The Unique Hotel In Clare Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Michigan

When you’re searching for vacation destinations in Michigan, you might be drawn to famous locales like Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or the scenic far reaches of the Upper Peninsula. While these spots have their many perks, we’d like to introduce you to an underrated option that sits in the heart of the Lower Peninsula. This unique hotel in Michigan is sure to capture your heart with its quirky charms and amenities.

To learn more about this utterly unique hotel in Michigan, click here. Have you and your family been lucky enough to spend the night at the Doherty Hotel or even simply admire its exterior during previous trips to Clare? We want to hear from you, so share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great lodging option in the Great Lakes State by completing our nomination form here.

Searching for another awesome place to stay? Read about this caboose inn in Michigan.

The post The Unique Hotel In Clare Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Michigan appeared first on Only In Your State.

Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC]

Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision.
  • Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road.
  • Let’s connect so you have expert advice and a trusted professional who will keep your interests top of mind.

Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Sellers

Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Sellers | Simplifying The Market

If you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips. When selling anything, you always hope for strong demand for the item coupled with a limited supply. That maximizes your leverage when you’re negotiating the sale. Home sellers are in that exact situation right now. Here’s why.

Demand Is Very Strong

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 6.18 million homes were sold in 2021. This was the largest number of home sales in 15 years. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, explains:

“Sales for the entire year finished strong, reaching the highest annual level since 2006. . . . With mortgage rates expected to rise in 2022, it’s likely that a portion of December buyers were intent on avoiding the inevitable rate increases.”

Demand isn’t expected to weaken this year, either. In addition, the Mortgage Finance Forecast, published last week by the Mortgage Bankers’ Association (MBA), calls for existing-home sales to reach 6.4 million homes this year.

Supply Is Very Limited

The same sales report from NAR also reveals the months’ supply of inventory just hit the lowest number of the century. It notes:

“Total housing inventory at the end of December amounted to 910,000 units, down 18% from November and down 14.2% from one year ago (1.06 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 1.8-month supply at the present sales pace, down from 2.1 months in November and from 1.9 months in December 2020.”

The reality is, inventory decreases every year in December. That’s just how the typical seasonal trend goes in real estate. However, the following graph emphasizes how this December was lower than any other December going all the way back to 1999.

Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Sellers | Simplifying The Market

Right Now, Sellers Have Maximum Leverage

As mentioned above, when there’s strong demand for an item and a limited supply of it available, the seller has maximum leverage in the negotiation. In the case of homeowners who are thinking about selling, there may never be a better time than right now. While demand is this high and inventory is this low, you’ll have leverage in all aspects of the sale of your house.

Today’s buyers know they need to be flexible negotiators that make very competitive offers, so here are a few areas that could tip in your favor when your house goes on the market:

  • Competitive sales price
  • Flexible closing date
  • Potential for a leaseback to allow you more time to find a home
  • Minimal offer contingencies

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, now is the optimal time to list it. Let’s connect to discuss how you can put your house on the market today.

A Winter Wonderland Awaits When You Explore Your Own Backyard In Michigan This Season

With frozen lakes, trees blanketed in snow, and chilly temperatures that make you want to cozy up by a roaring fire with a cup of hot cocoa, there’s something magical and beautiful about winter in Michigan. Sure, the weather can be downright frigid at times, but this year, we are committed to making the most of the season. After all, there is nothing better than outdoor exploration to feel more connected to your environment, improve mental health, and create long-lasting family memories. 

From thrilling activities like snow tubing to reflecting on the year ahead while hiking and getting away from it all in a cozy small town, we challenge you to embark on three one-of-a-kind adventures this winter as part of our inaugural Explore Your Own Backyard Challenge: A Michigan Winter Wonderland. While we have given you inspiration for destinations to complete these three themed challenges below, how you participate is up to you — enjoy a winter hike in your neighborhood park or plan a snow day staycation in your living room, for example. There’s no need to travel far to enjoy winter fun! 

Let’s bundle up and explore, shall we?

Committed to exploring your backyard with us this winter? Join our Michigan Nature Lovers Facebook group and share your adventures with us or tag us in your photographs on Instagram, @only_in_michigan – we’ll share our favorite photographs with our audience. We hope you are able to enjoy the best winter has to offer here in the beautiful Mitten State. 

The post A Winter Wonderland Awaits When You Explore Your Own Backyard In Michigan This Season appeared first on Only In Your State.

Eat Endless Fish And Chicken Dinners At This Rustic Restaurant In Michigan

Feeling hungry? When your stomach is growling, it’s tough to beat the experience of indulging in an all-you-can-eat special. There are all sorts of great dining destinations to select from here in the Great Lakes State, but one unique all-you-can-eat restaurant in Michigan offers time-tested fare in a welcoming yet unassuming environment. You’ll surely want to return for more.

To learn more about this rustic all-you-can-eat restaurant in Michigan, click here. Have you dined at Lynwood Bar & Grill during previous visits to the area? Share your favorite dishes with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another awesome eatery in the Great Lakes State by completing our nomination form here.

Still feeling hungry? You’ll enjoy reading about this beloved burger restaurant in Michigan.

The post Eat Endless Fish And Chicken Dinners At This Rustic Restaurant In Michigan appeared first on Only In Your State.

Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change?

Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change? | Simplifying The Market

Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes. According to a report from realtor.com:

More than 3 in 4 recent buyers, 78%, took [natural disasters] into account when choosing the locations of their homes, . . .”

The study also found that many existing homeowners (34%) have already considered selling their houses and moving to a new location because of the changing climate. If you’re like those homeowners and are weighing your options about what to do next, here’s some information to keep in mind as you begin the process of selling your existing house and searching for your new home.

Do Your Research and Work with a Real Estate Advisor To Find a Home That Meets Your Needs

As a homeowner, it’s impossible to control what types of weather events your home is exposed to. As Maiclaire Bolton Smith, Senior Leader of Research and Content Strategy for CoreLogic, says:

“You can’t necessarily remove the location from around you, but there are things you can do to mitigate damage that can happen.”

The first step is understanding how to navigate your home sale and purchase with these specific issues in mind. While that can seem like a difficult undertaking at first, with the appropriate resources and experts on your side, you can simplify the process.

The Mortgage Reports provides some tips for purchasing your next house, including, but not limited to:

  • Vetting the location before you buy
  • Researching Climate Action Plans and learning if the city or state has one
  • Working with professionals for additional assessments on the home’s ability to withstand natural disasters

Ultimately, your best resource throughout the process is a trusted real estate professional. An agent will help you navigate the sale and required disclosures for your existing home, be your expert advisor on local guidelines and information, and keep your goals and concerns top of mind. Even if your advisor doesn’t have the answers to all your questions about how your next home will stand up to natural disasters, they can help connect you with experts and resources who will.

Bottom Line

If you’re becoming more mindful about the effects of climate change and you’re ready to make a move, you’re not alone. Let’s connect so you have a trusted advisor on your side to help you navigate the sale of your current house and find the perfect spot for your next home.

7 Sleepy Small Towns Around Detroit Where Things Never Seem To Change

City life is full of fun and excitement, whether you’re a fan of great food, world-class entertainment, historic destinations, or some combination of these. While there’s plenty to be said for big city excursions, we’re firm believers in the power of a small-town adventure. When you’re looking for a slower-paced outing among welcoming and timeless surroundings, read about these seven sleepy small towns near Detroit.

Have you visited any of these sleepy small towns near Detroit? What are some of your favorite memories or attractions from these special destinations? We always love to hear from our readers, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments to share your thoughts. Or, if we’ve neglected to include one of your favorite Metro Detroit communities, let us know by completing our nomination form here.

If you’re searching for even more fun, read about eight of the very best places to explore in Detroit.

The post 7 Sleepy Small Towns Around Detroit Where Things Never Seem To Change appeared first on Only In Your State.

This 375-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Michigan, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is

No matter what the season, there’s something wonderful about hopping in the car and embarking on an adventure through the Great Lakes State. After all, Michigan is full to the brim with natural attractions and beautiful destinations, whether you’re keen on waterfront scenery or manmade gems. The next time you’re looking for an extended journey, check out this scenic Michigan road trip. These stops will have you immersed in boundless beauty before you know it.

For an adjustable map of our road trip route, click here.

Have you visited any of the beautiful locations along our scenic Michigan road trip route? Which of your favorites made the list? We love to hear from our readers, so share your thoughts in the Facebook comments or recommend yet another pretty destination in the Great Lakes State by filling out our nomination form here.

Searching for something tasty? You’ll want to read about our coney dog road trip through Michigan.

The post This 375-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Michigan, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is appeared first on Only In Your State.

Sleep Underneath The Forest Canopy At This Epic Treehouse In Michigan

You might have spent the night in a unique hotel or even a beautiful campground amid Michigan’s natural beauty, but have you ever enjoyed an overnight adventure in a treehouse? While we’ve covered a few treetop excursions in the Great Lakes State in a previous piece, there’s one special treehouse in Michigan that offers a perfect combination of rustic charm and modern delights. Get ready to make lasting memories under the forest canopy.

For additional information about this gorgeous treehouse in Michigan, including nightly rates and availability, click here. Who would you bring along on a journey to this Thompsonville gem? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend yet another special lodging option by filling out our official nomination form here.

Searching for another great place to stay? You’ll want to read about these historic bed and breakfasts in Michigan.

The post Sleep Underneath The Forest Canopy At This Epic Treehouse In Michigan appeared first on Only In Your State.