Selling your home requires more than simply sticking a "For Sale" on the front curb and hoping for the best. With a little bit of work and some affordable enhancements, you could be saving yourself loads of time and money in the long run. The last thing any seller wants is for their home to linger in the market for too long and become stale, so here are a few easy ways to get your home in great shape and ready to please prospective buyers.

 

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF CURB APPEAL
Before a buyer sets foot in your door, they have to pass through the front yard first. As with many things in life, making a good first-impression is the first barrier to successfully showing your home. That initial impression will be hard to change

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There are lots to consider when buying a vacation home. Check out our three keys to help you in your search. Our team is ready to answer your questions. Give us a call at (231) 459-3179 or email Brook, brook@nmescapes.com.

 

1. Consider the cost—and whether you can afford it Unless you purchase your vacation property with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage—typically, a downpayment of 10-20% is required. You’ll also need to meet minimum credit and debt-to-income standards, and provide documents for asset and income verification.

2. Think: location, location, location Lakefront cottage? Beachside condo? Cabin in the woods? Know what you’re looking for, then get to know the area.

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Experience the thrill of zooming through the trees on our Zipline Adventure Tour, race your friends on the Twin Zip Ride, or explore the ambiance of Northern Michigan from the saddle! The only thing you need to bring is yourself and your sense of adventure, Boyne will provide the rest. 

Your adventure starts at Boyne's Adventure Center, located in The Village. The guides at Boyne's Adventure Center will take you from the treetops to the trails, and help plan a whole day of fun for your family. 

Zipline Adventure
Feel what it's like to fly at speeds of 20-25 mph on lines up to 50 feet in the air and 780 feet in length. The adventure begins at the top of the mountain and routes you through trees and

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If you’re shopping for a new home to lease or purchase in Northern Michigan, you may wonder whether homeowner’s associations are worth your while.

It’s usually easy to educate yourself about what specific HOA communities provide and allow. Before taking the financial plunge, take some time to learn about what Northern Michigan HOA communities offer.

To some, the benefits of having a quality HOA far outweigh the fees and restrictions. Paying a simple, recurring fee can mean time saved from menial tasks, more fun activities to do around your community and no obscure-looking houses or fences that are a blight on the surrounding community, spoiling the immaculate beauty of the rest of the neighborhood.

On the other hand, some believe HOA

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SOLD: 02501 Disciples Court Boyne Falls, MI 49713
MLS: 458058- $425,000 

If you’re looking to own a property on Boyne Mountain, you need to see this condo in person! This ski-in/ski-out condo in Disciples Village is a one-of-a-kind unit and is perfect for anyone looking for a slope-side vacation home. The ski hills are so close that you can see the Disciples Ridge chairlift from the upper-level living room. It’s a turnkey condo with two adjoining units that can be used together or locked off and enjoyed separately. The upper-level unit is two stories and has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a kitchen and living area with views of the ski hills. The lower-level unit has its own walk-out living area and kitchen, two bedrooms, and a rare…

We’ve all noticed it; the icy cool breezes, the flecks of snow on the lawn, and the need for an extra layer outside. While we might not like to admit it, Winter is just around the corner. Just like you’d get your vehicle ready for the weather ahead, there are some things that homeowners can do to ensure their home doesn’t turn into an ice palace when the temperatures drop.

Getting your home ready for winter doesn’t have to cost much, and each little improvement can help save expensive fixes and wasted energy, saving you time and money in the long-run.

Here’s how you can get your Northern Michigan home in tip-top condition this Winter:

REVERSE THE CEILING FAN

It’s something incredibly simple but it can make a considerable

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The tax filing deadline is quickly approaching. If you own a home, here are some important residential tax-saving incentives you should not miss:

Residential Energy Tax Credits

• Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit - Taxpayers may take a credit up to 30% of qualified solar, wind, geothermal and fuel cell property improvements. This includes labor costs to assemble, build, and connect the equipment. The credit is capped at $500 per one-half kilowatt of capacity purchased.
   
• Non-Business Energy Property Credit - Taxpayers may take credit for 10% of the qualifying costs to improve energy-efficiency for the non-business property. Qualified improvements include adding insulation, energy-efficient windows/doors, or

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A Guide for Getting Started

Vacation rental homes are spiking in popularity and for good reason. A 2016 HomeAway survey showed that 70% of vacation rental homeowners could pay at least half the mortgage on their vacation home from the rental income it generates. For owners who work with professional property managers, the cashflow benefits may be even greater.

Investing in a vacation home that’s also a vacation rental can create a best-of-both-worlds scenario: You get to enjoy downtime in one of your favorite locations while getting an income-generating property that helps pay for itself. Full-service vacation rental management companies like Northern Michigan Escapes make life even easier by booking and communicating with guests while also managing

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Natural disasters, theft, and other home security problems can arise no matter the technology or attention that you give to your home. But preparing your home with practical safety measures is a powerful way to enhance the safety of your family, and alleviate the problem or damages these incidents cause.

Northern Michigan isn’t exactly the most dangerous place to live in the U.S., but even the safest places on earth are far from perfect. Theft, fire, and weather are a possibility no matter where you turn. Those who desire more safety for their family can easily improve their security with a few intentional investments of time or money.

Here are a few ways to improve the safety of your Northern Michigan home:

1. Always Give The

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YOUR SOURCE FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTING IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

We're thrilled to announce the launch of brookwalsh.com. This site has been designed to provide you with the valuable information you need to help make your home search simple and stress-free. 

OUR SITE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH:

• State-of-the-art technology;
• Unparalleled information;
• 24/7 access to the most current listings of homes;
• Advanced search features and agents that understand your unique home buying needs. 

Our Blog has informative tips and information to guide you on this exciting journey.

"I'd like to help you use BrookWalsh.com to make your lifestyle real estate goals a reality. Send me a message or give me a call at 231.459.3179 to learn more…