Rob Gow - Real Estate and Shoreline Lifestyle: March 2013

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

5 Questions to Ask When Renting a Vacation Home on Lake Michigan

Although today marks the first day of spring; the warm breezes, budding flowers and long days spent outdoors may still seem far off. It can be easy when winter seems to keep hanging on to daydream about your upcoming vacation in New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Harbert, Union Pier or any of the other charming cities along the Lake Michigan Shoreline.

As the team here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we always enjoy showcasing our Prudential Rubloff Vacation Rentals in these popular vacation destinations! If you are dreaming of a relaxing getaway, but haven’t rented a vacation home before, here are a few tips for determining which property is right for you!

1. Know exactly what's included.
- While it may be understood that “everything is included,” you’ll want to know exactly what this means. Are utilities, wifi, cable all a part of the deal? Ask about any possible extra charges that may be incurred so that you’re fully prepared.

2. Is the home family friendly?
- If you're traveling with kids, make sure the property you rent is family friendly. Not only will you want to make sure there are enough beds for everyone, but you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable with the properties distance from the water, and if there is a pool. Also, if you want your pet to join you on your vacation, be sure to check to see if pets are allowed and if there is a weight limit.

3. Is a refund available if you leave early?
- If you think you may want or need to leave early, check your contract to see if you're eligible for a partial refund. Most vacation rentals are for a specific time period and don't offer refunds because that leaves the homeowner in a lurch with no time to rent to someone else. Know going in what the rules are so there are no unpleasant surprises.

4. Love the house you pick.
- Because you can’t change the home once you arrive (like you could a hotel room), make sure you love the house you pick! Be sure to check out pictures, read reviews and do your research to ensure it’s a home you’ll feel completely comfortable in, and able to enjoy for your entire vacation.

5. Reserve early.
- Believe it or not, homes are already beginning to fill up for this summer along the Lake Michigan Shoreline. Whether you choose Lakeside, Sawyer, Three Oaks, Michiana or New Buffalo; you’ll want to start your search now and book early to ensure you get the home you want!

Now, you may be considering searching out vacation rentals on your own and working directly with the home owner to book your vacation getaway. However, working with a trusted and experienced vacation rental company comes with a great advantage.

Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of nationally acclaimed Wyndham Exchange & Rentals puts it this way, "The benefits of renting from a company you can trust with your family, your credit card, and your invaluable vacation time can't be understated. Book with a company that regularly manages and inspects its properties to ensure they meet a high standard of quality and safety, [as well as] one that offers online bookings and payments, can handle booking amendments and cancellations, and provides impeccable customer service and around-the-clock check-in assistance."

We couldn’t agree more! You want a company that knows the ins and outs of renting a vacation home and can match you with a great home that fits exactly what you’re looking for in a vacation property!

Interested in learning more about our services and the vacation rentals we have available? Please feel free to contact us today to get started!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Your Ideal New Buffalo Vacation Rental & Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Now that we’ve experienced the time change, it seems that spring is right around the corner! Longer days and the sound of birds chirping have many of us anticipating the warm weather days full of outdoor activities here in the charming cities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer and Three Oaks.

As you know, St. Patrick’s Day is this coming weekend and so we wanted to highlight a few local happenings and one of our sought after Prudential Rubloff vacation destinations! Our team of experienced Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents and property advisors here at Shoreline Property Advisors are committed to bringing you the best local information and real estate guidance that will enhance your experience along the stunning Lake Michigan Shoreline.

If you don’t live in the area and are searching for the ideal spot to getaway with family or friends; you’ll find that our Prudential Rubloff Vacation Rentals, Nothin Dune, may be just the place for you! Situated in the heart of New Buffalo, this vacation destination offers the ultimate in breathtaking views and comfortable convenience. Here’s a quick sneak peek!

Nothin Dunes in New Buffalo

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Maximum Occupancy: 6

- Beautiful Lake Michigan views will catch your eye from nearly every room in this single family home in the Riveria section of New Buffalo. Whether you want to spend time outdoors sitting on the porch during a sunset, or prefer to take advantage of the hot tub and gazebo; you can’t go wrong! A large grassy backyard and convenient access to the beach are also great for those who want to enjoy long days outside. Indoors, you’ll find this newly updated (2012) home outfitted with every amenity you could ask for such as: wifi, a 58” HD TV, a Blue-ray DVD player, state of the art Pandora sound system, open living space and tons of natural light throughout. For more information and to check availability, please visit the Rubloff Vacation Rentals website.

If you are visiting New Buffalo or any of the shoreline cities this weekend, or you live here and are looking for a way to celebrate the Luck O’ the Irish, here are a few highlights you might want to consider!

St. Patrick's Day Dinner
Fernwood Botanical Garden
3988 Range Line Road, Niles

Friday, March 15 at 6pm

- Enjoy the magic of the Irish woodlands at the Fernwood Botanical Garden in nearby Niles. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so celebrate with the tastes of a traditional Irish meal prepared by Chef Tim Carrigan, Fernwood’s resident Irishman, and an Irish Brew. $15.95 per person. Registration needed today, March 13, so don’t miss out! Learn more on the Fernwood Botanical Garden website.

Journeyman Distillery Tours
Journeyman Distillery, 109 Generations Dr, Three Oaks

Saturday, March 16 from 12:30pm to 5pm

- There’s nothing more Irish than enjoying a good pint of beer! Join in the Jouneyman Distillery tour this Saturday where you’ll learn about the history on the Featherbone Factory building as well as the step-by-step process on how we make our spirits. The best part? The tour is followed by a tasting! To sign up, please visit the Journeyman Distillery website.

We hope you consider making the Lake Michigan Shoreline a part of your plans for the weekend! Whether you rent a stunning vacation property or find yourself taking part in a St. Patrick’s Day celebration; we guarantee you’ll have a great time!

If you aren’t able to venture to the area this weekend, but would like to learn more about our Prudential Rubloff Vacation Rentals or about buying a vacation home; please feel free to contact us anytime!

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Tips for Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space in Your Harbor Country Home!

Now that we’ve entered March and will be going through the time change this weekend so “spring forward,” it feels as though spring is just around the corner! For those living in Harbor Country year round, there’s a sense of excitement as to all that warm weather along Lake Michigan’s Shoreline holds. And, for those looking forward to that much anticipated vacation in Harbor Country in your vacation home; you may be thinking of what you can do to prepare your home for a great year.

Although the winter months, with a blanket of snow covering the ground is really beautiful here in Harbor Country, there’s something about the fresh, vibrant colors of spring that lend to the appeal of living and vacationing in Harbor Country.

If you are looking ahead to spring and freshening up your home’s exterior for the warmer weather; you’ll want to start planning out your gardening now. Many homes throughout Harbor Country showcase beautiful flowers, plants and vegetable gardens as a way to enhance and give back to the community.

As Harbor Country Real Estate agents, we love every aspect of real estate; from buying to selling and helping you create the lifestyle you’re after in your home! Having a beautiful outdoor area will also appeal to those looking to rent out your vacation home! Here are ten tips for creating a stunning outdoor space this spring that you’ll enjoy throughout the summer here in Harbor Country!

1. Bulbs- Want full, rich colors in your Harbor Country yard? Begin planting bulbs of dahlia, lily, gladiolus and tuberous begonia.

2. Annuals- Next month will be the time to plant hardy annual such as petunias, dianthus, snapdragons and pansies. If you’re worried about frost, simply cover the plants with plastic at night. You can also opt for hanging mixed baskets filled with fuchsias, geraniums and impatiens which can easily be moved inside if threatened by a frost.

3. Perennials- As you begin to see these return, be sure to give these plants some fertilizer to ensure they’re fed for the season.

4. Lawn care- This month and next month will be the ideal time to assess the needs of your lawn if you haven’t already done so. Begin cleaning away weeds and debris that settled during the winter. Begin fertilizing grassy areas and do any trimming to give a well manicured appearance.

5. Vegetables- Before you begin planting, consider the timing of your plants as well as who makes the best neighbors. Plant hardier veggies such as lettuce or potatoes now and wait until it’s consistently 60 degrees before planting the more delicate plants. Beans, celery an cucumbers are happy to be planted near each other, but be sure to keep bean plants away from aromatic vegetables such as garlic.

6. Planting- Buy new plants along with replacements of those that may not have made it through the winter months.

7. Fertilizing- This is key to keeping your plants well fed and growing all season. Don’t forget to give your well-loved plants their food! Be sure that you don’t “over-fertilize” as it can kill the plants or cause “leaf burn.”

8. Pruning- Pruning for trees and shrubs in Michigan will need to take place when the tree or shrub is dormat; late fall through early spring. Be sure to keep your tree or shrub in its’ natural shape when pruning.

9. Weeding- No one likes to do it, but weeds need to be nipped in the bud before they get out of control. Spraying weed killer is a great option, just be sure to spray on a warm day with limited wind.

10. Preparing Your Patio- With consistent warm weather just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure your patio is spruced up and the furniture is cleaned and in good working order so you can enjoy long summer days outdoors in Harbor Country!

We hope these tips inspire you to begin dreaming up your outdoor space in Harbor Country! As we all anticipate the warm weather and buds of spring, you’ll want to be prepared so you can plant at just the right time!

As always, if you want to learn more about living in Harbor Country, buying a vacation home or renting a vacation getaway during the summer; please contact us! We would be happy to show you some of the homes currently available in Harbor Country.

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff