Welcome to my Big Rapids Real Estate Blog

What Happens When the Stars Don't Shine?

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:13:32 -0700

What happens in your office when the Satrs don't shine? When that key person is missing either by schedule or accident? Do you have a back up plan in place in the event you decide you really do need a vacation or come down with an illness that forces you to stay home for a period of time? We have all had that transaction getting ready to close when it screams to a halt because a key player is missing. Whether it be a processor or underwriter, assistant or agent it still is very annoying to the rest of the team when there is no back up in place. I have had deals as recent as this week already that have delayed closings because a processor took a vacation. Really??? Do you close your bank because one person isn't there? Imagine finally scoring tickets to the Super Bowl and as the teams line up for the kick off the announcer says they are really super sorry but the kicker is not feeling well so the game has been canceled. Keep in mind they are also sorry for any inconvenience. Of course that wouldn't happen because they have a plan in case their key players are not able to play. Take a few and go over your back up plan and discuss who will take over what jobs in the event one person is missing. A few minutes of planning can save a lot of bad feelings down the road for the unprepared. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading.

As always if you think the Big Rapids area is a place you would like to live give us a call (231) 796-5253 or check out either link below and we will help you find a house so the Big Rapids area can be your home too. Thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

The Importance of a Great Partner.

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:01:39 -0700

Yesterday was my anniversary. We have been together 20 years now and while reflecting how how lucky I am it occurred to me how crucial it was to have the perfect partner. She doesn't know much about real estate but she scores high in patience, understanding and willing to work her day job and come home and help work mine. I take her with me on most any showing where I have female clients to ease any tensions they may have of working with a man. She is great when my buyers bring kids as she keeps them busy giving the buyers a chance to see the home uninterrupted. Thinking back I would have given up several times without her reminding me no dream comes without work. In the early days having an extra income didn't hurt either and I am not sure how well I would have done had the roles been reversed. She thinks I would have done the same but then she has always had a high opinion of me. A spouse can make or break a career in any field so it is critical to sit down with them and see where they stand anytime a new career path is chosen and real estate it is beyond important to have them aboard when making a run at it. Best of luck in all you do and take a minute to thank those who have helped you.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Pocket Park Kick Off in Big Rapids, MI

Sun, 20 May 2012 08:26:41 -0700

The date is May 11, 2012 and it marks the kick off for the Pocket Park in Big Rapids, MI. The park is between Chemical Bank and Peppers Cafe Downtown and every Friday throughout the Summer the public is treated to a different musical delight all free of charge. This year we start off with a performance by country and gospel singer Terry Williams. Every week features a different entertainer and they run through the summer. If you happen to be in or around Big Rapids on Fridays this summer the downtown area is a must visit destination. The Farmer's Market and Pocket Park music are just a couple of weekly events for your enjoyment. See you there!!!

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Take Time Out For A Walk

Fri, 18 May 2012 04:50:18 -0700

Saturday May 19, 2012 is the date for the 6th Annual Susan P Wheatlake's Cancer and Wellness Walk and 5K Run. This year we will be meeting at the Big Rapids Middle School, located at 500 N. Warren here in beautiful Big Rapids. Registration for the run starts at 8am and the run beginning at 9am. Registration for the walk starts at 9am and the walk beginning at 10am. Either way you get a taste of our Riverwalk which lies alongside the Muskegon River. It is an amazing walk with some of the most scenic river shots you will find. After the walk there is a silent auction and a drawing for a 42" TV to add to the excitement. This gets bigger every year and the support from the community always amazes me and makes me proud to be part of such a loving City. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you there!

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Happy Mother's Day

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:06:55 -0700

Not a day goes by I don't think of my mom. She passed away 9 years ago but not before giving me my love of sunsets and teaching me what true servant leadership was. She was always first to offer help and last to ask for it. She was the kind of person that it made you fell good if she would let you help. Not because she asked but because you wanted to. I want to wish all of my Face Book Mothers a very Happy Mother's Day and encourage each of you who are able to call your mom. We never know which words we speak are the last they will hear so chose your words carefully. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading.

RIP Marge Ostrander 1933-2003

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Shameless Self Promoters?

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:46:19 -0700

At our Annual Meeting for the Chamber of Commerce I beklong to we listened to the speaker who did an outstanding job covering Social Media and how his company could help us strenthen our position. When he referred to us Realtors as "Shameless Self Promoters" I was a little shocked but after a little thought might agree somewhat. Most everything we do has our contact info attached. We leave cards, buy bill boards, radio and tv ads. I guess it was more the way it sounded that sent chills up my spine. I do promote myself any chance I get and I am wondering about FaceBook pages for business. I know the more people that like your page can't hurt but do you think it does any significant good? I have just under a thousand friends on FB and have never really asked them to like my business page until today. I am a little nervous about the response. I built it...what if no one comes? Would love to hear opinons from my Active Rain family. I put a link to my personal page on Active Rain but maybe I should have did a Like Lake and Lodge link. Well here is a link to my Buisness Page should any wish to help me Shamelessly Self Promote: Lake and Lodge Realty FaceBook Page. I look forward to reading your responses and thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Verizon Wireless Scammers!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:22:22 -0700

Recently in our area everyone who was Alltel was switched over to Verizon. Has been a pretty easy conversion. Yesterday at lunch with my wife I get a call from Verizon wanting to conclude the switch over by authenticating my phones. He asked a few normal screening questions like the last 4 of my social and billing zip code and then to verify ownership he was to text me a code (while I was on the phone). He asked what the numbers were, said I was verified and thanked me for my business. After I hung up I got that sinking feeling like something just wasn't right. I dialed the number on my cell and it was Verizon. Luckily the restaurant we were at was near our Verizon Store so I stopped in. Turns out it was a newly devised scam. The man somehow had access to Verizon and when he sent me the text code in reality had Verizon reset my password and text it to me which I of course read to him. The folks at Verizon were great. They called their fraud division right from the store where we reset my password again and reset my billing password as well. Just thought i would share that if your phone carrier calls you to read back a text they sent you DON'T DO IT!. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

The Future has Arrived in McBain, MI

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:21:11 -0700

While driving through rural McBain this week we noticed something peculiar rising out of the cord fields. Seems technology has arrived in Northern Michigan in a big way. These giants aren't just big they are huge. Approx 475' to the top of the blades. A company called Heritage Sustainable Energy is building this wind farm and plan to have 20 to 30 when completed. Having been raised where two story buildings are tall these guys are amazing. If you plan on being in or around the McBain area these are a must see. You can see them all the way from Cadillac (where I first noticed them). Enjoy the drive and thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Big Rapids School Calendar

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:46:39 -0700

Less than a week till school starts so it is time to post the best place to check out the school calendars. Big Rapids Schools have a few to choose from.

The Main Calendar is the general complete calendar for the BRPS system.

The Holidays and Breaks covers the Holidays abd Breaks for the school year.

The Big Rapids Schools Events Calendar covers all school events.

Finally the BRPS Sports Calendar covers all the sports dates and times to keep in mind.

When in doubt you can always check out the Big Rapids Public Schools website. It has a complete list of contact numbers and news related to the schools. Enjoy the school year and thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Big Rapids School Supply List

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:56:50 -0700

This should be title Big Rapids Schools Lack of Supply List. Seems like the first place that tightens up whenever there are budget cuts are schools. This totally confuses me as to why we would want the people who will be running our Country when we are too old to not get a quality education? Maybe it is because our Government is banking on people joining in to help the schools. This is a place everyone can help. Maybe not in a huge donation but even a few packs of paper or pencils can make a big difference. I know of one teacher that paid almost $1K out of pocket to keep their class rolling. This time of year there are all sorts of fund raisers to help the schools so try extra hard this year as the needs are greater than ever. Keep in mind these little people are tomorrow's future and we can make a difference. Do what you can and Thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Big Rapids Public School Sports Calendar

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:07:12 -0700

One of the best things about school being back in session is the opportunity to attend and watch the school sports. There is no feeling like seeing your team do an amazing comeback to win a clutch game against their biggest rival. The only way to keep track is to have an accurate sports schedule and here in Big Rapids the school offers a web based version. The Big Rapids Public School Sports Schedule covers it all. On the left menu just pick the sport you want to check out and it will open to a schedule of events including times and locations so you won't have to miss another game. I urge everyone to get out to a school sports event this year and support where you can as they have been hit hardest by budget cuts. Enjoy the game and I will see you there!

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Homeless Man's Funeral

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:23:21 -0700

I am not one to share funny stories but in the weekend edition of the Pioneer News in Big Rapids, Mi there was a story told to Jack Batdorff by a friend of his that I have to pass on.

The Story is called "The Homeless Man's Funeral" and it goes:

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no friends or family, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the back woods. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had eventually left and the hearse was no where in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt terrible and apologized to one of the men for being so late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down only to see the lid was already in place. I didn'know what else to do so I started to play. The workers put down their lunches and gathered around. I played my heart and soul out for this homeless man. As I played Amazing Grace the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car when I heard one of the workers say "I have never seen nothin' like this before and I have been putting septic tanks in for over twenty years". Apparently I am still lost.

Have a great day and thanks for reading.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

Leadership Mescosta 2012

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:07:37 -0700

Leadership Mecosta 2012 will be starting soon and being an Alumni member I can attest to the importance of this program for anyone looking to hone their leadership skills or get to know their County better. Leadership Mecosta is a nine month program that includes a two-day retreat at Cranhill Ranch and eight once a month day long sessions at various places throughout the County. Participants will enjoy learning more about the community they live in as well as sessions focusing on leadership skill development and community education which includes an inside look at the systems that make our County what it is today. I have lived in the area 30 years and thought I knew the County quite well but each week I was overwhelmed by what I didn't know. Seeing the behind the County "behind the scenes" is a great way to find out more about the place we call home. Here is a link to the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce website where you can even find an online application form. Anyone interested might want to call the Chamber direct at (231) 796-7649 as the cut off for registering is early this week. If you can take advantage of this opportunity I highly urge you to do it. The networks you will build on will be with you forever.

Leadership Mecosta Class of 2011

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

August Rise and Shine in Big Rapids

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 09:09:42 -0700

August 2011 Rise and Shine will be held at the Comstock House in Big Rapids. The Band of Locals will be celebrating their 3rd year of successfully educating and promoting the public to shop local at locally owned businesses throughout Mecosta County. The Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce sponsers both the Rise and Shine and Business After Hours events to help promote networking of business in our area and to help spotlight a different business every month. The Band of Locals is a great program that offers Blue wrist bands or key chains for $10 and can be used for huge discounts all around the mecosta area. I used mine at Preferred Office Machines for half off my copying and saved a lot of $$$. After this months Rise and Shine the Band of Locals will be touring the county in search of new places and faces for their group. See you there.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.

August Business After Hours with Fifth Third

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:57:11 -0700

August 17th, 2011 the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting our monthly networking event, "Business After Hours" at the downtown branch of Fifth Third Bank. Starts around 5:30 pm and last a couple hours. Great opportunity for business to business networking. Beings they are my neighbors adjoining our building I think I can make it, how about you? Plenty of parking in the City lot behind Fifth Third and I am sure this will be a good one. Calling all Chamber members....see you there.

Big Rapids Real Estate Big Rapids Homes

Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty
107 N. Michigan Suite B
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-5253
randyooo@yahoo.com

Feel free to Like my FaceBook page and I will return the favor.
Click link below.