Whats your take on neighbors?

How close do you want someone living next to you? Some of us don’t mind having people living next door to us (I’ve had and do have some great neighbors, that are always willing to lend a hand to help out) and some of us don’t want to be able to see another person from our front door. For this crowd, privacy and seclusion is paramount. Depending on your answer to this question, your home hunting journey could vary greatly. Fortunately, we live in the Upper Peninsula and we can accommodate both choices. From living right in the action close to downtown or along a secluded river bank. The key is figuring out what you want when you start your search.

Providing proof of funds, could strengthen your offer

Throughout the home purchasing process, you may be asked to provide proof of funds. What does this mean? It refers to something tangible that can be offered as evidence that you, the buyer, can follow through with the purchase. It’s a type of validation that you have the money available at your disposal to complete the home purchase. It can come in a couple of different forms like a certified letter from your financial institution or an official document from a 3rd party providing an assurance that you have the funds needed at your disposal. This letter or documentation provides the seller with a piece of mind and as a result, they may be more willing to accept your offer. Keep in mind, this is different than a pre-approval from a bank. It would typically be utilized in a “cash purchase” or for your down payment or closing costs if requested.

Check out this article from realtor.com to learn more information about proof of funds.

Choosing which Colors to Paint with

Can the color of a room influence your mood? According to HGTV “color can make rooms feel bigger or smaller without the time and expense of actually moving walls”. This might be something you want to consider when trying to sell your home. Anything that will make your home inviting is going to be worth considering and painting interior rooms is usually done as a DIY project for homeowners.

In the past, our family has tried out different colors in our home as an experiment to see how it worked out. We had some success with reds and blues and not the best luck with yellow. If you’re struggling with what each color means, check out this article for some clarification. If you don’t like the color, you can always repaint it.

Days River Trail

The Days River Trail is a great way to get your fix of nature, not too far from town. Near the river and lined with trees, you can have a relaxing walk or a fun bike ride in the summer. During fall you can take a stroll while checking out the leaves changing. In the winter you can cross country ski. Access the trail just northwest of Gladstone. Check out the Visit Escanaba link for more information.

What does home mean to you?


Over the years, I have heard a wide variety of personal meanings for a house or a home. To some, a house is simply a place to live. For others, a house has deep rooted meaning. One of my favorite parts of the real estate journey is learning about the meaning of home for each individual.

Some different viewpoints that I have heard over the years:

  • Having a home means safety and security to a mother of a large family.
  • After renting for a long time, an individual buys a modest home. She says “it may not be much, but it is mine.”
  • Where my family grows together through life

These viewpoints vary greatly based upon each person’s perspective. For most, the home is seen as more than merely a place where we rest our heads. What does home mean to you?