Welcome to my Big Rapids Real Estate Blog: January 2011

As many of you know I am enrolled in Leadership Mecosta. It is a 9 month class to help area leaders better understand their surrounding area, it's needs and strengths. This month was on Health Care and Human Services. Every month I am surprised by the amount of need in our area. When you hear statistics like 600 homeless students it sends chills through my bones. I understand not all 600 have no home (they are living with someone else) but in my opinion 1 is too many. The other thing this month that amazed me was the operation of our area hospital. I really enjoyed hearing Sam Daugherty, CEO of Mecosta County Medical Center speak as he is in my mind the definition of a Leader. We also heard from a fellow Ambassador of mine, Thomas Hogenson who is the Community Relations Director at Mecosta County Medical Center. Both of these men enlightened my group on how the hospital handles day to day operations and I was overwhelmed by their commitment to the public. I suggest we all reach out to our communities and help where we can. We are all in this together. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading.

The news is out. Geo Group will be reopening the prison in Baldwin, MI. The NorthLake Correctional Facility will be accepting prisoners starting around May of 2011. Considering the number of inmates at around 2,500 and with a staff of another 450 the Northern Lake County area will be a hot spot for real estate. Baldwin has always been a beautiful spot right in the middle of a great recreational area and with the addition of another source of employment will be a great place to live. Considering the population of Baldwin, MI sits at around 1,200 this should prove to be a great asset to the businesses in the area. Along with the staff most likely families of the residents will follow to the area and need homes. When searching for Baldwin, MI real estate, Lake and Lodge Realty LLC remains one of the premiere real estate companies of the area and welcomes the opportunity to help those families and the staff with all your relocation needs. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading.

I have to admit I will miss 2010. It was one of my best years in real estate. Active Rain was a huge part in that as I am here reading posts every day at 4am, drawing from the positive energies I find. I know some had a pretty rough year and I love the way the thought of a "New" year spurs them but in reality true change comes from within. Lets all focus on not just saying Happy New Year, but living it. When you catch yourself speaking negative, ask "is this going to get me where I need to be?" and then put a positive spin on it. My New Years celebrations were not as elaborate as some. I spent the evening with my family playing Tiger Woods Golf on the PS3. If you haven't tried it with the "Move", you should. As much as I will miss 2010, I am really looking forward to making 2011 the best year yet. I wish you all the best of New Years and thanks for reading.