As the song says, "The best things in Life are Free!" or almost! There are a lot of things you can have in Saugatuck that are free or really cheap.  Can't afford an expensive week end get away?  Come to Saugatuck!.  This is the first blog of a series that I am writing highlighting fun and  inexpensive activities in the Douglas/Saugatuck area.  To collect all the blogs, you should subscribe to my blogs at activerain.com - Go to www.activerain.com, Go to Michigan, Go to Allegan County, Go to Saugatuck and get on Dee Dee Hanson's Blog.  Just sign on for my blogs to come to you automatically which will happen as they are posted - hopefully one a week in this series.  Or you can check my website at www.mysaugatuck.com and click to the right of the little dog at Dee Dee's Blog.  While you are... 04/06/2009

When out to show a property the other day - all the way across the county - Where God lost his sandals.  It was a delightful trip and the barns are fantastic so I stopped at several of them and took photos to share with all of you.  Some of these were in great condition and some of them won't last very long.                When you come over to stay in Saugatuck and check out the Saugatuck and Douglas real estate and enjoy Oval Beach, be sure to allow sometime to just ride around and look at the scenery.  Bring your oils or watercolors and capture one of these on canvas.  Allegan County is waiting for you.                                                                                03/27/2009

There are three fantastic foreclosure opportunities currently available in the Saugatuck area.   The first is a lot on the outskirts of "the hill" that is much larger than normal lots in Saugatuck.  Usually lots are platted at 66' X 132' while this one is 124' X 132'.   This may even be possible to  divide this property into two lots (have to check with the City to determine this) with the approval of the City of Saugatuck due to the fact that East Street is platted on the edge of the property but was never extended nor will it be as this is a dead end.  Lots in Saugatuck can go for up to $150,000 so this is really a great deal if you have decided that you just will not be happy unless you  build your home and want to be in the City of Saugatuck.  Nothing else is available "on the hill"... 03/13/2009

By popular demand, I have finally completed the market study for sales of residential units in Saugatuck, Douglas, and Saugatuck Township in 2008 as compared to 2007. 147 Residential Units sold in 2007 versus 96 in 2008.  Number of sales dropped by 65%. $45,500,000 was spent for residential units in 2007 as compared to $27,800,000 in 2008.  Dollars spend dropped by 61%. Lowest priced sale in 2007 was $50,000.  Lowest priced sale in 2008 was $17,000.  SUCH A DEAL! Highest priced sale in 2007 was $1,711,000 and in 2008 it was $1,300,000.  Even the lake shore properties are going for less.  NOW YOU CAN OWN ON LAKE MICHIGAN.  COME ON OVER! In 2007 buyers were paying an average of 94% of the asking price while in 2008, they were paying 92%.  Great deals for buyers. Medium price in 2007 was $... 03/11/2009

The foreclosure opportunities in Saugatuck, Mi continue to trickle in.  Currently there are three interesting properties on the market.  The first one is a building from the turn of the century that is about one and one-half blocks from Butler Street "on the hill" with three available condo units.  One unit is in foreclosure and priced in the $40,000s and the other two subject to short sale and priced in the $60,000s. Two of the units are on the ground floor - one in the front and one in the rear and the third unit is upstairs.  These are very small uits with about 600 SF each and only one bedroom each, a small kitchen and living room.  Perfect as a getaway for one or two people and can be rented out.  If you have been anxious to get "something small" in Saugatuck, here is your chance. ... 01/03/2009

I guess my crystal ball is broken.  I can't tell you the exact date that we will be at the bottom of this market.  BUT I WILL KNOW WHEN WE ARE SIX MONTHS FROM THE END OF THE NEW FORECLOSURES.  How will I know this? by reading the Allegan County News.  Every week the new foreclosure notices for properties in Allegan County where Sauguatuck is located are listed in the Allegan County News behind the sports section.  Each notice indicates the date that the property will be "foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises" at the County Courthouse.  This date is usually shortly after the publication of the announcement. There are at least five or six pages of these properties each week.  Each page contains about fifteen properties.  That is about ninety properties per week for Allegan County... 01/02/2009

If you always wanted a second home near Saugatuck, Michigan, but thought you could not afford it, think again.  Now is the time!  In the current market with some surprising foreclosures, you may be in luck.  Last Wednesday one of my clients bought this home less than 1/2 a mile from Douglas, Michigan, in Saugatuck Township on one acre of land for $25,000!  SUCH A DEAL!Yes, you read that right - $25,000.  This property is essentially in move in condition with only a few minor repairs required.  Complete with wood floors and replacement windows. And guess what?  As an added bonus, it comes with this cute pole barn with an upstairs and separate electrical, on a quiet street (known to the old time locals as the Hooter Road - for the large number of owls in the area) and lots of trees on an ... 11/28/2008

When you get to Saugatuck, if you have a chance take a cruise down the Kalamazoo River either with a friend or on the paddle boat that leaves from the end of Water Street several times a day.  Sunset cruises are the best.  Every sunset is different.  They can be gently pink and blue like this one or more dramatic shades of orange.  The river is meandering and quite picturesque with boats, boat houses, and resort homes.  Lots to see.  People are friendly and wave as you pass them.   Sunset is a very special time of day - when you want to "hold time in a bottle" and just savour the experience.  Good friends, a bottle and wine and a beautiful sunset - What could be better.  The trip is slow - no wake zone - and affords plenty of time of reflection. Allow a couple of hours at least for the ... 08/02/2008

I finally decided that I was going to go to Oval Beach at least once a week.  Otherwise what is the benefit of living in Saugatuck?  So I am taking time out for myself to spend one hour at the beach at least once a week.  Last week I just wandered over there and watched the waves and had a wonderful Chicago Hot Dog at the Beach Stand at Oval Beach. Really fantastic with onions, fresh tomatoes, and dill pickle.  I just sat there and let the gentle breeze caress my body.  Then I finally understood the Old Testament saying that God was in the gentle breeze.  It was so glorious that it almost brought tears to my eyes.  This is what life is all about.  The kingdom of God is NOW! I went back to Oval Beach again yesterday for another hot dog and to take a swim.   Now I am traveling around with... 07/31/2008

Ted Swoboda of Swoboda Images did it again. He climbed to the top of Mt. Baldy over looking the beautiful town of Saugatuck, Michigan. Perched high above the harbor, Ted snapped some wonderful images of this years fireworks. Saugatuck has three fireworks displays throughout the year and Ted is over gracious enough to send these photos to his friends. (Glad I'm one of them.) My bride and I enjoyed the fireworks from ground level at the harbors edge, it was an awesome display once again. Take the time to visit Ted's web site for local photos, he does a fantastic job. Thanks again Ted. 07/05/2008

Summer in Saugatuck is in full swing.  This Saturday, July 5th, the Waterfront Invitational Fine Art Fair will be open from 9 am to 5 pm with over one hundred juried vendors.  Lots of great artistic items such as paintings, pottery, jewelry, etc.  You can always park up at the high school and either walk down to the fair at the end of Butler Street or take the free shuttle.  You don't want to miss this as it comes but once a year.  This is the place for one of a kind items.  Proceeds from rental of the spaces goes mostly into art scholarships for the kids from Saugatuck. People are hanging out at the beach whenever possible.  You can either take a walk in the morning and be totally alone or hang out on the beach during the day on the weekend with a few other folks.The days are glorious ... 07/01/2008

Location, Location, Location ... and a lot of elegance! This statement says it all. Bentley Waterfront Suites are nestled on the Kalamazoo River, and a short boat ride to beautiful Lake Michigan. The Bentley consists of four private suites, providing each guest the personal service of Europe, in the heart of the quaint town of Saugatuck, Michigan. No need for transportation once you arrive as the town is at the front door step. Breakfast in bed, private terrace and balconies overlooking the water, romance as you watch the sun settle over the town, can all be yours without ever leaving the Suites. Enjoy the night life, great stores, restaurants and Saugatuck's many art galleries and retire to your private suite without ever walking for more than five minutes at the most. Plan your escape... 06/22/2008

Al-Van Humane Society set up at Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt last Saturday with puppies, dogs and kittys to take applications for adoption.  We are hoping to make this an annual event.   It was organized by Mike Bojko and Edie Spencer of our office and well attended by about twenty five visitors, one of whom signed up to adopt one of the puppies and one of whom dropped off a cat that he was unable to take with him when as he was moving.   This is a great event for recognition in the area for the office.  Here is a photo the Humane Society people in green and the realtors in whatever.   Realtors include (standing from the left) Dee Dee Hanson, Mike Bojko, JJeff Wilcox, Tammy Watson-Small and Edie Spencer  I am holding my little mascot Papillion, Ilsa.  She was not a rescue dog.  You ... 06/02/2008

The Waterfront Film Festival will be returning to Saugatuck on June 12th through the 15th.  This is a lot of fun with about four different venues going all day long.  You can order your tickets right on line and they are very inexpensive.  You can sign up at www.waterfrontfilm.org and they will send you a list of the films as soon as they are ready.  Make your reservations and come on over!  If you missed Cannes, you don't want to miss this too.  See you there.   Dee Dee Hanson, Associate Broker, CB Woodland Schmidt, www.mysaugatuck.com 05/30/2008

If you have never attended the Waterfront Film Festival, here's your chance. Starting June 12-15 the City of Saugatuck, Michigan will be filled with film goers enjoy the 10th Annual festival. 2008 Passes now on Sale!   Passes for this year's festival, June 12-15, are now on sale. Individual tickets will go on sale when the programming line-up and schedule are released -- BUT why not make the most of Festival Weekend and purchase a pass?!?!? The Patron Pass and Fast Pass festival passes not only give access to all films and seminars, with first entry rights, but also give the exclusive opportunity to mingle with our industry and celebrity guests at our Friday and Saturday evening mixers!  In what has quickly become a tradition, the idyllic resort village of Saugatuck, Michigan comes ali... 05/20/2008

I wanted to thank Dee Dee Hanson for going above and beyond her call of duty. Dee Dee helped myself and another fellow Active Rainer, (Todd Pierantoni) out when we ran into a pinch. My fax machine has been down and Dee was gracious enough to come to our rescue. Todd, is located in Grand Rapids and Dee Dee is in the Saugatuck area. The option was to make a road trip to Grand Rapids, nearly a 40 minute ride or find a fax machine near by. My first thought was fellow Active Rainer, Dee Dee. Todd, contacted Dee Dee and her response "No Problem". Dee Dee took the time to fax, scan and e-mail the file over to Todd, even though she had nothing to do with the deal. The power of The Rain and the networking of online friends is amazing. The helping hand I've experienced online and off from Active... 05/15/2008

Please join me in welcoming one of newer members to the Active Rain Family. Mark Vonderheide of Vonderheide Architects is from Saugatuck, MI. He a good friend with some awesome talent. Mark recently lost his office in a fire which destroyed a beautiful building housing businesses and loft style apartments. No body was hurt, but the quickness that Mark and his team recovered, relocated and back in business to service their client was unbelievable. His new office is awesome. Great job Mark! Mark, welcome to the Active Rain Family. Some the work Mark and his Team have done. Visit the Vonderheide website to view others. PS. Mark hasn't been able to load a profile photo with the recent blip in the AR system. But he continues to try daily.     05/13/2008

Here is the link to the Today Show from earlier this week.  Barbara Corcoran's new book, "Nextville" was reviewed.  Barbara was picking the new, hip places to retire and, guess what, Saugatuck was first.  Here is the link so you can see it for yourselves http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24366939#24366939  Come on over.  The water is fine!  Check out my blogs and all homes on mysaugatuck.com. 05/02/2008

Our own Barbara Corcoran (Active Rain Member) was on the Today show recently.  The show was about "The Best Places to Retire"Saugatuck, Michigan was Barbara's first recommendation for quaint and unique living. Being from the area, I have to say Bravo to Barbara, and an excellent recommendation. We love it here and would second the motion. The best kept secret is out, we'll leave the door open. Check out the interview that Barbara did on the Today Show. (There's a 14 second commercial at first, then it goes right to the interview.)Please visit or better yet, come to live here.Picture of The Petersen Mill provided by www.swobodaimages.com   04/30/2008

The Belvedere Inn is an suburb Bed & Breakfast located in Saugatuck, Michigan. Shaun and Pete provide the utmost, top of the line service to their visitors. " ... as splendid as a small hotel on the Left Bank in Paris or on a canal in Venice." Lake Magazine Best of Reader's Choice Winner, Bed & Breakfast Read Article A get away romantic weekend or a step back in time, The Belvedere Inn is a must see and stay get away destination. It's by far the best kept secret.   Also please visit this post about Saugatuck Bed and Breakfast. 04/18/2008