When it comes to technology, sometimes we don’t know all the ins-and-outs of the products we buy. Computer technology might as well be magic to some people who buy user friendly Mac laptops. But some products, consumers can’t afford to be ignorant about when they buy them. A home is the largest investment the average person will make and deserves your greatest effort to understand how to buy and maintain them. This is why it’s important to have a good real estate agent that is going to take you through the process step-by-step and make home buying a valuable learning experience. If a first-time homebuyer is interested in Lake Michigan Real estate, they should investigate the local markets. Their real estate agent should provide all the tools necessary to research Lake Michigan property.... 10/28/2008

This is remarkable!  Even if you have no particular interest, please pass on to the bakers in your life.  They'll appreciate it.   Just click on the name of the cookie and bam the recipe is there. Good to keep handy 1-2-3 Cookies   7 Layer Cookies   Allie Nelson's Famous Snickerdoodle Cookies   Almond Crescent Shortbread   Amish Sugar Cookies   Andies Candies Cookies   Angel Crisps   Angenets   Applesauce Cookies   Apricot Fold-Overs   Aunt Edy's Molasses Crinkles   Auntie Linda's Ginger Gems   Bakeless Dream Cookies   Banana Drop Cookies   Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World   Biscotti   Biscotti   Blueberry Cookies   Boiled Chocolate Oatmeal Drop Cookies   Bronwnies   Brown Sugar Shortbread   Brownie Cookies   Brownie Delight   Brownies   Buccaneer Snowballs   Buried Cherry Cooki... 10/27/2008

* BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change! The chicken wanted change! * JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road. * HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One! that every chicken in this country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this really isn't about me. * GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle ground ... 10/27/2008

While the headlines were focused on the poor performance of the stock market, mortgage rates improved moderately during a volatile week. Mortgage rates were helped by a couple of factors. Seeking to reduce risk, investors sold stocks and moved the funds into relatively safer Treasury bonds and government guaranteed mortgage backed securities. In addition, slower economic growth and lower energy prices reduced expectations for future inflation. More good news for the housing market came from the September Existing Home Sales report, which rose 5.5% from August to the highest annual rate since August 2007. Another important development was a decline in Libor rates during the week. Libor rates are viewed as a primary indicator of credit market conditions. They are also an important benchm... 10/27/2008

The biggest news in real estate markets around the country (Michigan real estate included) is the government’s decision to step in and bailout the two major mortgage lenders of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. While some are viewing this as another step towards an economic disaster, the effects of this decision may actually have some potential benefits. Recent trends show mortgage rates are falling for once. This past week was the third consecutive week in which they fell to just under 6.4% (thirty year adjustable mortgage rates) which is considerably less than the mortgage rates of a year ago which were over 6.45%. Fixed rate mortgage rates also went down to under six percent, also a considerable decline from the 6.15% percentage of a year ago. Whether these mortgage rate drops are a result... 10/07/2008

you know it;s summer when New buffalo's Ship and Shorefest is in full swing. New BUffalo closes whittaker street and trnasforms it into a large street party. with Kids activities, arts and craft vendors, Live Music Beer tent, Great food, and wine tasting. 2 stages will host music all weekend The Main stage at Whiittaker and Mechanic and the acoustic stage at Route 12 and whittaker street. with a varity of music all weekend. on Saurday there will be a pancake breakfast and then at dusk the famous lighted boat show and fireworks, By far the best fireworks in the area! Sunday a gospel breakfast, pancake breakfast and a watermelon eating contest is just a few of the things on deck There is MUCH more to do than this this weekend at the New Buffal's Ship and Fest in Downtown New Buffalo.  If ... 08/04/2008

Umbrellas of Harbert DO NOT MISS this event !! You know summer is here when you see the umbrellas in Harbert. Stunning hand-painted market umbrellas will once again greet visitors along Red Arrow Highway beginning on the Fourth of July weekend in Harbert, Michigan. The popular summer event "Umbrellas of Harbert" sponsored by the Harbert Business Association (HBA) will feature not only traditional round umbrellas, but new for this year, large square market umbrellas as well. During the annual celebration of art and summer, local businesses will display original, hand-painted market umbrellas designed by various artists. On August 16th, the umbrellas will be sold at a charity auction that will take place at the Center of the Word Showroom located at 13400 Red Arrow Highway, beginning at ... 08/04/2008

I was struck the other day when I red the blog by the great Jeff and Grace Safrin about the great Tony's Saddle Shop just outside of Valparaiso here in Northwest Indiana.  What could I write about was nearly as equal or greater than that.  Then it hit me, like a ton of bricks.  No, I was not driving without hands again.  It was Redamak's, the greatest burger in the world and if you are from the Chicagoland area.  You most certainly know about Redamak's.  You can have a pan fried burger with everything there as long as everything includes onion, pickles, cheese, mustand and catsup.  It does not take credit cards - cash only, and it is only open from March 1st through the sometime in October.  It has hosted some of Hollywood's greats such as Jay Leno to local celebreties as Steve Dahl and... 05/15/2008

Michael Kuhn Passes AwayThis morning started off with a telephone call informing me that Michael passed away while at his home in Niles, Michigan. This is a tragic loss of both a good friend and a true professional. Michael was sincerely interested in the well being of others, including his many 4 legged friends. Our 12 year old Golden Retriever was just one of many dogs that Michael raised or bred.Michael would always greet you with a smile and in all the times I had the pleasure to work with him, I never witnessed him express anger or hate. I you had the opportunity to deal with Michael on a real estate related matter, I'm sure you will agree that he was both, likable and professional.Posted with Permission by Paul ZubrysI knew Mike personally for just a short time. He was a very good... 03/06/2008

There are subtle differences among beach communities that have a large impact on your ability to enjoy your property. So how do you find your perfect vacation home? You are ready to buy that Michigan Cottage by the Lake. You've seen some beautiful ads in the magazines and you probably have already spent time looking at real estate while driving around on a Saturday afternoon, but just thinking about all the steps between seeking and finding might make you anxious, if not down-right terrified. That's a normal response. In fact, anyone who tells you he or she cruised through the process fearlessly is probably either trying to impress you, is suffering from a bad case of denial, or has worked with Lake Realty Group :) The Truth Is As you've seen, no two homes for sale in Southwest Michigan... 02/13/2008

Today, the communities of Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Three Oaks (see page two) and Sawyer are collectively known as Harbor Country, named by the local Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce.    The number one reason Harbor Country exists today are the miles of pristine beaches   along the shores of Lake Michigan and the lush surrounding countryside; however, it was not always this way.   About 150 years ago, the area was a dense forest that was harvested to build much of the Midwest, especially Chicago after the great fire.  Primeval forest gave way to neat and orderly rows of orchards and vineyards.  The land cleared of it's trees became an agricultural powerhouse!  Hot summer days with cool nights made the perfect recipe for some of the best fruit a... 01/26/2008

Here in Southwestern Michigan we have 8 resort communities known as Harbor Country.  We've been referred to as the "Hamptons of the Midwest", "Chicago's Cape Cod" and other synonymous references. If you have been fortunate to visit the Hamptons, Cape Cod & the Islands then you know what I mean when I say it's a magical place where you feel as though your only care is what's for dinner and fill my glass please!  Harbor Country is within an hour and a half drive from nearly 15 million people, we host mostly Chicagoans who buy second homes here. Lately we've seen a spike in buyers from Indianapolis, South Bend and Lafayette Indiana as well as East Coast Michigonians.  Our market has remained quite stable in the "housing meltdown" we still get bidding wars on homes and there is much good ha... 01/25/2008

Casey's Bar and Grill in New Buffalo, Michigan is a great place for steak. It's a sports bar so it can get loud and rowdy, but the food is good and if you want to catch a ball game it is the place to go. Summertime the line is out the door sometime but I think it is well waiting for. The drinks will also help you forget about the wait you have too.Located at:136 North Whittaker StreetNew Buffalo, MI Phone: (269) 469-5800 04/16/2007

Skip's Other Place-New Buffalo, MichiganThey are famous for their delicious prime rib.  There soup is homemade.  They also have on their menu crab legs, shrimp, lake perch, pastas, chicken and much more. They also have a list of different Martini's they serve.It's a nice place to have a Romantic Dinner.  It's one of my favorite places to go.They have an antique shop and also sell jewelry there.  You can walk around while you are waiting for a table or after you eat.There website is under construction but here it is.skipsrestaurant.net 04/07/2007

Hannah'sLocated on US 39 right before the Heart of New Buffalo.115 South Whittaker St., New Buffalo, MI  49117888.877.1440HoursSun - Thurs 11:00am - 10:00 pm ETFri - Sat 11:00am - 10:00 pm ETSpring & Summer open 1 hour later They have a nice variety of food from chicken, Apple Pork Chops, Prime Rib, Lake Perch, Roast Duck and much more...It is decorated with old pictures of the area.  The service is friendly and quick.  They also have a meeting roomhttp://www.hannahsrestaurant.com/  visit this website for more details 04/07/2007