Record Breaking State Oil & Mineral Lease Auction A potentially huge unconventional natural gas reserve has been discovered in Northern Michigan.  This new natural gas play has been dubbed the "Collingwood Utica" shale play, named after Collingwood Shale, which is present in Northern Michigan at varying depths, along with Utica Shale, which is also present at shallower depths. Prompting incredible speculation in local gas, oil and mineral rights leases are reports of a successful natural gas test well in Missaukee County owned by Petoskey Exploration, LLC, a subsidiary of Canadian based natural gas producer Encana Corporation.   Oil, gas and mineral leases on land owned by the state of Michigan were auctioned off for a record $176 million in early May of 2010.  The average lease price o... 06/14/2010

  Remember my last blog post, about the Palo Alto farmers' market, where I promised to speak at greater length about the amazingness that is American Spoon Foods and everything that comes out of their kitchen? Well, I'm moved to speak sooner than I thought, because I just discovered something ridiculously cool---American Spoon Foods has a blog. A detailed, adorable blog, complete with pictures of the chefs at work and hunger-pang inducing close-ups of fruit in various stages of the canning (is that the right word? maybe preserving?) process. It's called Spoon Blog. SPOON BLOG. Love it (as only a truly obsessive blogger could). I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. Let me pause my rapture to explain to those of you who haven't yet tasted American Spoon's products what exactly this ... 06/07/2010

Last spring, I wrote about the beautiful plans for the "Hotel Janelle" Condominium Hotel project set to begin construction in Harbor Springs. To date, there has been no construction. In fact, the only thing that has occurred is the destruction of the former inn that sat on the site, followed by a lawsuit over the hotel's height blocking resident's views of Little Traverse bay, and now foreclosure proceedings! It is of course sad to see, especially when our small community has already seen a similar multi-million dollar project bust in Petoskey. Below you'll find the full article that was published in the Petoskey News Review on March 18, 2010 (copy & pasted for your ease:)  You can also read it here: http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/article_20d96d06-3298-11df-9d8a-001cc4c002e0.html Hote... 03/18/2010

First off, Happy fourth!!!!  I am on vacation here in Northern Michigan and came across two wonderful concepts from city of Petoskey that I would just like to say, THANK YOU! The other day we were shopping and our time ran out on the parking meter.  We turn the corner to see a 'ticket' on the windshield. I kept saying to my sister, "maybe it's not a ticket" knowing it probably was!  Well, it wasn't.  It was a warning, welcoming us to the city (Tennessee plates) and giving us 1 hour to return and fill meter.  Wow.  That was nice.  Then today, I noticed on the meter, they have a phone number you can call and fill your meter by cell phone!!!!  I love this.  I could shop all day and not worry about a ticket.  Just a thought.  Thanks Petoskey! 07/04/2009

The Cottage Company of Harbor Springs has begun the Hotel Janelle development project. Construction is said to begin sometime in 2009. The goal is to be one of the Midwest’s finest condominium hotels, and will be located in downtown Harbor Springs. Upon completion, the property will have 18 large luxurious suites, an indoor pool and spa, rooftop cocktail deck with views of beautiful lake Michigan, an exercise club, croquet lawn, and many more features and accommodations for guests. Suites will feature floor plans with one, two, or three fully furnished bedrooms. Other features may include hardwood floors, fireplaces, nine to ten foot ceilings, custom cabinetry, granite counters, wireless internet, flat screen televisions, room safes, steam showers, and private label items created exclus... 04/05/2009

Harbor Springs Realty has merged with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors of Harbor Springs.  The new office is located at the entrance to Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club (the Coldwell Banker office.)  Harbor Springs Realty broker-owners, licensed assistants, and rental manager are now working from the new location. This is an exciting opportunity to provide more rental options for guests including more rental properties to choose from and vacation protector insurance.  Holiday Vacation Rentals offers fine rental properties in Birchwood Farms, Boyne City, Harbor Springs, Cross Village, and surrounding areas.  Online booking is available for your conveniance and Holiday Vacation Rentals accepts all major credit cards!  If you would like to learn more about the vacation rental program ... 04/05/2009

Home Staging In many regards, home staging seems like a no brainer. It's relatively easy and can work with any budget. Simple staging techniques can be the difference between a good showing, and a terrible showing. First impressions really do matter. If you don't want to do a major staging overhaul try these simple tips that many overlook: 1. Tidy up the yard. Give the lawn a fresh cut, pick up the kids toys, close the shed door, pull the weeds out of the garden, rake the leaves, etc. Buyers will walk the property if interested. Don't let them step in Fido's doo-doo! 2. Clear the driveway and walks. Remove snow, blow the leaves, and otherwise make a nice entryway to the home. This also helps keep people from tracking dirt and snow through your house! 3. Make it easy for buyers to visual... 02/07/2009

Yes My Firends!  It is a Winter Wonderland here in Petoskey and Bay Harbor Area!   Come see the show!  (Do you love the sparkle of the light as it hits the top crisp layer of a new snow?)   It is going to be a Great ski Season.   We are excited.   You would love it here, if you love being out in beautiful country, where it is clean, and refreshing! Walloon Lake Village, first snow, dusk...     Come visit, and let me be your guide to ownership in The Boyne area!   Here is hoping that your Thanksgiving was peaceful and that your heart is full. Sincerely,   Lori Jodar 12/01/2008

We recently spent a week in Chandler, Arizona for the Vacation Rental Managers Association conference.   Below is a press release of some of the highlights.  Holiday Vacation Rentals is one of the companies I work for- a member of VRMA. ------------------------------- Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELOCAL BUSINESS LEADER ELECTED TO VRMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCEChandler, AZ ---Alan Hammond, Managing Partner of Holiday Vacation Rentals, Harbor Springs, Michigan has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) at its annual conference and business meeting. VRMA is an international trade association that provides professional educational development, programs and resources dedicated to the professional management of ... 11/21/2008

Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC is very pleased to announce the addition of new interactive mapping capabilities when searching the Northern Michigan MLS for homes. You can now perform a map search of Petoskey, Michigan homes for sale, or show the location of homes or other properties meeting your desired search parameters on a map. A number of clients ask for a mapable search feature on my MLS search page, and am happy to provide it for you. Enjoy! 11/05/2008

        Welcome to the place where the Rainbow Ends!    Welcome to Northwest Michigan...Little Traverse Bay.  The home of Bay Harbor, a truly World Class Destination!   If you have clients who are seeking an investment that will endure, you need to suggest that they check out our area.  I am available to show them the best that this area has to offer! Check out my website for more photos of the beauty that is Northern Michigan, a 4 seasons Playground. Thanks, Lori Jodar, Assoc. Broker 231-330-3499 11/01/2008

Thanks for checking in!  I do NOT want to waste your time, so please, just copy the link and paste in to see a really great message.  Just 4 minutes.   Thanks, and see you in line to vote!   Mary Dowling, GRI Proud American http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KP3iMV71dI     10/28/2008

                                Well, if you missed this weekend, you will most likely have to wait until next fall to see these colors here again in Northern Michigan.   I have enjoyed sharing the colors with you immensely and the response has been great.  There are many Realtors throughout this great country who grew up in the northern states, and can appreciate the overwhelming feelings that are experienced by a simple Sunday drive through the countryside in the fall. Thanks for your comments.  I hope to be able to share the next months with you, as it is as intensely rich, in the wonder of the seasons! Happy Halloween to all of you!     Lori Jodar           10/19/2008

                   Come see the show!                                                      Boyne City Michigan              Petoskey Michigan Rocks in the fall!!    What more can we show you to get you here? It was 70 today and perfect!   Did I sell a home today, no, but I had a fabulous day!   Lori Jodar     10/11/2008

Although Michigan is often called the (Wolverine State) there are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. The University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states.  Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit, the name was changed in 1821.  The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.             Corn in Michigan Field The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspention bridges in the world.  Connecting the Upper Peninsula with the Lower Peninsula, it spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.  Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights.  seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 18... 10/08/2008

Fall comes to Northern Michigan This shot is just outside Boyne City Michigan     Tractor shot is on Camp Daggett Road outside of Bay Shore Michigan     Shot #3 is near Boyne City,   and the shot of trees could be here anywhere!     Come see us here this fall.                                           Come One Come All, to the spectacular Color Tour in Northwest Michigan! Come buy the deal of a lifetime! Let me show you some wise investments!!   Lori Jodar, Assoc. Broker 231-330-3499 to schedule your personal tour!! 09/29/2008

 After months and months of negative press about the Real Estate Market have we finally turned the corner in the Petoskey Real Estate market?  The question has long been when will the market hit bottom, with the answer always being no one will know for sure until the market starts to go up.  I believe I have found statistics to prove that we may be on our way back up.  In the Petoskey real estate market from January 1, 2008 through March 3, 2008 the number of sales is actually up 5% over the same time period in 2007.  This includes all sales published in the Northern Michigan Multiple Listing System including residential, vacant, waterfront and commercial properties.  As far as the Petoskey residential market goes from January 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008 the statistics are up 3% o... 03/25/2008

Back a few years ago, a couple of foreclosure notices posted at the Emmet County Courthouse was the norm.  Nowadays, they might need to put another anchor in the wall so the bulletin board doesn't come crashing down (or perhaps consider purchasing a bigger bulletin board).What does this mean for you if you are considering the purchase of a home in Emmet or Charlevoix Counties?The number of Northern Michigan properties in foreclosure and bank owned properties on the market can potentially be considered good news for buyers.  High foreclosure rates can result not only in good buys on bank owned properties, but possible short sale opportunities for homes still in foreclosure.However, foreclosure sales can be fraught with pitfalls.  Under Michigan law, bank owned properties are generally no... 02/25/2008

In Emmet County, 436 residential sales were reported in 2007, down from 496 sales in 2006, a decline of more than 12%.  The average sales price declined from $344,021 in 2006 to $320,377 in 2007.  The median sales price actually increased, however, from $189,079 in 2006 to $190,000 in 2007.  Note: Market information courtesy of Emmet Ass'n of Realtors.  Emmet County real estate sales include single family homes, farms and condominiums.   02/18/2008

In the Pellston School District, 31 residential sales were reported in 2007, down from 34 sales in 2006, a decline of almost 9%.  Despite the weakness in sales volume, prices actually improved somewhat.  The average sales price increased from $119,191 in 2006 to $140,733 in 2007.  The median sales price also increased, from $100,790 in 2006 to $106,940 in 2007, an increase of over 6%.  Note: Market information courtesy of Emmet Ass'n of Realtors.  Pellston real estate sales include single family homes, farms and condominiums.   02/18/2008