Trish Hartwick Petoskey Harbor Springs Realtor

06/18/2026

First place women ❤️ Putts fore Paws. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society

06/18/2026

Schedule of events:

Full details at petoskeyfourth.org

06/17/2026

Epson Tour ❤️ Pro Am Hole #1

Hartwick Up-North Homes

06/16/2026

TRISH'S TUESDAYS TIPS

How To Get Out of Your ARM

An ARM is one in which your interest rate can rise or fall over time.

ARMs come with two phases

ARMs come with two phases: fixed and adjustable. During the fixed phase, which typically lasts five to seven years, your interest rate will never change. During the adjustable phase, your rate can rise or fall, often once every year, depending on the economic index to which your ARM is tied.

Why do homebuyers choose ARMs?

Homebuyers choose ARMs because their initial interest rate is usually lower than what borrowers can get with a standard fixed-rate mortgage. During the fixed phase of an ARM, homeowners pay less each month on their mortgage.

However, that situation changes when ARMs enter their adjustable phase. Most homeowners will see their loan's interest rate rise once the adjustable period begins. This means higher mortgage payments.

The adjustable period also brings uncertainty

With an ARM in the adjustable phase, you won't be sure what your monthly mortgage payment will be each year. It depends on whether your interest rate rises or falls. There are limits on ARMs that cap how high your interest rate can rise during your loan's first adjustment, how high it can jump with each subsequent adjustment, and how high it can rise in total during the life of your ARM.

But even with these protections, many homeowners seek more certainty and payment stability once their ARMs enter their adjustable phase. If you feel the same way, what can you do? Your best bet is to refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Switching to a fixed-rate mortgage

The advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that the interest rate never changes. A fixed-rate mortgage might come with a higher initial rate than an ARM. But that fixed-rate mortgage's interest rate will never change, making it easier to budget for your monthly mortgage payment.

If you want to avoid your ARM's adjustable phase, you can refinance it to a fixed-rate mortgage.

During a refinance, your lender will pay off your existing ARM and originate a new fixed-rate mortgage.

Say you owe $300,000 on your existing ARM. After a refinance, you'll still owe that $300,000, but your loan will now be a fixed-rate mortgage, with an interest rate that will remain locked throughout the life of the loan. The term of that loan will be whatever number of years you and your lender agree on.

There are hurdles to refinancing

First, you'll need to qualify for a refinance. That means you'll reapply for a fixed-rate mortgage the same way you applied for your ARM when you purchased your home. Assuming that your credit score, credit reports and income haven't changed, you should have no issue getting approved for a refinance.

Additionally, you'll typically need at least 20% equity in your home to qualify for a refinance. Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is worth. If your home value has fallen or you haven't made enough monthly payments on your mortgage, you might not reach this equity threshold. Without this equity threshold being met, you might not qualify for a refinance.

Last, refinancing isn't free. You can expect to pay between 2% and 6% of your new loan amount in closing costs. If you are refinancing to a $300,000 fixed-rate loan, your closing costs could range from $6,000 to $18,000. Lenders often allow borrowers to roll this amount into the new loan balance. This is convenient if you don't want to pay closing costs up front.

If you can get past these hurdles, refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage could protect you from higher future interest rates.

06/14/2026

Eleven courses. Three exceptional resorts.

06/14/2026

Can’t wait !!

This is women's professional golf at its finest, and it's right in your backyard. The Great Lakes Championship comes to Harbor Springs June 19–22, bringing the next generation of LPGA talent to one of Michigan's most stunning courses. General Admission tickets are just $5, and every dollar supports local nonprofit partners. Don't miss it.

Learn more at thegreatlakeschampionship.com

06/10/2026

⛳ New Listing | 500 Westridge Drive #26 | Harbor Springs

A light-filled end unit at Westridge within Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club — where Northern Michigan four-season living meets resort-caliber amenities.

3 bed | 2.5 bath | 2,186 sq ft | Attached garage | Cathedral ceilings | Gas fireplace | Main-floor primary suite with deck access and walk-in closet | Private backyard

Birchwood Farms Golf course 27 holes of golf, soft-clay tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, swimming, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a beautifully appointed clubhouse with fine dining — all within walking distance.

📍 Harbor Springs, MI | $585,000

🔗 trishhartwick.com/property/479663/?view

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

06/09/2026

TRISH'S TUESDAYS TIPS:

The Role of Color in Kitchen Design

Color plays a vital role in kitchen design, setting the tone and mood of the space while reflecting your style. Whether you lean toward a neutral palette or prefer bold colors, each approach has its unique advantages and can dramatically impact the look and feel of your kitchen. Here's a closer look at how neutral and bold colors can shape your kitchen design:

Neutral colors: Timeless and versatile

Neutral colors such as whites, grays and beiges are staples in kitchen design for good reason. They create a clean, calm and timeless atmosphere that works well with various modern and traditional styles. A neutral palette also provides a versatile backdrop that allows other elements, such as countertops and cabinetry, to shine. Additionally, neutral kitchens appeal to a broader audience, making them a smart choice if you're considering resale value.

Bold colors: Making a statement

If you want your kitchen to stand out, bold colors are the way to go. Rich blues, deep greens and vibrant yellows can add energy and personality to the space. Bold colors work well in accent areas, such as an island, a backsplash or cabinetry, where they can create a focal point without overwhelming the room. When used thoughtfully, bold colors can give your kitchen a modern, dynamic edge that reflects your unique taste.

The power of contrast

Combining neutral and bold colors is a popular design strategy that offers the best of both worlds. A neutral base with bold accents — such as a bright island in an otherwise white kitchen — creates visual interest and depth. This approach allows you to experiment with color while maintaining a balanced and cohesive look.

Consider light and space

The amount of natural light and the size of your kitchen should influence your color choices. Neutrals can make a small or dimly lit kitchen feel larger and brighter, while bold colors add warmth and coziness to a spacious or well-lit room. Understanding how color interacts with light and space is critical to achieving the desired effect.

Do you want to know more about the role of color in kitchen design? Call us today!

06/04/2026

🌲 25 ACRES. FOUR MILES FROM DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY. 🌲

316 Foster's Woods is a rare find — a lightly lived-in 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch on 25 pristine acres of wooded areas, open fields, and varied terrain, home to a variety of wildlife. Yet Petoskey's shops, restaurants, and waterfront are just minutes away.

Inside: open floor plan, 9-foot ceilings, wood-burning stove, primary suite with reading or office area, walk-in closet, and ensuite bath with walk-in shower, jetted tub, and double vanity. Outside: spacious deck, covered porch, mudroom, oversized attached garage, shed, and 24x24 pole barn.

Properties with this much acreage this close to town rarely come available.

📍 316 Foster's Woods, Petoskey | $599,900 | MLS 479607
🔗 trishhartwick.com/property/479607/?view

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

06/03/2026

Trish's Tuesdays Tips:

Clever Ways To Hide Clutter

Even the most beautifully designed rooms can lose their charm when everyday clutter starts to pile up. The good news? You don't have to go full minimalist to keep your home looking tidy. Here are five clever and stylish ways to hide clutter and reclaim your space:

Use baskets and bins
Baskets are the MVPs of hidden storage. Whether it's a woven basket under a console table or a set of bins on open shelves, they're perfect for stashing everything from toys to mail. Choose styles that complement your decor so they double as accent pieces.

Choose furniture with built-in storage
Ottomans with lift tops, coffee tables with drawers, and storage benches are lifesavers in busy homes. The dual use of each item gives you a place to toss blankets, games or random odds and ends without anyone being the wiser.

Add hooks and wall organizers
Wall hooks and hanging organizers keep things off the floor and counters, and out of sight; they are great for entryways, bathrooms or even closets. They're ideal for coats, bags, pet supplies or extra towels, and they help keep surfaces clear.

Hide it behind closed doors
Not everything needs to be on display. Use cabinets, sideboards or bathroom vanities with closed storage to tuck away things such as electronics, toiletries or kitchen extras. Out of sight, out of mind — but still easy to access.

Rotate and reduce visual clutter
Sometimes reducing clutter is about having fewer things in view. Try rotating decorative items seasonally and keeping surfaces such as countertops and nightstands pared down to just the essentials. It makes the space feel instantly calmer and more intentional.

Do you want to know more about creating clutter-free spaces that still feel lived in? Call us today!