Kerri Mackey Lake Michigan Real Estate Advisor

08/26/2026

Happy national dog day. There have been a lot of big changes this year in our household. One of the biggest was putting our Great Dane Stella down in June. The house sure is quite without her. I’m so glad I still have these two to keep me company.

08/26/2026

A quick Northern Michigan real estate update:

Buyers have more homes to choose from, but this hasn’t suddenly become a buyer’s market.

From June to July, available inventory increased approximately:

• 13% in Mason County
• 10% in Oceana County
• 13% in Grand Traverse County

Manistee County had 154 homes available in July. Even with more inventory, homes across these counties were still going pending in a median of 13–20 days, and home values remained higher than last year.

Mortgage rates also edged down slightly, with the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.65% as of August 20.

What does this mean?

🔑 Buyers may have more negotiating room, especially on homes that have been sitting or need updates—but desirable, well-priced homes can still move quickly.

🏠 Sellers have more competition. Pricing correctly from the beginning and making a strong first impression matter more than ever.

The market isn’t crashing—it’s becoming more balanced. Every home and price range is different, so local numbers matter when deciding your next move.

08/26/2026

Completely updated and move-in ready, this Bear Lake home offers a fresh new look from top to bottom! The beautifully updated kitchen features granite countertops, new cabinetry and all-new high-end appliances, while two completely updated full bathrooms add style and convenience. New carpeting and thoughtful finishes continue throughout the home. The former garage has been converted into additional living space, providing even more room to spread out and enjoy. Major improvements include a new roof, siding, windows, electrical, HVAC and central air. Situated on approximately .35 acres with Bear Creek frontage, the property offers a peaceful, recreational setting with the creek right in your own backyard. Whether you're looking for a year-round home or a Northern Michigan getaway, this extensively updated property is ready for its next owner

Single family home for sale at 12599 Potter Road, Bear Lake, MI. View photos, video tour & details.

08/25/2026

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Fanta. Fanta is accepting applications! He’s looking for a suitable human to snuggle to his hearts content. Could that be you? 😻

For more information contact Homeward Bound Animal Shelter

08/21/2026

I keep forgetting to do a pet of the week. I know it's Friday but I couldn't help but share this little one...Meet Mayhem. Mayhem has a little body, with a big personality. Mayhem is an 8yr old Shih Tzu looking for a new home. He's lived with other dogs, been around children, and seems friendly with everyone!

08/17/2026

Completely updated and move-in ready, this Bear Lake home offers a fresh new look from top to bottom! The beautifully updated kitchen features granite countertops, new cabinetry and all-new high-end appliances, while two completely updated full bathrooms add style and convenience. New carpeting and thoughtful finishes continue throughout the home. The former garage has been converted into additional living space, providing even more room to spread out and enjoy. Major improvements include a new roof, siding, windows, electrical, HVAC and central air. Situated on approximately .35 acres with Bear Creek frontage, the property offers a peaceful, recreational setting with the creek right in your own backyard. Whether you're looking for a year-round home or a Northern Michigan getaway, this extensively updated property is ready for its next owner.

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Existing home sales slipped 1.7% in July.
July existing-home sales fell to a 4.06 million annual rate, down 1.7% from June but up 0.7% year over year, according to the National Association of Realtors. The median price reached $434,100, up 2% year over year, the 37th straight month of gains. Inventory stood at a 4.6-month supply.

NAR's July Existing-Home Sales Report shows sales declined 1.7% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million but increased 0.7% from a year earlier. The median existing-home price rose 2.0% to $434,100, marking 37 straight months of annual price gains, while housing inventor...

08/17/2026

Mortgage rates dipped to their lowest in nearly four weeks.
The average 30-year fixed rate fell to 6.67% for the week of August 13, down from 6.69%, the lowest reading since mid-July. The slight dip lifted mortgage application volume 3.6% for the week ending August 7, with purchase applications up 3%.

Mortgage applications increased 3.6 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending August 7, 2026.

08/12/2026

The first week on the market matters more than most sellers realize.

That’s when a home usually receives its highest level of attention. Buyers see it as new, agents are sharing it, and anyone waiting for a property like it is paying attention.

If the price is too high, buyers often don’t negotiate—they simply move on.

By the time the price is corrected, the home is no longer new. Buyers may begin wondering why it hasn’t sold, even if nothing is wrong with it.

Good pricing isn’t about starting high to “leave room.” It’s about creating the strongest possible response while buyer interest is at its peak.