarella/Dreamstime.com; Inn at Abeja courtesy of Inn at Abeja

More by Sandra Ramani, Fodor's Contributor

Economists Revise Housing Figures Amid Optimism

2013-03-14T18:47:00Z

Daily Real Estate News | Thursday, March 14, 2013

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Several economists have recently revised their predictions on housing values to reflect a stronger-than-expected real estate rebound, and some have even doubled their original forecasts over the rise in home prices. For example, economists at Bank of America revised their home price forecast from 4.7 percent this year to 8 percent.

Capital Economics’ Economist Paul Diggle upwardly revised his home price forecast too, from a 5 percent projection to an 8 percent rise in home prices this year.

"Prices of both new and existing homes are picking up, the latter by over 10 percent year-on- year,” Diggle notes. “Indeed, after a couple of years during which new house prices outperformed, primarily owing to builders constructing more homes for the higher-end market, we now expect existing house prices to close the gap. As more consumers are able to access mortgage credit, home builders should widen their offering, while continued investment demand will bid up existing house prices."

Consumers are growing more optimistic about home prices too. A recent report of consumers from mortgage giant Fannie Mae showed that 48 percent believe home prices will rise over the next year.

Ivy Zelman, an independent real estate analyst, told CNBC last week that “we’re in a nirvana for housing. I’m the most bullish I’ve ever been.” Zelman said that home prices could rise for another four to six years.

Source: “Why A Bunch Of Economists Expect The US Housing Market To Go On A Huge Tear,” Business Insider (March 8, 2013)

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