Recent Articles

Dec. 27, 2022

Buyer's Agents / Brokers

Buying a home is a significant financial and emotional investment, and it is essential to have an experienced and knowledgeable professional to guide you through the process. A buyer's agent can provide invaluable assistance and help ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience.

 

What is a buyer's agent?

 

A buyer's agent is a licensed real estate professional who represents the interests of the homebuyer. Unlike a listing agent, who represents the seller, a buyer's agent works exclusively for the buyer and is committed to helping them find the right property and negotiate the best deal.

 

Benefits of using a buyer's agent

 

Expertise and knowledge of the local market: A buyer's agent is an expert in the local real estate market and can provide valuable insights on current market conditions, property values, and neighborhoods. They can also help you navigate the complex process of buying a home, including obtaining financing, submitting an offer, and closing the deal.

 

Access to a wider range of properties: A buyer's agent has access to a wider range of properties, including those that are not publicly listed or advertised. They can also help you identify properties that may not be listed on the market yet but are expected to be available soon.

 

Professional representation: A buyer's agent acts as your advocate and negotiator, working to get you the best deal possible on the home you want. They can also help you navigate any potential issues that may arise during the home buying process, such as inspections or appraisals.

 

Time-saving: Buying a home can be a time-consuming process, and a buyer's agent can help save you time by doing the legwork for you. They can research properties, schedule showings, and handle all the paperwork and negotiations, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life.

 

Reduced stress: The home buying process can be stressful, especially for first-time buyers. A buyer's agent can help alleviate some of this stress by providing guidance and support every step of the way.

 

Better financial outcomes: A buyer's agent is skilled at negotiating and can help you get the best price and terms possible on the home you want. They can also help you navigate any potential issues that may arise during the home buying process, such as inspections or appraisals, to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

 

Relationship building: Building a relationship with a buyer's agent can also be beneficial for future real estate transactions. They will have a good understanding of your needs and preferences, and can use this knowledge to help you find the perfect home in the future.

Posted in Misc
April 16, 2017

Lake Michigan Water Level

A few days ago, an article appeared at mlive.com stating, "The entire Great Lakes system has gained an incredible amount of water just in the first 12 days of April". This really surprised me because Lake Michigan has been slowly receding from it's recently highest in 2015. Since then, many areas in Harbor Country began seeing their beaches come back, where in some cases it had disappeared all together. Grand Beach comes to mind.

Lake Michigan Water Level Chart 

Above is the latest water level chart for Lake Michigan & Lake Huron. The Army Corp of Engineers updates this chart regularly. The latest version can always be viewed at http://www.thedailylistings.com/lake-michigan-water-level/ or visit the Army Corp of Engineers Great Lakes website.

Posted in Misc
March 19, 2017

Best Views In Southwest Michigan

Spectacular views

Unlimited 360 degree views overlooking the Galien River and a protected sanctuary for as far as the eye can see. Conveniently located a short walk to the beach, Whittaker St shops, Amtrak, and marina, yet completely secluded and private.

This home must be viewed in person. The views are that good! See more.

Dec. 16, 2016

Gintaras Resort - Union Pier, MI

A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity!

The property so many have waited so long to be available just hit the market. Gintaras Resort is a beachfront resort in the heart of Harbor Country Michigan which has been run by the same family since the 1960's. This is the very first time the owners are offering it for sale. 

 

Gintaras Resort Union Pier Michigan front gates.

 

The property boasts 12 cottages on a 4+ acre sized parcel of land with 300 feet of beautiful, wide, sandy, beach. This beachfront property is not designated by the DEQ as critical dunes and the entire 300' of beach is exclusively owned by the resort. The beach is not shared with other homes. It has littoral rights, meaning the property lines reach all the way down to the water's edge. 

 

Aerial

 

I cannot stress how rare this property is. It's location is right in the center of Harbor Country, half way in between the IN/MI state border to the south, and Warren Dunes State Park in Saywer, MI to the north. The 4+ acres in size is practically unheard of in Harbor Country, especially in Union Pier!. 

 

The 300' of private beach is also something you will not find in any other lakefront property in this part of Michigan

 

Currently the resort has been in full time operation for decades. Due to it's size and location, the opportunities are nearly endless. You can continue running the resort as is. Upgrade the existing buildings for destination weddings. I personally would love to see a waterfront restaurant. 

 

Don't let the price tag scare you off! The owners listed the property for sale because they are ready to move on. Ultimately, I believe this property is going to sell quicker than average. It simply too rare. Too desirable. Too close to Chicago. Too close to everything you like about Harbor Country.

 

######  See the MLS Listings for this property. ######

 

Is this a bit too much? Here are some other great parcels of waterfront acreage in Southwest Michigan.

 

Please call or text me to discuss in detail; 269-783-5253.

 

Or, and let me know what's on your mind.

 

Paul Zubrys, Broker / REALTOR
SW MI Real Estate since 1987

Phone: 269-783-5253
paul@lakerealtors.com
Recent Sales


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Dec. 16, 2016

SOLD 120 Acres Near New Buffalo $698,000

 
Union Pier, MI Gordon Beach Cottage
 
I recently closed the sale of this beautiful 120 acre parcel of rolling hills, woods, and wetlands under contract. The location is a short 10 minute drive from New Buffalo in a location known as the "1000 N Corridor" or "Horse Country" in Northeast LaPorte County Indiana. 
 
From the MLS: Just down the road from MI I-94 Exit 1 is a very private 120 acre getaway that is an outdoor delight year round. The tall maples turn bright yellow and orange in the Fall. There are multiple tall Cherry, Oak, Beech trees as well as some Paw Paws. Wildlife that you only find in a large undeveloped 120 acre site abounds. The current home is the second floor of new building. You can enjoy its open (47' by 30') spaciousness or make it the caretaker residence. The original home site is still spectacular with one older outbuilding left. Next to the homestead site is a space for a large 2-3 acre, spring fed pond. The spring is currently running 24/7 (2 gallons per minute)365 days a year into a creek. A wonderful totally private getaway in the country near everything. $698,000. 
 
Tell me about the type of property you want to find and I'll work night and day to find it. Whether it's a FSBO, bank owned, an exclusive pocket listing with another broker... or not even for sale. I don't mind knocking on doors if I know the property is something you would love. BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. So, don't be afraid to contact me and let me know. I don't bite. And, I understand your time is valuable and I respect your privacy. I will not call you without being requested in advance. And, I promise to not hound you or otherwise be a pain in the a**. There is never any pressure. Buying a home is a process that can take years.   Paul Zubrys
Posted in New Sales
Dec. 16, 2016

SOLD Union Pier Gordon Beach $949,000

 
Union Pier, MI Gordon Beach Cottage
 
I recently closed the sale of this Gordon Beach Cottage in Union Pier, MI under contract. Completely renovated in 2005 by the founder and CEO one of Chicago's premiere builders, The Drake Group, this beautiful cottage style home is conveniently located across the street from the beach in one of Harbor Country's most desirable beachfront communities. 
 
From the MLS: UNION PIER. A beach style home just steps to the private Gordon Beach access. This delightful 6BR cottage was rehabbed with wonderful design elements. Step into the 2-story light filled living room with wood ceilings, exposed beams, and fireplace. The kitchen opens to the dining & family room with fireplace is also 2-story and bright, opens to a screened porch and outdoor entertainment patio. Includes stainless appliances, granite counter tops, 5 inch Maple plank floors throughout, lots of windows & skylights, stone fire place, main floor master suite plus 2 additional main floor guest BRs, & 3 guest BRs on the 2nd level, a full basement and 1 car garage. The home has smartphone/ Internet which controls the lighting, thermostats and the irrigation system. The beach is calling! $949,000.  See  all homes for sale in Union Pier, MI
 
Tell me about the type of property you want to find and I'll work night and day to find it. Whether it's a FSBO, bank owned, an exclusive pocket listing with another broker... or not even for sale. I don't mind knocking on doors if I know the property is something you would love. BUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. So, don't be afraid to contact me and let me know. I don't bite. And, I understand your time is valuable and I respect your privacy. I will not call you without being requested in advance. And, I promise to not hound you or otherwise be a pain in the a**. There is never any pressure. Buying a home is a process that can take years.   Paul Zubrys
Posted in New Sales
Oct. 13, 2016

Status Definitions

When viewing property on this website, you will notice each has a specification named Status. The status describes the availability of the property.

Status = Active

Active listings

A Status of Active indicates the property is available for purchase.

Status = Active - Backup

Under Contract

A Status of "Active - Back Up" indicates the property is under contract. An offer to purchase was made by a Buyer and accepted by the Seller.  The Seller is considering Back up offers while the status remains "Active-Backup".

Status = Active - Contingent

unicorn

A Status of "Active - Contingent" indicates the property is under contract by a Buyer whereby the Contract to Purchase is contingent upon the sale and closing of a property the Buyer currently owns and is offered for sale. This status is so rare in our market I was unable to find an example. Hence, the unicorn. 

Status = Pending

Pending Sale

A status of "Pending" indicates the property is under contract and scheduled for closing. The home is no longer offered for sale and the property is typically no longer shown to other prospective Buyers.

Status = Sold

Sold, closed

A status of "Sold" indicates the transaction has been successfully consummated and the property is now deeded to the new owner. Sold listings will usually display the latest asking price as well as the selling price. I designed this website to display the selling price is one of two colors. If the selling price is displayed in Green font, the selling price was equal to or greater than the asking price. If the amount is displayed in Red, the final selling price was less than the asking price.

Incorrect Status

Occasionally, the seller's agent will not report the current status correctly. More often than not, this is simply an honest oversight. If we catch this error, we will report it to the MLS, however, I cannot control or edit the status of any property displayed on this site as the status is automatically generated by a direct feed from the MLS.

If you have questions about the status of any property, or anything else, please ask. Contact us, and include the property's address and/or MLS#. We will respond ASAP.

Posted in Misc
Sept. 28, 2016

The Beach Is Back

The BEACH IS BACK!!!! I just shot these photo at the north end of Grand Beach near Forest Beach. Six months ago there was no beach here at all. Also visited some beaches in Union Pier Harbert and Lakeside while showing property. All locations showed marked improvement in the size and slope of the beach with sandbars nearby working their way to the shoreline which will add to the beach over time.

-The Beach is Back in Grand Beach, MI

Posted in Misc
Sept. 11, 2016

The Best Lake House In Harbor Country

For those who desire only the best, this Lakeside, MI lakefront home may be the opportunity you've waited for.

From the MLS: Introducing ''Bluewater'' located on Meadow Lane & once the former E.K.Warren Estate. Offering a choice Lakefront parcel with 147'of quality Littoral Right Beach with low bluff & nearly 2 acres of privacy.The Beach House built in 2010 is a custom California Coastal Craftsmen designed by the renowned David Raino of Greene & Greene, and features the absolute finest in custom craftsmanship, features, finishes & infrastructure. Discover features in this home so unique there are no comparisons. Including the''Nano'' walled summer great room that becomes an open air pavilion, Re-cycled Lamborghini seat leather floors,a underground tunnel to the beach with a powder room,Re-claimed Teak custom cabinets, Carlisle Cypress wide plank wood floors,coach house,the feature sheet is sizable,the home unparalleled.

Aug. 31, 2016

Retire In Michigan

Lake Michigan Beach
About five (5) years ago I started seeing more and more buyers who are leaving their home state, usually Illinois, in favor of the lakes, dunes, and golf courses of Southwest Michigan. As retirement approaches, they are no longer looking for vacation homes, but a home that will be suitable as a primary residence. A place where their children and grandchildren can gather for summer vacations and to celebrate winter holidays.

Southwest Michigan offers a lot more than sunny beaches and water-sports. Within 1 to 2 hours of Chicago, you will find 2 large casinos, each with a regular schedule (Blue Chip, Four Winds) of nationally renown singers, musicians, bands, and comics. Its an understatement to say we have good selection of really great restaurants, large and small. The same can be said with theaters, shopping, golf courses, colleges and universities, sports teams, etc. 

Originally from Chicago, the youngest son of Lithuanian immigrants who raised my brother, sister, and me on Chicago's south-side, I've lived in Southwest Michigan, married a local girl (Regenia) who many of you know as "Rocky" in 1986, and raised my family here, in New Buffalo, for the past 30+ years. Most of my family is still in Illinois, but I never regretted the move. For me, the the resort town lifestyle fit like a glove. I never looked back. And since we're only an hour apart, visiting in either direction is an easy trip, even if its only for a day. For those who are still on the fence about trading in their vacation cottage for a larger, more permanent home, let's talk. 

I will be happy to refer you to many former Chicagoans who've taken that leap, and none have regretted it. They absolutely love living in Michigan and all that it offers in outdoor activity, year round entertainment, theaters, dining, medical facilities... I could go on and on. If you've been thinking about it, let me buy you dinner at any of great restaurants while you tell me about your vision of the next chapter in your life. If you've already made up your mind, let me give you an unbiased, no sales BS look at some of the best homes and locations available today.

Paul Zubrys, Broker / REALTOR
Posted in Misc