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Big Rapids, MI Real Estate News

By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Tuesday June 14th marks the date for the West Central Association of Realtors 8th Annual Golf Outing which promises to be a fun filled day of networking and laughter. This is only my second year attending these and while the first year I was horrified of looking like a fool, this year I realize I have company and no one cares. I am golfing with my competition and long time friend Dennis Love, Billy Myers and Maynard Travis from Lakeland Title. If nothing else it gives me a few hours away from the office and phone which is worth the price of admission in itself. We will be doing our golfer impersonation at Falcon Head Golf Club right here in Big Rapids, MI. I love this course as it is a challenge but usually I can get out with only a few lost balls. With hole in one prizes like a Harley ...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Almost that time of year when we get our Ferris students back. Every year our quiet little townbecomes a bustling hot spot with 14,000 or so new residents. First few weeks are mayhem but we eventually get our rhythm right and work well together. The students have several options available in regards to housing. Ferris does have rules about who can live off campus so make sure you start there. Here is a link to their website where you can find the rules: Ferris Housing. If you can live off campus you have a couple options. Rent or buy. No answer is right for everyone. If you choose to rent you can go with one of our Student Rental folks or just drive around town. This time of year the For Rent signs are everywhere. For others the lure of possibly making money by flipping a house is a gre...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
This is Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan and today in Big Rapids it is the 6th Annual Catch-A-Fish, Grant-A-Wish fishing tournament. Saturday June 11th from 9am-12pm so bring the whole family to this fun filled day of fishing in Hemlock Park on Riverwalk.  All proceeds go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.  There will be a balloon artist, face painting, raffle prizes and much more. See you there.
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Usually I write about local events a few days before they are happening but this one needs a little notice. It is the Third Annual Clay Art and Fire pottery fest to be held in Mitchell Creek Park in Downtown Big Rapids on June 18th and 19th, 2011. This is a must do event open to the public and will include live demonstrations from over 15 nationally known premiere potters who will be traveling to Big Rapids from all over the United States. There is live music playing and the atmosphere is amazing. Instead of posting pics, I am going to share a couple links. First their FaceBook page: Clay, Art and Fire. Check out the photo pages. Some of the Grotesque Jugs take a little getting used to. When I first noticed one in Jack Batdorff's office I thought what the.... but since they have grown o...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Yesterday was the annual Susan P Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness walk here in Big Rapids, MI. This year they made it a 5K, almost double last years. The scenery was amazing as we walked along a paved walkway along the Muskegon River. Yes...I said walked. There were those who ran but I like to enjoy the walk. If you ever get to Big Rapids you really need to visit the River Walk. Plan on taking a few hours so you can take your time and enjoy every step. You can get more information about the walk and ways you can help by hitting their website at  www.spwcenter.org. See you next year and thanks for reading.
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Every year the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce holds a business trade show on the last Saturday of April. This is a great way to showcase your business and get your name out in the community that is filled with would be buyers and clients. Has been sold out for the last four years in a row and this year is looking like a great one. It's held at the Big Rapids Middle School which is just off Michigan on the North end of town. If you are a business that thinks you could benefit from having a booth contact the Chamber at (231) 796-7649. See you there and thanks for reading.
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
For anyone looking for the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, you are in for a treat. They have launched a new website which can be found here: New Website . I wasn't a huge fan of our old site but this one rocks! This one has a much cleaner look and is way easier to navigate. Upcoming events and New Members scroll on home page so you don't have to search for them. If you own a business in Mecosta County you should really look into how the Chamber can help you! Enjoy the new site and thanks for reading.  
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
This month's Business After Hours will be at Altercare on West Avenue. Every month the local Chamber of Commerce holds these events and they are perfect places for local businesses to network and learn more about what each other have to offer. This month Altercare of Big Rapids will be the host and will be spot lighted. This event will be on St. Patty's day so wear your green and come check one out. If your company is not already a member of the chamber let me know and I will make sure you get the info on becoming a member and taking advantage of these events. See you there!
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
One of the benefits of belonging to the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce is the networking opportunities. Each month they host both a Business Rise and Shine and Business After Hours. These are great time to get together with other area businesses outside of your normal business setting. This month we will be visiting the Mecosta County Medical Center Auxiliary in the lobby of the MCMC. Besides the networking opportunities it gives us a chance to learn about area businesses and this month we get to see and hear about the inner workings of the Auxiliary. Besides the Gift Shop and Ice Cream Socials they have a Annual Christmas Open House which are all events worth attending. Starts at 7:30 this Thursday, Feb 23rd, 2011. See you there!
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
February 22, 2011 we had another ribbon cutting here in Big Rapids as the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Dr Zeilinger to his new office. Located at 123 Warren, they are easily accessible from most anywhere in town. Dr Zeilinger is a Chiropractor who offers a full-service chiropractic clinic and specialize in personal, hands on care for your every need. He is certified in 7 different techniques and offers a massage therapy service in addition to his chiropractic services to provide complete care. Whether you are suffering from lower back pain and seek relief or you need a routine adjustment Dr Zeilinger is a great choice here in Big Rapids. Welcome to Big Rapids Dr Zeilinger!
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
This month the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours will be held at Ferris State University's Michigan College of Optometry. This will give our members a chance to see what $27 Million looks like from the inside. Using state of the art technology and the public having access make this a great addition to Ferris. The Michigan College of Optometry (MCO) at Ferris State University belongs to a group of only 20 schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and is the only college of optometry in the state of Michigan. The Business After Hours event is open to all Chamber Members and is from 5-6:30 PM. Parking will be available and permitted only in Parking Lot #33 just south of McDonalds.  Please enter at the North entrance of the building where Ambassadors ...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Congrat's for being accepted to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. One of your many new challenges is to find a place to call home while attending school. There are always the dorms, and for some , that is the only option available. Ferris has restrictions on who can live off campus and while the price of the dorms seems pricey it is your only choice. For others the lure of buying a home, renting a few rooms to buddies while going to school and then selling for a huge profit is too much to resist. Like any journey, the first step is deciding on whether to go it alone or use a guide (in this case a Realtor®). There are so many things to keep an eye on in Big Rapids, it would be insane to not at least talk to a local agent. Many people think they can just find a home zoned correc...
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By Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375, Real Estate Services You can Trust!
(Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions")
How much can you tell about your buyer agent when they ask you for gas money to show you homes? Now I have heard it all! I had an agent relay this story to me the other day.  I had to stop and think about the statement I had just heard.  The agent probably thought I had been the victim of brain trauma since it took me a few seconds to process the magnitude of the statement. My initial response was a question.  Did you ask for gas money because you didn't think your buyer was qualified?  No, I asked because I hadn't sold anything in a while and wasn't going to waste my gas on someone who might not buy.  I was doing them a favor showing them homes. So let me get this straight, you are asking buyers to pay for gas so you can show them homes, right?  His response, "Yup, you got it!"  Now if...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Today is the first Friday of December which marks one of my favorite events of the year...The Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gala. The Chamber's largest annual fund-raiser, the Gala draws more than 200 Chamber members and friends together on the first Friday in December for an evening of fun. The dinner event features raffles and auctions of items donated by local merchants. Alaways a good time for everyone who attends. See you there!
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Every month the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours. What a great networking event for area businesses. This month you can join us at Quality Inn & Suites here in Big Rapids. Just South of Ferris State University. They offer almost a hundred rooms with Internet access, an exercise room and a heated pool. If you are a business owner and in the big Rapids are around 5pm stop by see what Business After Hours is all about and how the Chamber can help you build your business. See you there.  
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
This year the Big Rapids Greater Federation of Women's Club is holding a Veterans Day Luminary Tribute at Highland View Cemetery. The GFWC will light more than 800 luminaries on each veteran's grave site in the cemetery on Veteran's Day. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Shelly McHugh 231-796-6453. What a great way to pay tribute to those who were willing to give it all for us. Best of luck in all you do and thanks for reading. 
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Probably my favorite place for breakfast in Big Rapids would be our local Bob Evans restaurant. It is always nice to go to a place that not only knows you but makes you feel special every visit. My wife and I have breakfast there every Friday ad are impressed with each visit. This morning they were mentioning a new program Bob Evans is doing where you can buy a full dinner for 8 for under $75.00 and donate it to a local family they may not have a Thanksgiving dinner any other way. This time of year we are all overwhelmed by the requests for need and I like the idea that it is local. There is a huge movement to buy local these days so why donate local too. As a bonus they have a match deal where after so many meals purchased Bob Evans donates a meal as well. What a great way to see your ...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Our Chamber has done it again. They have found another way to help promote new business in Mecosta County. We recently had a Member Drive and had over 70 new members join our Chamber. At 8:30am on Wednesday Nov 3, 2010 we are having a new member breakfast at Falcon Head Golf Course just South of town. This will be a great opportunity for new members to hear how the Chamber can help them grow their business. The Chamber is an amazing tool to use when building your business. The more you use it the more it gives. Events like our Rise and Shine and Business After Hours help you to network your business or skills to other business owners. If you haven't joined you Chamber yet, Do it! If you have, Use it! You won't get much benefit from a tool you don't use. Not using it is like having an 80...
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010 6:30pm - 9:30pm the Downtown branch of Chemical Bank will be hosting another Festival of the Trees. The auction begins at 7:30 and features more than 40 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, as well as other holiday décor and gift items. The entire proceeds will go to support renovations in the MCMC Birthing Center, which has helped more than 10,000 babies into the world since 1995. Antoher great way Chemical Bank shows support for the local community. Tickets to the event can be purchased from Chemical Bank, Patterson's Flowers and Gifts, Gary Trimarco Automotive and from the MCMC Foundation office and cost $25 each. Great cause and the trees look amazing. See you there.
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By Randy Ostrander, Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI
(Lake and Lodge Realty LLC )
Yesterday's Ribbon Cutting at Mecosta County CARES (Companion Animal Resource/Education Society) introduced me to another great bunch of people dedicated to helping. From their FaceBook page I found this snippet that give us all a glimpse into what they do. Mecosta County CARES (Companion Animal Resource/Education Society) was founded in 1998. Our goals are to work towards ending pet overpopulation, to work to provide education promoting responsible pet ownership in Mecosta County, to raise funds to provide discount spay/neuter certificates for those people adopting dogs from the Mecosta County Animal Shelter or taking in stray or abandoned cats or dogs, and to provide emergency medical funds for treatment of shelter animals in need. Mecosta County CARES President Roberta Cline and sta...
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