Southwest Michigan Vacation-Home Market Outlook for the Rest of 2026: Buyer and Seller Guide

The Southwest Michigan vacation-home market should remain active through the remainder of 2026, but it is becoming more selective, more localized, and less forgiving of mistakes.

Buyers have more properties to consider than they did during …

I was not surprised this went under contract in less than 30 days.

Listed at just shy of $5,000,000 this Lakeside, MI home went under contract in just a few weeks. This was not a Lake Michigan lakefront estate. No beach frontage. No deeded beach access. Not even …

Why Buyer’s Brokers Dominate Southwest Michigan’s Vacation Home Market—and Why Sellers Should Pay Attention

Here’s the deal: in Southwest Michigan’s vacation home market, the vast majority of homes aren’t sold directly by listing agents—they’re sold with the help of savvy Buyer’s Brokers. And that’s not just important for buyers—it’s a …

Today, I received the following message from the Southwest Michigan Board of REALTORS:

"Last week I reported around 17 vacant on-market homes were being broken into in St. Joseph Twp.  I was given an update that there have been several more now outreaching into the City of St. Joseph …

Market Conditions Are Only One Piece of the Puzzle

While it’s true that market conditions, such as pricing and buyer demand, play a critical role in the successful sale of a property, they are not the only factors. Intangible elements, such as the behavior of your agent, showing restrictions, and …

As someone who has successfully acquired a property in Southwest Michigan or Northwest Indiana with my representation, you’re already familiar with the caliber of service I provide. Now, I am offering an exclusive incentive for you when it comes time to sell that property: a substantial reduction in listing commission  …

The housing market outlook for 2025 in Southwest Michigan, particularly in areas like New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, and Sawyer, remains positive with expectations for continued gradual growth in home prices, driven largely by strong demand for vacation homes and limited inventory.

Key Factors Driving the Market

• Vacation Home …

When selling your home, ensure your agent offers strong incentives to all buyer’s agents. If your agent boasts of selling a high percentage of their own listings, they may be discouraging other agents from showing the property.