Brooke Haase, Realtor - Lighthouse Realty

09/11/2026

Survey update…. Surveys on average in our area is 3-6 weeks turnaround. Often times that lead time is why buyers aren’t getting them done before purchase.

However, sometimes it’s a very good idea to wait to close. If my client wouldn’t have been a previous buyer or hadn’t been around the construction trades, this here could be a real issue if they would have bought and tried to get permits right away!

When there is any type of standing water involved there are usually extra setbacks, not just at the township level but from the state.

Meeting with the township they feel a couple homes could be built across the 9 lots especially since the land passed the perc test.

Now to do a pre construction application with EGLE.

Stay tuned and enjoy the weekend.

08/02/2026

So I think we left of with a perc test being done. Here is why. The lots with the yellow dots (1-9) are adjacent to( what was at the time of the creation of the development) a water overflow for a very small inland lake. So it is on record and at spring time may have varying levels of water.

My client did a perc test in 2 locations along lots 5-9. The ones along 6th street. Both locations passed for standard septic system installation. Great news!!

Since these lots have not been utilized since plat was made, my client decided to have them all surveyed so we can see exactly where the lot corners are in regards to water level. Even though most of the year it may be no more than a mud hole. This will help determine who else may need to be involved in the permit process and how many lots are even useable. Due to the size of some lots, closeness to water may determine whether big enough to use or if some need combined.

More to come.

07/14/2026

Do you like to watch the ships go through the Manistee River Channel? Here is your chance to own a front row seat! I’d love to show you my friend and fellow agents newest listing. Contact me today to schedule. Send a pm or call/text to 231-690-4469

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BUkkeE6GH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Check out Jaclyn Van Allen, Lighthouse Realty in Manistee!
https://www.golighthouserealty.com/homes-for-sale/80-Washington-Street-Unit-7-Manistee-MI-49660-435560398

07/07/2026

Good afternoon, did you wonder what kind of spider or snake or critter was using that hole? Well its not a critter den... its the visual remains of a perc test.

What is a perc test and why do you get one? A perc test (percolation test) measures how quickly soil absorbs and drains water. Thus affecting septic system approval. It is an optional but advisable step before buying undeveloped land, especially when the type of soil is unknown or the site is near water. My client, due to the proximity to water, decided they wanted to know ahead of time, what type of septic system could be utilized here, if any. As the results will affect the cost of the overall project.

How the test works is during a perc test, a licensed soil scientist or county health official digs one or more test holes (typically 2 to 5 feet deep), fills them with water to saturate the soil, and measures how fast the water level drops over time. They record that along with the soil types and provide a report with allowable systems.

When buying vacant land to build on, if you do not do this step prior to purchase it will be done as part of the septic permit process.

Note: this is synopsis of the process, check with your local health department for specific details as there could be differences across the county, state and country.

Any guesses to what you are seeing?

I’ll tell you tomorrow 😉

07/06/2026

Any guesses to what you are seeing?

I’ll tell you tomorrow 😉

06/27/2026

My client saw this odd shaped parcel a couple years ago. Offered on it but it didn’t come together. After prices increases and reductions a deal was completed yesterday.

Stay tuned over the next few years as they allow me to show some behind the scenes as we delve into the process of developing property within 500’ of a body of water.

05/07/2026

Kind of a throwback Thursday:

As a realtor we sometimes get to see lots of different things! For example, these are a blast from the past switch and receptacle.

However interesting, it was most likely done by a long previous owner themselves.

PSA: I do not condone nailing anything to a tree. Especially electrical 😬

None the less an interesting sight.

04/17/2026

Manistee county property owners affected my the recent storms…..

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KxDFjVwEt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This survey is provided by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division for statewide use for residents to report damage following disasters. Survey data is shared with local Emergency Management programs.

04/05/2026

I’m an ears first… you?