Eagle Eye Living

Eagle Eye is a fabulous community just north of East Lansing with spectacular views and wonderful amenities.

Mayberry Homes is the builder of Eagle Eye. These homes have a mission style design that is simple and convenient. While these condominiums boast the latest and best in modern technology, they also recall the unique beauty of old-world styling. These homes are energy efficient and make excellent use of space while providing the lighting and style you can appreciate.

The Eagle Eye condominiums feature between 1 and 3 bedrooms with two to 2 ½ baths. These homes are all about having enough space for the things you need with floor plans starting at just over 1600 square feet and going upwards to over 3000 square feet. Since most of these homes are just one story, they offer convenience and function.

Located nearby is Frandor Mall with many stores conveniently located for easy shopping from Eagle Eye. Browse items in Tuesday Morning or World Market after enjoying breakfast or lunch at Panera's. Stop in Tripper's Bar and Grill for dinner or a drink after your shopping is done. Other great places to eat or hang out include Jimmy's Pub and Lou & Harry's Sports Bar and Grill.

Not too far away is Henry Fine Park where you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors right in the middle of the city. The Eastwood Town Center offers some great music in the summer music series. Besides Eagle Eye Golf Course, you can also try out the links at The Falcon Golf Course.

If you live an active lifestyle and are looking for a beautiful, spacious home, Eagle Eye Condominiums may be the perfect fit for you. Check out available properties from Lansing Real Estate or give me a call at (517) 351-7373. I will be happy to show you around and help you find your new home. With a wide range in sizes and prices, Eagle Eye has something to offer everyone.

Life and Living in Dewitt, Michigan

Dewitt, Michigan is a great place to live if you are looking for a better quality of life. It offers the peace and quiet of a smaller town while still providing easy access to amenities and entertainment in nearby Lansing. Here is a closer look at Dewitt, the city voted in the Top 100 best places to live in 2005 from CNNMoney.

What Dewitt Has to Offer

If education is important to you, then you can't do much better than Dewitt. The public school district is much higher in quality than the state average. It is also a low-crime area with very few serious acts of crime committed each year. This is a safe, wonderful place to raise a family.

However, Dewitt doesn't just appeal to families with children. With its Prairie Creek golf course, five city parks and other activities, it's also a great place to retire. Enjoy a slower pace of life without giving up the things you enjoy. While it's away from the city, it's close enough to Lansing when you want a night out. Dewitt features movie theaters, numerous restaurants and bars, and libraries and museums all either within the city or less than a half-hour's drive away.

Whether you are a fan of The Draft House or in the mood for pizza at Relli's, you'll find delicious options for dining out. Since you're only a few minutes from Lansing, you can go to the city to take in a play or concert or go shopping. It's also an easy commute if you want to work in the city but live somewhere quieter.

Many Reasons to Live in Dewitt

While the median income is higher than the rest of the state and many white-collar professionals live here, housing is affordable for the average person. A large portion of the residents are home-owners, making this a stable community to live in.

Between the low crime rate, easy commute to the city, and plenty of activities in this family-oriented community, Dewitt is a great place to live. It is ideal not only for families but for those who want to take time to enjoy life in a relaxing environment. If you are looking for a home in this wonderful community, give me a call to find out what's available and make your new home Dewitt.

The Advantages of the 1031 Exchange

If you are looking to avoid paying capital gains taxes on some commercial or investment property, you can benefit from the 1031 exchange. This is good news for those holding valuable property.

What is the 1031 Exchange?

The Title 26, Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code is known as the 1031 exchange. It specifies that you will not be required to recognize any gain or loss on a property that is exchanged for another property of the same kind. The properties must be used for a business or investment. It is important to note that it does not have to be of equal value or of the exact same type. In other words, it does not need to be land for land or office for office.

The Advantage

Instead of paying taxes on the sale of your property, you can use that money to purchase a higher-priced property. You have to meet the time frame requirements to qualify for this benefit, but it can allow you to continually move up in your property and grow your portfolio. It is in essence an interest-free loan from the government to use to increase your investment.

Another benefit of this exchange is that if the property is not sold before the owner dies, the heirs only pay taxes on the current value. They will not be responsible for any capital gains taxes from past purchases.

How You Can Use the 1031 Exchange

Investors are not required to exchange their property for a new investment at the same time even though it is allowed. This is called a simultaneous exchange. The most common type is the delayed exchange where your purchase occurs at a later date than the sale. However, there is a time limit that the investor must be aware of.

You can also build on a purchased property and use the exchange proceeds for the improvements.

If you are looking to buy or sell a commercial property or investment, contact me. I can help you find what you are looking for or attract buyers to the property you are selling.

All About North Shore Condos

North Shore Condos is a great place to live or visit. It can be a wonderful income if you choose to buy a property and use it as a rental for vacationers. It can also be a fabulous place to live like one all of the time. With amazing lake views and many conveniences, this is a place to consider either for income or as a home.

What North Shores Condos Has to Offer

Choose from studio apartments or one or two bedroom units. Many of the units are directly on the Lake with private patios. You can choose units for renting that are fully furnished and may come with queen beds, two twins and even a sleeper sofa. The kitchens are modern and fully furnished with an oven, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. Relax at home with HDTV and cable or work at home with wireless internet.

The amenities that come with North Shore Condos are first-rate. Enjoy the heated swimming pool or hot tub after a busy day. A community barbeque grill and tables and chairs allow you to entertain or enjoy a meal outside in the main deck and pool area.

Enjoy the Lake Life

Units are tastefully designed with neutral colors to fit most personalities. Large windows allow you to bring the outdoors in and make the space feel even larger. You can also open them up to enjoy the fresh air or use the air conditioning to stay cool during the hot summer.

A tennis court on the property allows you to stay active without leaving home. On-site laundry facilities make this a convenient place for either a week or long-term living. And don't worry about having to drive everywhere; North Shores Condos are within walking distance to the downtown area of South Haven. Enjoy a leisurely stroll for dinner out or to watch the latest release.

Prices have a wide range in the condos based on size, number of bedrooms, and updates within the unit. You can find something to fit in a wide variety of budgets so give me a call if you want to know more about the wonderful North Shore life. Take a look at the North Shore Condos for a fabulous summer retreat or an extra income.

The Benefits of Living in Okemos Michigan

Named by CNN Money as one of the best places to live if you are rich and single, Okemos, Michigan, provides many benefits to those who choose to call this place home. While the rich and single may also enjoy living here, it's great for just about anyone that wants to enjoy a quiet life with plenty of big-city amenities nearby.

A Great Life

Okemos has a population of around 23,000, but it is located just a few miles from East Lansing where you can enjoy an active nightlife or other fun activities. This is also a great location if you enjoy the outdoors. Just hang out at Lake Lansing for boating, fishing or swimming in the summer.

Okemos is part of Meridian Township and is only listed separately for statistical purposes. The median income is $75,736 as of the 2007 estimate. Besides being close to other cities, the area has its own attractions and places of interest. You can visit the Meridian Historical Village if you want to learn about the history of the area. A farmer's market provides interesting items and fresh produce.

Plenty to Do in Okemos

Several parks make a great place to sit and enjoy the scenery or you can visit the Meridian Mall for an afternoon of shopping. If you want delicious food, then visit Spagnuolo's on West Grand River. This Italian restaurant has been voted the 2013 Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant in the East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett and Meridian Township areas. People from the city even drive out to Okemos for the great taste of Spagnuolo's.

Okemos has been home to some famous people, including Larry Page, the co-founder of Google who went to Montessori School in the town. Tom Welling, who played Clark Kent in Smallville also has lived here. James Hynes and Susan Jacoby, two notable authors were both from Okemos.

If you are looking for a quiet life with the ability to enjoy an active nightlife or the great outdoors whenever you want, Okemos just might be the place for you. Contact me if you are looking at buying real estate in Okemos and I can help you find the perfect place to begin your new life in this fun town.

Life on the Lake: What a Way to Live

Imagine waking up every morning to the sight of beautiful Lake Lansing, the clear blue water against the bright sunshine. Living right on the lake is a dream for many and Lake Lansing has always drawn people in, right from the early days.

The Early Days

Lake Lansing was first called Pine Lake and was used as grounds for fishing and hunting by the first people in the area, the Indian tribes. With plenty of fish in the lake and wild game in the nearby woods, it was a prime spot to build camps.

The first white settlers to the area were two brothers who were doctors. They purchased 160 acres on the south side of the lake. Over the next several decades other settlers made Pine Lake and the surrounding area their homes.

The 1800s

During the 1800s, the lake became a popular place for recreation. A group of Spiritualists created a camp for the summer that would bring in thousands of people. An auditorium was built that could hold 2000 people. There were many other buildings, including a hotel, dining hall, and Medium House. The camp lost its appeal in the early 1900s. This was when the area transitioned into a fashionable place to reside during the summer months.

The Pine Lake House was built during the 1870s and held a dance hall and other buildings. People would take rides on the lake on steamer boats. The house burned in 1929 and was replaced by a building known as the Dells Ballroom where bands played. The Dells Ballroom was used until 1986 when condos replaced it.

Another popular place on Pine Lake was the Izzer Club, a social club for gentlemen.

The 1900s and Today

Frank Johnson, a local printer, built up land on Hickory Island, a spot that had been platted in 1908. He lived on the island and created Lake Drive. He was also responsible for Sunset Cove, North End Plat, Indian Island, and the Perry Road Addition. He was also the one responsible for the name change to Lake Lansing in 1927.

The lake lost its appeal and became uncared for by the 1960s. It was in the next decade that Lake Lansing saw a revival as the area was cleaned up to attract visitors. Parks were created and today hundreds of thousands of visitors spend time there, many of whom live in Lansing. Today it is once again a wonderful place to live for those who dream of enjoying the Lake year round.

If you want to check out some properties around Lake Lansing, contact me to get started. I can help you achieve your dream of living on the lake all year long.

What Is the Cost of Renting vs. Buying?

This is a question many people begin asking themselves when they first consider a home purchase. They start thinking about the cost of rent versus the equity they could be building in their own home. While buying is the American Dream, it can be hard to know the right time to move from renting to buying. To know which is better for your situation, you have to do some calculations.

What Goes Into the Decision

While there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to rent or buy, the financial aspect is one of the most important. You can use any one of several calculators online to help you determine which option is better for you financially. However, you should know what information is being used in each choice.

For renting, you not only consider the monthly amount you pay but any renter's insurance and the security deposit you must include. Rent goes up so you have to figure in the cost of rent appreciation over time.

To figure in the cost of buying, you start with the purchase price and include the down payment along with any closing costs you have to pay. Then, you add in the monthly mortgage payment along with property taxes and insurance.

Maintenance is added in while deductions on your taxes for interest and property tax are also calculated. To get a true estimate, you have to figure how long you will be in the home, the price you would get for selling and any closing costs you would pay as a seller.

Several assumptions are used in the calculations such as the mortgage rate, your income tax bracket, and how much the home will appreciate over time. The end result is the total cost of renting or buying over time. While some of the information will require estimating such as future appreciation, it can help you understand your options when you see the numbers in black and white.

An Investment

While buying a home is often an emotional decision, it is also a financial investment in your future. For this reason, it is important to look at facts and figures to help you determine if you are ready to buy and how much you can afford.

If you have decided that now is the time to buy, give me a call and we can get you started on your way to the American Dream.