Roger Simon - Blog

Affordable Montague Michigan Vacation Homes

Roger Simon — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:25:42 GMT

The May 2009 issue of Money Magazine listed Montague Michigan as one of the most affordable places in the United States to buy a vacation home. $104,000 was listed as the average price of homes in Montague. The deep water access to Lake Michigan from White Lake is popular with boaters, sailors and fisherman. Canoeists enjoy the pleasures of floating down White River on summer and fall days. Vacation homes are available and affordable, especially since the recent decline in prices, and a short drive from the major cities of Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor.

Has Local Real Estate Hit Bottom?

Roger Simon — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:15:35 GMT

All I know is that local buyers and investors are thinking it has! Multiple offers on choice and bargain properties are not uncommon. Bargains in the $30,000 to $50,000 range are getting snapped up as buyers and investors don't want to miss out on great deals and the first time buyer stimulus of up to $8000. Incredibly low interest rates under 5% coupled with low prices are making real estate ownership the most affordable it has been in over 40 years. Zero down payment financing is available for qualified first time home buyers, exploding the myth of the lack of money availability. The May 2009 issue of Money Magazine listed Montague as one of the most affordable places to buy a vacation home in the U.S. Local real estate websites are reporting record numbers of "hits" as buyers go "online" to preview homes and look for bargains. Investors are finding that the bargain prices are perfect to aquire more rental properties.

Steelhead Trout and Morel Mushrooms

Roger Simon — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:44:26 GMT

Steelhead and Morel mushrooms, it doesn't get any better than that! This week, as the steelhead run hit's it's peak in nearby White River, fisherman will have a tasty bonus as morel mushrooms start to "pop" out of the ground. Abundant and recent rains have provided the needed moisture and the warming trend is bringing up ground temperatures after a long cold winter. Nitetime temperatures above the mid 40's and daytime temps in the 60-70 degree range are best. Most people around here seem to look for them in poplar trees, but further north, my family used to hunt them in maple trees near Kalkaska. In short, morels are where you find them, and don't expect your best friend to tell you where his patch is. It's a highly guarded secret, sometimes handed down from generation to generation. Try the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for lodging and other information.Good luck!