Last year Northern Michigan had an ice storm. This year we had unusually high seasonal water (as waterfront homeowners ourselves we dare do not use the F word an risk inviting insurance premium increases). Still the market is holding steady and showing signs that this summer the sun will shine on both buyers and sellers as our market continues to balance.
238 residential homes have sold across Charlevoix and Emmet Counties since January (relatively flat). Prices are holding steady near last year's levels. The inland lakes are moving fast when properties are priced, presented, and marketed well — and nearly sitting still when they're not.
A few things worth knowing right now:
Lake Charlevoix and Walloon are as competitive as ever. 17 sales on Charlevoix already this year, most at or above asking price. Walloon has barely anything available. If you've been watching either lake, waiting is a real risk.
The inland lakes have a unique story this spring.Seasonal high water is affecting shoreline conditions on several lakes. Properties that show well right now have less competition than usual — owners who are high and dry are in a genuinely strong position. Buyers who can see past the water levels may find opportunity that others are overlooking.
Bay Harbor is active again. Seven sales year to date after a very quiet start to 2025. Buyers there move deliberately and at strong prices.
Luxury takes patience and the right strategy. More inventory at the top end than we've seen in several years. The properties closing are doing so because everything was done right — pricing, presentation, condition, and marketing. The rest are sitting.
We're early in the season. May and June will tell us a great deal. But the buyers who know this market are already here, and the right properties are already finding them.
If you're thinking about what's next, whether that's listing, searching, or just getting a clearer picture of what your property is worth today we are here to help.
