Showing posts with label Buying a Home in Harbor Country. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buying a Home in Harbor Country. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

5 Reasons to Consider Buying a Harbor Country Home this Holiday Season!

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, the last thing on your mind might be buying a home in one of Harbor Country’s charming towns.  Yet, did you know that now can be a great time to buy a home in SawyerNew Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Grand Beach, Michiana, or Three Oaks?

Here on the team of Shoreline Property Advisors, our Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents and advisors understand that choosing your ideal home in Harbor Country and going through the home buying process can seem overwhelming at first.  But, with an experienced Harbor Country Real Estate agent by your side, buying a home this holiday season can be a successful endeavor!  Here are a few reasons you’ll want to consider buying a Harbor Country home this holiday season!

1. Lower Pricing- With the lack of people searching during the holidays for a home in Harbor Country; prices soften a bit. You can view our website, www.ShorelineAdvice.com, to see a list of our current Harbor Country homes for sale. You’ll notice these homes are priced to sell and are a great deal for buyers.

2. Less Competition- Many buyers don’t think to take advantage of house hunting during the holidays, so you’re sure to avoid any bidding wars that would occur at a peak point on the Harbor Country Real Estate market. This will mean a less stressful home buying experience for you!

3. Motivated Sellers- Sellers dread not being able to sell their homes before the holidays get under way. They’re very aware that most are not in the market to buy a home until Spring rolls around, which means; they’re motivated. They know showings of their home will greatly decrease, so any activity on their home is good news. Oftentimes they’re willing to come down on the price or be flexible with closing dates, and other extras.

4. Favorable Mortgage Terms- Mortgage lenders may be willing to lower interest rates or let go of some of their fees in order to gain your business. With fewer people shopping for homes; they will be experiencing a slower time in their business as well. Be sure to shop around to get the best possible deal. Your Harbor Country Real Estate agent will help point you in the right direction.

5. Tax Deduction- Closing before the end of the year can mean you are eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment from your taxable income for this year. You may also be able to deduct any money you pay for points to reduce your interest rate. Of course you’ll want to consult with a Harbor Country tax advisor to talk over the full details.

What better way to celebrate the season than owning a home in Harbor Country?!  These Lake Michigan shoreline towns are ideal for vacations or settling in to permanently!

If you’d like to learn more about the Harbor Country Real Estate market or have questions about buying a home in Harbor Country; please contact us today!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

7 Key Tips for Buying a Harbor Country Home!

When it comes to buying a home in one of Harbor Country’s charming towns, there can be a lot of decisions to make at once that may seem overwhelming.  Whether you choose to buy a vacation home or permanent residence in SawyerNew Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Grand Beach, Michiana, or Three Oaks; you can’t go wrong!  There are a number of beautiful homes currently on the Harbor Country Real Estate market that you’ll be sure to find one that fits your budget, needs and dreams!

In our work as Harbor Country Real Estate agents, our goal is to provide you with current real estate market news and tips for buying or selling a home along the Lake Michigan shoreline.  Today we wanted to focus in on some of the best house hunting tips that will help your search run smoothly and help you find (and buy) your dream home in Harbor Country with a timely and efficient process!

Below are seven tips you’ll want to be sure to review before beginning your home search in Harbor Country.

1. Location Matters- You’ve heard the saying, “location, location, location” and it’s very true!  You’ll want to narrow down to one or two of your top Harbor Country towns you’d like to live, as well as determine whether you’d like a lake view or would like to be more in town.  This will help you hone in your search!

2. Make a List- Begin compiling a list of things you love about your current or past homes, as well as things you want your new home.  Of course prioritizing your list of wants will also help as you search.  The top things on your list will be your “non-negotiables” while the items further down on the list are things on which you’d like to have, but are willing to compromise.  Showing this list to your Harbor Country Real Estate agent will give them a clear picture of exactly what you’re hoping to find.

3. Do your Homework- With loads of information online, beginning to research the area in which you want to live and the cost of homes in that particular town is a great place to start.  It will give you an idea of what’s available, what the homes have to offer and the average price of homes.  This will quickly help you determine if where you want to live is in your price range and if the homes have the features you desire.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage- This is a key step in the home search process.  Getting pre-approved before you begin your home search will give you a clearer picture of what you can even afford.  There’s no sense in wasting time looking at homes only to find out they’re out of your price range.  This crucial step will guide your house hunt!

5. Use a Checklist- As you begin touring Harbor Country homes, it may be hard to keep them straight!  Rate the features of the home and takes notes as you tour.  This will help as you look back at the homes you’ve visited and provide you with a ranking system to help you narrow down your search.

6. Be Prepared to Make an Offer- Before you even begin looking at homes in Harbor Country, make sure you’re ready to buy!  Whether it’s a vacation getaway or you’re considering relocating to Harbor Country, be completely sure it’s what you want and that you’re ready to make an offer if you find the right home.  Homes in Harbor Country tend to go quickly, so if you do find the home of your dreams, you’ll want to be fully prepared to act quickly!

7. Relax- While searching for an ideal home can mean a major life change, being overly stressed about it will only make the process more difficult.  Begin your search early to avoid feeling a time crunch and try to keep the entire experience in perspective.  Relying on your Harbor Country Real Estate agent to take care of the details and point you in the right direction will also help ease the stress of the home search.

As always, we’re here to help and would be happy to talk with you about what you’re looking for in a Harbor Country home.  We have helped many buyers find their dream home in Harbor Country and would love to help you through the process as well!


Contact us today to get started! 

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Halloween Events This Weekend in Harbor Country!


It’s hard to believe that October is coming to a close and that the winter season will be here before we know it!  However, there’s still time to get out and enjoy the beauty of autumn here in Harbor Country.  Residents and visitors alike understand what makes Harbor Country such a unique place to be this time of year and here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we hope you’ve been enjoying it to the fullest!

If you’re going to be in Harbor Country this weekend, you’ll find there are a number of ways to soak in the season and the charming communities of Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Michiana, Three Oaks and Sawyer!  Below are just some of the highlights of ways you can celebrate the harvest season and Halloween here on the Lake Michigan Shoreline.

Hausfest
Acorn Theater
107 Generations Dr  Three Oaks
Saturday, October 26th at 7pm
- Don’t miss this fun evening of delicious food and live music!  Costumes are welcome as this evening offers a great way to celebrate Halloween.  Food will be provided from local restaurants and live perfomances include the The Smiths band covering the hits of the 60's and 70's!  This evening is fun and is a perfect way to give back.  All proceeds to to to the Ronald McDonald House! Visit the Acorn Theater website to learn more and to register! https://www.acorntheater.com/?page_id=139&ee=338

Happy Hallo-wine at the Round Barn
Round Barn Winery, 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda

Saturday, October 26th 
- Head over to nearby Baroda for drink specials and fun at the Round Barn Winery this Saturday!  Tasting consultants will be dressed for the occasion, hoping to get your vote for the best costume. You'll also get an extra tasting token when you show up in your most creative Halloween outfit!  Don’t miss the spooktacular cocktails you’ll only find here once a year! Visit the Round Barn Winery website for more details!  http://www.roundbarnwinery.com/events_classes.php
New Buffalo Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat
Downtown New Buffalo
Saturday, October 27th from 1-4:30pm
Oct 27, 2013
Time: 01:00 PM To 04:30 PM
Location: New Buffalo

- Get dressed in your best costume and join in the fun at the New Buffalo Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat!  Judging for the best costumes starts at 1pm, with the parade taking place at around 1:45pm beginning at North Thompson Street.  After the parade, enjoy getting your sugar fill by stopping by the New Buffalo Fire Department where firemen will handing out treat bags to kids, then Trick or Treat your way from door to door from 2:30-4:30pm. For more information, please visit the New Buffalo website.  http://www.newbuffalo.com/events-calendar.shtml

As Harbor Country Real Estate agents, we hope you’re able to enjoy the Harbor Country communities this weekend whether you attend one of these events, or find yourself sitting back and simply admiring the view from your Harbor Country home.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Harbor Country lifestyle or have questions about the Harbor Country Real Estate market; please don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Enjoy the Harbor Country Towns this Fall!


As Harbor Country Real Estate agents and advisors here on the Shoreline Property Advisors team; we can’t say enough good things about Harbor Country!  It’s easy for us to talk with buyers about what makes this stretch along the Lake Michigan shoreline such a great place to live or vacation.

Each season is unique on our shores, but there’s something so breathtaking and enjoyable about the fall season.  October is also one of the best times to see the vibrant, changing leaves and experience many fall favorites in the towns of Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Michiana, Three Oaks or Sawyer.

If you’re looking for a way to experience all that autumn has to offer in Harbor Country, a driving tour could be the perfect way to take in the fall sights, tastes and smells!  Here’s a quick overview of what each town has to offer. 

- New Buffalo Train Museum
- Farmers Market
- Golf Course
- Public Beach
- Harbor & Marina
- Antiques/Art Galleries
- Lodging
- Dining
- Four Winds Casino
- New Buffalo Downtown Merchants

- Village Merchants
- Wine Tasting Centers
- Antiques
- Art Galleries
- Lodging
- Dining
- Village Merchants
- Antiques
- Art Galleries
- Golf Course
- Wilkinson Heritage Museum
- Lodging
- Dining
- Village Merchants- Swedish Bakery & Cafe
- Garden Market
- Antiques
- Art Galleries
- Lodging
- Dining

- Village Merchants
- Garden Market
- Antiques
- Art Galleries
- Brewery
- Lodging
- Dining
- Downtown Merchants
- Distillery
- Vickers Classic Film Theatre
- Acorn Performing Arts Theater
- Three Oaks History Museum
- U-Pick Farms
- Antiques
- Art Galleries
- Lodging
- Dining

Whether you choose to take a drive along the scenic along the shoreline and stop at a few key places, or you pick one place and enjoy a few nights at a Bed and Breakfast to explore the town, we hope you’re able to enjoy the festivities and beauty of Harbor Country in the fall!

If you’d like to learn more about the Harbor Country Real Estate market or are ready to begin your Harbor Country home search; please contact us today!  

We look talking with you more! 

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff