Articles Tagged "Midland, MI"

If you're planning a move, you should consider making Midland, MI your new home. The city has plenty of amenities that are normally associated with larger cities but has retained its smaller town charm.

Our REALTORS® share the following reasons why you should move to Midland:

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If you're thinking about selling your home, you can help improve your chances of selling it as quickly as possible for the most amount of money possible if you take some time to prepare your home for prospective buyers. This showcases your home in a positive light and lets it make a good impression on buyers.

Our REALTORS® suggest the following ways to prep your home before selling it:

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Relaxing or celebrating over a delicious meal and nice glass of wine is a definite treat and pleasure that's worth making time for. Fortunately, Midland, MI has plenty of restaurants that fit the bill and are worth a visit.

Our REALTORS® suggest the following places in Midland to enjoy stellar wine and food:

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If you're thinking about buying a home, you'll need to figure out how much money to save in order to make it happen. By calculating how much you can afford to pay for a home, as well as how you'll pay for a down payment and other initial expenses, you'll be taking important first steps toward buying your new home.

Our REALTORS® share the following information about how much you should save — as well as how to do it — to buy a house:

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Whether you've had a garden for years or are planting your first one this season, now's the time to start preparing your garden, This will help increase the odds that you'll have a thriving garden and will also help you take care of some tasks now before the temperatures get warmer.

Our REALTORS® live and work in the Midland, MI area and know it well. They suggest these steps to start your garden prep now and give you the best chance of success:

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April 10th is recognized as Golfer's Day, so whether you're a newbie or a seasoned golfer, head out to one of Midland's beautiful courses to play a round. The area has a good mix of public and private courses so you're free to join a country club if you'd like or simply try some of the area's public fairways.

Our REALTORS® recommend visiting the following local courses and country clubs to refine your golf game:

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Smart home technology is becoming more popular as a greater number of devices use Wi-Fi connectivity to make our homes more efficient and comfortable. Some can even help reduce your energy bills and make your home more secure. And when it comes time to put your home on the market, smart technology devices like water monitors can be a selling point that appeals to many prospective buyers and sets your home apart from others for sale.

Our REALTORS® suggest investing in some of the following smart home tech:

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St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is the perfect occasion to visit a Midland bar and restaurant to celebrate with beer that's cold — and very possibly green — and a tasty burger or other menu item. Add a group of friends, and you've got a great lunch or evening.

Our REALTORS® suggest celebrating St. Patty's Day locally with these Midland stops:

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National Tortilla Chip Day happened this month, so why not indulge in this tasty snack? Tortilla chips are great on their own or dipped in salsa or guacamole. And if you're in the mood for a more substantial snack, appetizer, or entree, order them loaded with a wide variety of proteins and other toppings.

Our REALTORS® suggest celebrating Tortilla Chip Day at one of the following Midland restaurants:

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Eating seasonally has a wide variety of benefits, including getting fresher, better tasting, and more delicious food than you would from food consumed out of season. And if you or your grocer are buying from local farms, you're also helping to support your local economy.

Our REALTORS® recommend these best seasonal ingredients to shop for this winter:

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Colors of the Year, which are named by color experts as well as paint companies, can help refresh and inspire your home decor in the new year. 2022's shades range from a vibrant periwinkle to a chocolatey brown, and they'll each bring a new feel and versatility to your decor.

Our REALTORS® share the following 2022 Colors of the Year, including tips on how to best incorporate them into your home to achieve the look you want:

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When the weather's cold, treating yourself to American fare like a burger, bowl of homemade soup, or tasty sandwich hits the spot. A variety of Midland restaurants — with food ranging from simple but delicious to more elevated flavors — are available for you to choose from. 
  
Our REALTORS® suggest trying the following Midland restaurants:

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Before you know it, you and your family will be waking up on a chilly December morning opening presents and appreciating the time you get to spend together. But before you do that, you actually have to figure out what gifts to get everyone, which can be a challenge. Finding the perfect gift for someone can take careful consideration and planning on your part, and that's just one gift! Not to mention the gifts you need to work out for all your family members and friends that will be stopping over this holiday season.

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A yard filled with birds brings to mind warmer spring or summer months, but many stay throughout the year, even through cold weather. They need some more help finding sources of food during colder months, so why not help them out while attracting some beautiful birds to your yard?

Our REALTORS® suggest the following tips for feeding birds during chilly months:

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As Halloween approaches, it's time to get ready to have some spooky fun in Midland this fall. Even after the holiday passes, you can still find several ways to enjoy the season, including some that provide fun for the entire family.

Our REALTORS® suggest visiting the following places for some spooky fun that ranges from the terrifying to the tame:

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This time of year you'll find pumpkins in grocery stores, at pumpkin patches, and even at some of your big-box home improvement stores. In addition to making good seasonal decorations, pumpkins can also be used in a variety of other ways. Our REALTORS® suggest the following ways to make the most out of your pumpkins:

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We know the importance of a good cup of coffee. If you're like some of our REALTORS®, your favorite coffee beverage is essential for starting the day off right. No matter how you take it, coffee can give you the much-needed boost you need to have a productive morning.

If you're looking for a great cup of coffee, you'll find some of Central Michigan's best coffee shops in Midland. Coffee shops are a great community amenity — people come to work, relax, have business meetings or just catch up with old friends. Below is a quick list of some of the best coffee shops in our area:

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Whether you're decorating your new home or are refreshing the one you've lived in for years, it helps to have a sense of what your unique decor style is. This information can help guide your decorating decisions so you can create rooms you love.
  
Our REALTORS® suggest the following ways to find your unique decor style:

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Midland, MI, located in the central area of the state, is a wonderful community to call home, with several attributes making it stand out not only in Michigan but also in the country. It captures a small-town feeling and friendliness and combines it with plenty of opportunities for recreation, dining, and more that could be associated with a larger city. You'll also benefit from the area's other important qualities, such as a relatively low cost of living and a high degree of safety.

Our REALTORS® share some of the best reasons to buy a home in the area and move to Midland:

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It's easy to look at photos on your phone, but by making prints of these special moments, you can have the basis for some interesting and meaningful displays for your home. Photos can be used in a wide variety of ways and can help personalize and add visual interest to any room.

Our REALTORS® share the following ways to rethink your family photos while improving your home decor:

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With summer's warm, sunny days and the kids out of school, there's no better time to get out of the house and try some fun activities in Midland. From exploring the country's longest forest canopy walk to taking in all the fun at a minor league baseball game, you'll find plenty to see and do.

Our REALTORS® recommend the following activities, which are among the area's best:

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After spending an entire year indoors, it's so great things are finally opening up again. As we continue to relax restrictions, it's a good opportunity to get out and enjoy a day downtown and support our wonderful local businesses. Whether you're taking a day off from work or planning weekend activities, spending a day in downtown Midland is such an enjoyable experience. If you enjoy shopping, dining, art, and entertainment, you'll love everything Midland has to offer. Our REALTORS® love supporting local businesses, and they've compiled a list of recommendations to help you plan a fun day out on the town:

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The foyer is an important but often overlooked part of the home that serves as its entryway. It's the first place your family and guests see as they enter or exit your home, and the same is true of prospective home buyers if you're currently trying to sell your home, so it makes a vital first impression. Your foyer is also the spot where you tend to shed your jacket and take off your shoes or where your kids scramble for sporting equipment or backpacks.

Instead of neglecting this area, fix your foyer up so it's attractive and functional. Our REALTORS® suggest the following improvements to help your foyer give off the right first impression:

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Hamburger Month is celebrated in May, so head out to some local Midland restaurants and sample some of the many available variations on this delicious favorite. From a simple but delicious cheeseburger to inventive variations like a Chipotle Black Bean Burger, you'll have your choice of many different options. Some restaurants also offer gluten-free buns or Impossible Burgers that let you get your burger fix even if you have different dietary needs or preferences.

Our REALTORS® recommend trying the following Midland burger joints this May — and beyond:

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Spring is finally here! And as nature starts fresh in spring, it's also a great time to give your home a deep cleaning and keep it well organized. Our REALTORS® suggest kicking off your spring cleaning with these tips:

• Streamline your cleaning supplies. 
  You don't need a specialized cleaner to make your home fresh and clean. Buy a good all-purpose cleaner and some microfiber cloths, which will cover most of your cleaning, and you can buy others only as needed. You can also make your own homemade cleaner by combining ¾ cup water, ¾ cup rubbing alcohol, 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, and 1 squirt of dish soap. This can be used on appliances, sinks, and quartz, granite, and marble counters.

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Did you know National Beer Day is celebrated every April 7th? Even if you just missed it last week, it's still a great time to explore local breweries. Whether you prefer a dark stout, pale ale, fruit-flavored beer, or another option, celebrate this holiday by lifting a mug of your favorite brew. Our REALTORS® suggest visiting one of the following Midland MI breweries to try some local beers on National Beer Day and beyond:

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Whether your day includes a morning of biking or hiking in the park, a visit to Dow Gardens, or looking at Midland homes for sale, nothing starts it off better than an amazing breakfast. Our REALTORS® know how important a good breakfast is for productivity, and these places are some of their favorites. Jumpstart your day happy and full with these Midland breakfast spots.

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If you're looking for a place to manage some of your clutter, your attic is a natural storage spot. But since this room is often unfinished and prone to pests, leaks, mold, and extreme temperature changes, it will take a little planning to make the most of your attic storage and ensure your items last for years. Short of a major revamp, there are plenty of storage ideas that can help transform an attic into the ideal version of itself. Our REALTORS® have put together a few tips to help you manage the process and optimize your attic space.

• Assess the Attic Floor
  Placing items on non-weight-bearing surfaces can be dangerous. Before you start storing things in your attic, consult a professional to determine if the area is structurally sound and the joists can bear weight. If your attic is structurally sound, you can convert empty spaces and floor areas into usable storage options by resting a plywood board or attic decking panels over strong joists.

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If you're looking at Midland homes for sale, you may tour dozens of properties before you find a perfect fit. Finding a home with adequate space and style may seem like a challenge, but it's not impossible with help from professionals like our REALTORS® who understand your needs.

Everyone's dream home is different, but flooring is one feature that's important to all homeowners. While some people prefer the natural appeal of hardwood floors, others prefer the cushion of carpet under their feet. Choosing between hardwood and carpet can greatly impact style, durability, maintenance, and costs. Here's what you should know about each.

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Our REALTORS® know all about the neighborhoods we serve and what makes them such great places to live.  And one of the best ways to feel at home in Midland is to check out all the unique local businesses. Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to support your local businesses and impress that special someone in your life with their favorite sweet treat. Try one of these wonderful places right around the corner from Midland homes for sale. You're sure to find whatever your sweetheart desires.

1. Pop-Pop's Gourmet Popcorn, 136 Ashman Cir, Midland, MI 48640, (989)-486-9601.
   Popcorn is such a fun snack, and it's perfect for a more health-conscious treat on Valentine's Day. Pop-Pop's Gourmet Popcorn offers locally grown, air-popped popcorn in an array of flavors. There are more traditional flavors like buttery and caramel and some more interesting ones like peanut butter and jalapeno cheddar. Each batch is handmade with real ingredients to ensure exceptional quality and taste.

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Drafty windows can be a major annoyance. They can make the temperature inside your home consistently unpleasant, and even small leaks can affect your heating bill. If you've recently noticed a chill, try one of these tips from our REALTORS® to find the source and stop that leak.

1. Look for possible leaks inside and out.
   Visually inspect around the windows for holes, cracks, or gaps in caulk, and damaged or missing weather stripping. These are all places the cold air can get in.

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If your home has a dedicated dining room, chances are you don't use it very much. And if you're selling your home, prospective buyers are likely to see it as wasted space that they also won't spend much time in. However, your dining room represents a good opportunity to stage the area and create a room that will wow your buyers.

Our REALTORS® recommend the following ways to stage your dining room and set your home apart from other Midland homes for sale.

• A home office
  An empty dining room can be transformed into an office space, even though it may not have a door. This can be a plus since prospective buyers who work at home won't feel closed off or isolated. If they have kids, they can easily keep an ear out for them. Try leaving the middle of the room open, so it's easy to walk through and doesn't feel cramped. Add some seating and put a narrow, tall, wall-mounted bookcase to work for displays and storage since it doesn't take up much floor space.
• A family hangout spot 
  Turn a formal area into a casual one by transforming your dining room into a space for family to gather. Mount a flat-screen TV on one wall and move in a comfortable couch. Finally, add some wall storage units for storing Blu-rays and DVDs and display some cherished objects. Ultimately, you've created a room that will appeal to buyers who can picture themselves and their family happily hanging out in the space.
• A library
  Why not create a library in your home? Your potential buyers could have the convenience of having all of their books neatly organized in one room that's a cozy spot to read in. Add floor-to-ceiling bookcases to store your books — along with a small ladder if needed to reach the top shelves. Then make the room even more comfortable with several chairs, throws, and a large rug to soften the room's look.
• A playroom for the kids
  Your dining room can be staged to be a playroom for kids by adding a table for art projects or homework, a chalkboard, and other items. Add some toy storage boxes and bins as well as cubbies for storing shoes and backpacks, and you'll make your home extremely appealing to prospective buyers with kids.
• A fitness room
  With everyone spending more time at home, a home fitness room will be a definite selling point. Put a foam mat over the flooring and bring in free weights and other equipment such as an exercise bike, and you'll easily transform your dining room into an at-home fitness room.
• A guest bedroom
  If your home doesn't have a guest bedroom, create one by using a bed with built-in nightstands to create a minimal look. A dresser can make up for the lack of a closet, and if your dining room doesn't have doors, hang curtains for privacy or have French doors installed.

Contact Ayre/Rhinehart REALTORS® to learn more about making your home appeal to prospective buyers. With some relatively small changes, you can transform an underutilized space like a dining room into an area that buyers will love. 

Sure there's a chill in the air, but our REALTORS® are here to inform you that the fun isn't over just because winter has arrived in Midland, Michigan.

We happen to live in a beautiful little corner of the world where winter offers some of the best opportunities of the year for fun and outdoor adventure. Be sure to check out these winter wonderlands in the Midland area!

1. Midland City Forest - 2840 E. Monroe Rd., Midland, MI 48640
   One of the most popular spots for Midland locals to enjoy some time outdoors, Midland City Forest is a great year-round destination that really comes to life in winter. This woodsy wonderland includes 7.5 miles of groomed snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, as well as a 13-mile network of mountain bike trails that are popular among fat-tire cyclists in winter. Midland City Forest also has a toboggan run and even a lighted ice rink with open skating. The forest is open every day from dawn until dusk and is within walking distance of many Midland homes for sale.

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Selling your home comes with many tasks, chores, and steps that all go toward closing. Most of these things are meant to make your home appealing to buyers and get that offer. But selling a home is more than just accepting an offer. After showing buyers how good your home looks, you need to convince them that it's in a state worth buying. This is where a home inspection comes in. A home inspection is often a deciding factor for the majority of home buyers, so you want to make sure it goes well. Here are our REALTORS® home inspection tips for sellers.

• Rely on the Expertise of Your Real Estate Agent
  In addition to marketing the house, your listing agent should also help you improve your home to make it more appealing. Your agent will know what the inspector will be looking for and will be alert for issues that you may miss, such as insect and mold issues, furnace issues, roofing problems, leaks, or structural problems. They will also know how best to approach them. Real estate agents also have superior negotiation skills. When the inspection report arrives, they will know what constitutes grounds for negotiations and what does not. It's your agent's job to see to it that you get the best possible deal.

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Dessert is something everyone – from children to adults – loves. And whether you prefer a traditional treat or one that's a little more exotic, Midland has many places to indulge your craving for dessert.

Our REALTORS® suggest treating yourself to the following dessert shops around Midland:

1. Heather 'n Holly – 228 E. Main St., Midland MI 48640 
   Located downtown near Midland homes for sale, Heather 'n Holly offers a huge variety of sweet treats in a charmingly old-fashioned setting. The shop's sweet and salty caramel corn is a customer favorite, and you can also choose from a huge variety of handmade chocolates. Over 10 flavors of fudge are available, each handmade with real cream and butter. If you can't decide what to try, Heather 'n Holly offers free samples. And before you leave, check out the candy section, where you'll find childhood favorites like Astro Pops and Sugar Babies.

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UP! Sale prices have seen nice growth! The law of supply and demand was clearly evident in our market. Midland County saw a 2.4% decline in number of homes available for purchase in 2018. Corresponding sales numbers resulted in unit sales for homes and condos of 1208 in 2018 vs. 1316 in 2017. This lack of inventory and continued high demand lead to an increase in the average sale price for Midland County homes from $160,546 in 2017 to $177,655 in 2018 – an increase of more than 9%. Median sales price was also on the rise from $134,000 in 2017 to $149,000 in 2018. Days on market have continued to decline from 78 in 2017 to 58 in 2018. Days on the market for just single-family homes was even less at just 55 days. Sellers on average sold for 97.48% of listing price vs 96.86% in 2017 and the price per square foot has increased on average from $90 to $97. Properties that were unsuccessful in securing buyers and left the market dropped from 21.36% in 2017 to 14.48% in 2018.

Home sales below $200,000 represented 85.6% of the entire Midland County market. These properties were in great demand and saw the highest appreciation. It was not uncommon to see multiple offers in our peak season. In 2017, 400 properties sold at or below $100,000 while only 284 sold in this category in 2018. The demand remains high as buyers recognize the value of home ownership. Entry level buyers are finding terrific financing opportunities. The rental market remains tight, with investors purchasing properties that are also attractive to first time buyers.

Why is housing inventory so low? According to Marci Rosell, former Chief Economist for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, demographics tell the tale. She says to think of America's population as a "barbell" with Baby Boomers on one side and Millennials on the other (with GenX the tiny handle in-between). Millennials and Boomers are, in many cases, pursuing the same type of housing (albeit for different reasons) which is extending the unprecedented housing inventory shortage.

Properties in higher price ranges sometimes experienced longer days on market and higher discounts. The lifestyle demands of many buyers today has these house-hunters looking for move-in ready properties. They are willing to sacrifice size or location preferences for a more updated property. Busy couples with an active family are not prepared to spend the time and energy necessary to create the home of their dreams.

2019 has started with more activity than we would usually see at this time. The holiday season and cold weather did not stop buyers from looking for their new home. If a move is in your future – now is a great time to buy or sell! Give us a call, we are happy to help! Ayre Rhinehart Realtors, 989-631-7000.

Putting on a Santa suit comes with a big responsibility, that of bringing joy to children and adults all over the world. That's why you'll find the number one Santa school right here in Midland. Yes, a school for learning the ropes to be a proper Santa is the real deal, just like Santa himself! Our REALTORS® know that you are going to love our city, and this magical school is one more reason why our area is such a great place to live, work and enjoy your family. So while Santa is firming up his list and checking it twice, have a look at the history and mission behind the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School.

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Moving to a new home brings with it the excitement of the future and getting to know your new town. However, managing the move itself must be dealt with before you can get on with the next phase of your life. 

Our REALTORS® dedicate themselves to making your home buying and selling experiences great, and we understand that little details can make a big difference in how smoothly the process goes. To make moving a bit less stressful, we've compiled a list of must-do's you'll want to consider when you are buying a house in Midland, MI. 

1. Set the Date
   Once you're sure about your move, set a target date to leave your current home. Establishing your moving date gives you a target to plan and execute your move successfully. Break the time frame down into sections, setting goals for every few weeks and checking off items on your to-do list.

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Whether you're looking for a delicious bite to eat in a casual setting or a trendy, upscale experience, you're sure to find the perfect spot in Midland. From beer and burgers to French and Italian cuisine, the Midland dining scene offers something for everyone. Our REALTORS® have created this list of their seven favorite dining spots in Midland to give you just a small taste of the city's many options. 

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The perfect combination of upscale and downhome, Downtown Midland, MI is a favorite of both locals and visitors. If you're searching for Midland homes for sale or you're already a resident, spending some time downtown is a must.

For a day of shopping and family-friendly fun, you can't beat the Midland Area Farmers Market. Open from May to November each year, the market is a weekly staple for residents. More than just a few veggie stands, this market is truly impressive. Here's what you need to know so you can make the most of your visit.

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