Brook Walsh Real Estate Blog - Tipbook

The Harborage Condos on Lake Charlevoix

Condominiums are the property type of choice for many homebuyers who are opting for a low-maintenance lifestyle. With these properties, the upkeep of the shared amenities such as the pool, gym, and tennis courts is taken care of, along with the building’s exterior maintenance and the landscaping of the grounds. This means you’ll spend less time looking after your property, and more time enjoying it. (Click here to see all Harborage Condominiums for Sale)

Harborage condos can be two, three, four, and even five bedrooms, overlook Lake Charlevoix, and can be an upper or lower unit. Upper units have vaulted ceilings and command top dollar while lower-level units offer direct access to the beach.  (Click here to see all Lake Charlevoix Homes for Sale)

793 Views, 0 Comments

Mortgage Broker vs. Bank: What to Know Before You Apply

So you’ve found your dream home and you want to start the mortgage process to make things official. There are two options for buyers when it comes time to secure their local mortgage lender: either go with a mortgage broker or get a loan from a bank. Many homeowners will tell you exactly what they think the right choice is and while their opinions may be valid, they are often biased by their own past experiences. (Click here to see Northern Michigan's finest collection of vacation rentals)

To find out which option is best for your personal needs, continue reading as we look at what it’s like to work with a mortgage broker versus bank:

WHAT IS A MORTGAGE LENDER?

A mortgage lender refers to a bank or other financial institution that specializes…

1276 Views, 0 Comments

Deer Lake Villas at Boyne Mountain Resort

Deer Lake Villas at Boyne Mountain Resort: Amazing Getaway 7

Welcome to an in-depth look at Deer Lake Villas at Boyne Mountain Resort, where luxury meets adventure on the shores of pristine Deer Lake. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know—from exceptional villa features and year-round activities to investment potential and booking tips.

1. Introduction to Deer Lake Villas at Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne Mountain Resort has long been celebrated as a premium destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Nestled against the tranquil backdrop of Deer Lake, these villas offer an unbeatable combination of luxury lodging and ski resort excitement. Whether you’re chasing powder or summer sunshine, you’ll find yourself at the…

1381 Views, 0 Comments

The Challenges of Home Insurance

Homeowners should know what is generally covered before submitting a claim. However, all too often a claim is denied or homeowners find out that coverage is surprisingly lacking. Those that have been subject to floods have often found far too late that food damage is not covered in a standard policy. This is why it is important to learn more about home insurance. Depending on the area and typical weather conditions, homeowners may want to expand their coverage to avoid a potential issue. What are some of the common home insurance issues? (Click here to see Northern Michigan's finest collection of vacation rentals)

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

1365 Views, 0 Comments

Disruptive Technology: Building Homes for the Future

Chances are good that robotics, drone imagery, and digitized collaboration will play a large part in the design and construction of future homes and business structures, and a variety of other construction improvements may not be far behind. (Click here to see Northern Michigan's finest collection of vacation rentals)

Already, there is some evidence that buildings of the future may be constructed of "self-healing materials" and that plant-based component will create new design and energy flexibility. Tomorrow's built environment may not resemble today's buildings any more than the great stone structures of the past have anything in common with today's steel and glass high-rises. (Click here to see all Northern Michigan Waterfront Lifestyle…

1325 Views, 0 Comments

Home Inspections 101: What Every First-Time Buyer Should Know

You finally found the perfect Northern Michigan home.

The house checks all your boxes: it is the right style and size, has an entertaining kitchen, and even boasts an awesome master bedroom. To make things even better, your offer was accepted by the homeowner. Congratulations!

You’re one step closer to owning your first home. (Click here to see Northern Michigan's finest collection of vacation rentals)

The next step in your home buying journey is the home inspection. The job of a home inspector is to provide interested homebuyers an unbiased report about the utility and safety of the home they are preparing to purchase. (Click here to see all Northern Michigan Waterfront Lifestyle Homes for Sale)

While a home inspection is not required, it is highly…

1436 Views, 0 Comments

Does Your Northern Michigan Home Attract Today’s Top Buyers?

Compared to previous generations, millennials have been cautious to enter the real estate market. Coming of age right at the most spectacular housing boom and bust in modern history—the 2008 Recession—made for a generation of observant and media-savvy homebuyers. But the tide is finally turning. (Click here to see all Northern Michigan Waterfront Lifestyle Homes for Sale)

Based on recent data from Nationwide Mortgages, 66.1% of Millennials report that they plan to buy a home in the next 5 years. Are you ready for this dynamic demographic of a homebuyer?

It’s good news for the real estate world that 65.3% of millennials associate home buying with achieving the American Dream. That’s more than any other generation! Millennials put a high…

1185 Views, 0 Comments

Real Estate Investing: 4 Big Rookie Mistakes

Real Estate Investing: 4 Big Rookie Mistakes Exposed + 3 Proven Fixes

Investing in real estate can feel like striking gold—provided you know where to dig. Real Estate Investing is a powerful wealth-building tool, but many beginners stumble at the same four hurdles. 

1. Ignoring Market Research

Skimping on market research is like setting sail without a compass—you’ll drift. New investors often rush to buy the first “bargain” they spot, only to discover later that demand is weak or property values are stagnant.

1.1 Failing to Analyze Neighborhood Trends

Every neighborhood has its own rhythm—schools, crime rates, new developments, and demographic shifts all matter. Rookie investors often look at a property in isolation. Without…

1322 Views, 0 Comments

Checklist for Quickly Selling Your Northern Michigan Home

In a hurry to sell your Northern Michigan property? Most families know that conducting a few renovations is optimal for selling a home quickly and for the above market expectations. But knowing which changes to make is where many of us feel at a loss. To save you time and money, we’ve put together a checklist of the house renovations that you should prioritize. These are the most consistent and easiest to implement tasks that can significantly drive up the allure of most properties. (Click here to see all Northern Michigan Waterfront Lifestyle Homes for Sale)

Your real estate agent will be responsible for marketing your home, but you can also take a few steps to make your home one of the most desirable in the Northern Michigan real estate…

1131 Views, 0 Comments

5 Benefits Smart Home Technology Can Provide To Your Northern Michigan Home

5 Amazing Benefits Smart Home Technology Can Provide To Your Northern Michigan Home

Introduction to Smart Home Technology in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan homes are unique: they face cold winters, humid summers, and the occasional lake-effect snow. By integrating smart home technology early on, you’ll not only stay cozy but also keep costs down. In this article, we’ll explore five amazing benefits that modern smart systems bring to lakeside cottages and wooded retreats alike.

Benefit 1: Incredible Energy Efficiency

In Northern Michigan, heating and cooling can account for up to 50% of your energy bill. With the rise of smart home technology, you can shrink that number substantially.

Smart Thermostats and Climate Control

1975 Views, 0 Comments