Welcome to my Big Rapids Real Estate Blog

Being a Chamber member we are often reminded to buy local here in Big Rapids. We even have a Band of Locals Website to help people find where they can grab extra good deals. Here it is: Band of Locals. What a great program. You pay $10 for a Blue wrist band and it entitles you to all sorts of savings. Some deals like Preferred Office Machines who offer 1/2 off copying could save hundreds of $$$ depending on how many copies you need and John Milan is always eager to help. Shopping local isn' just for the stores either. When I buy Jalapeno Brats from Snyder's Market it is because I have never in my life found better tasting brats. They also have the best pulled pork and smoked brisket anywhere. Buying local keeps the money working in and around your community. The lure of the big box stores saving you three cents doesn't compare to knowing you are helping a family run business who happens to know your name and always loves to see you. Take my Buy Local challenge and try for a week to shop local markets and stores instead of the big box machines and see if you don't enjoy the experience. You will not only meet new people and find new treasures but you may be keeping your neighborin from losing their job. Best of luck in all you do.

I'd like to introduce shoppers to Sunrise Haven Estates here in Big Rapids, MI. Located on the Northern end of Big Rapids this development offers easy access to US131 for commutes and only minutes away fro the Downtown area. Sunrise Haven Estates is a planned residential community with 73 lots already platted and in. All underground utilities including natural gas and city sewer, hydro seed lawns, landscaping, and sprinkler systems included.  Amenities include Lighted Tennis/Basketball Courts and Horse Shoe pits, volleyball area, illuminated paved walk paths around Lake Esther. Complete with a huge sandy beach, picnic area with Pavilion & swimming areas. Almost every lot has an incredible view whether you want woods, water or just being able to see for miles. Lots start out at just $10,900 up to $34,900 for lakefront living and Sunrise Haven also offers home packages to fit most budgets making it a seem less transition between dream and home ownership.

Every Wednesday in Big Rapids right behind the Middle School on N. Michigan the Big Rapids Bandshell Summer Concert has been doing free concerts. Free Wheelin was amazing and lst week Susan Morris and BlueMonk Jazzed it up. This week's must see event is Wednesday, Aug 4, 2010 7pm - 8:30pm. Gypsy Switch featuring Kelly Quinn will be performing for you live at the Band Shell. Should be another huge success. All concerts are free and open to the public so no reason to not stop by and enjoy. Bring a lawn chair and a beverage and enjoy. See you there.

This coming weekend is another "must do" if in the Morley Area. The dates are Friday, Aug 6, 2010 - Sunday, Aug 8, 2010 for the Morley Celebration on the Pond for 2010. Located in downtown Morley with tractor pulls, an antique car show, street dance and much more. The tractor pulls have several classes incuding farm tractors, light trucks and even semi tractors. There will also be Food Venders, Portable Toilets and Bleachers available. See you there.

Directions to the event are: 131 Expressway to exit 125 Jefferson Rd/Morley, East on Jefferson to Northland Dr, Left on Northland Dr and follow signs.

Here is an amazing deal I had to share. Here is an incredible Log Home. New construction using large logs on 40 acres all fenced for horses and within walking distance to all sports Big Lake. How's 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths sound? Log home along with basement have combined sq. footage is over 5.000 sq. ft. Basement is finished off and has separate kitchen, living/dining areas along with 2 bedrooms and a bath so you can live downstairs while the top is being finished. Weather tight shell is complete with insulated windows and amazing woodwork throughout. Sold as a copmleted shell or seller will finish with acceptable terms. Need space for your toys or business venture? Pole barn has over 8,000 sq. ft. with a huge storage area up above. Perfect place to retire or for that large family home.

Best of all Price has been reduced to $250K for a quick sale.

The Big Rapids Wheels in the Field car show will be held Saturday, July 31, 2010 9am thru Sunday, August 01, 2010 10am right here at the Big Rapids Fairgrounds, bring the whole family to go back in time with these classic cars. Last year it was a great event and this year looks to be even better. Great way to spend the day going back in time and spend the day with the family. See you there.

Friday July 30th is the date to remember for the 2010 Barryton Homecoming Days this year. It's a must do if in the Barryton area this week. Great time to bring the family downtown for the parade and other fun events through out the day including a fantastic truck and tractor pull. See you there and best of luck in all you do.

With the hot days of summer upon us a "Must Do" when in Big Rapids is to check out our community pool. The City of Big Rapids operates the Charles E. Fairman Community Pool from mid June to mid August. Swimming Lessons are provided at a nominal charge. If you cannot afford lessons, please check with the pool staff for scholarships. Lessons are available five days per week for five weeks. Located in the 100 block of Hutchinson Street it features the community swimming and picnic area with grills and a hiking area. The pool is "Z" shaped and is over 10,000 sq ft. It ranges from 2 1/2 feet to 10 feet. Open Swim is held weekdays when the pool is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. Weekend hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. What a great way to spend the day. See you there.

The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce had their monthly Rise and Shine in Paris this month. Paris, Mi of course. What a great way to start the day mixing with other area business owners and their employees. The Rise and Shine Events along with Business After Hours are just a couple of the great advantages to being a member of the Chamber.

This Month the Rise and Shine was held at the Paris County Parks old Fish Hatchery. Paris Park features a 20' Eiffle Tower, An 8' Wooden Indian, Camp in cabins, a canoe launch and a fishing concession along the banks of the Muskegon River. The park also has the White Pine Trail State Park running through it. The trail offers park users the activities of bicycling, hiking, snowmobiling and other uses throughout the year. Nice picnic areas and a picnic shelter are also available.

Paris Park is the site of many activities throughout the year but Springtime in Paris offers the most activities. The Art exhibits are definitely worth sneaking a peak at, along with the arts and crafts sales, but there is also a celebration of music with a wide variety of tastes and cultures in mind. Free dance, folk songs, strolling musicians, clowns, international folk dance and even can-can dancers are all there celebrating each Father's Day weekend. A Father's Day breakfast and non-denominational church service are part of the events on Sunday. This festival offers lots of fun and activities for the entire family. If you have never been to the Paris Park, stop whatever you are doing and put this on your "Must Do" list. For more info on Paris Park and others in Mecosta County check out their Mecosta County Parks Website. Great family get away and who knows...I may see you there. Best of luck in all you do.

I just left the Big Rapids Summer Concert Series at the Band Shell behind the Middle School right on Michigan Ave. This week the featured Free Wheelin', a bluegrass band that did a fantastic job. There was a great mix of bluegrass music mixed in with some humor and singing. As I walked up they played a little song called "Pot Bellied Man". I loved it. The band has four players. Marc Conley on banjo,Dan Seabolt on fiddle, Dave Seabolt guitar and Buck Robinson on the dog house base! I was literally amazed at the tempo of the songs. My fingers would have been bleeding to try and keep up with these guys. To sum it up in one word I would say Amazing.

Here's a little description from their FaceBook page: Free Wheelin has been together for over25 years and has opened for such names as the Nitty gritty Dirt band,Doc Wattson,Ralph Stanley,Vasser Clements,The Reno brothers,and more! Its Nascar Bluegrass!and Four old guys playing way to fast !

When they say Nascar fast they mean it. If you have never heard these guys play put it on your "Must Do" list. They are regulars at Zellie's Opry House in Howard City. Next concert at Zellie's will be on July 30th so write down the date and attend. You won't be sorry. See you there and best of luck in all you do.