Marketing

JESSICA SLENDAK Marketing Director jslendak@clpoc.org

Marketing Associate Lindsay Halcomb lhalcomb@clpoc.org Assistant Webmaster Lee Ann McCormick canadianlakes.org

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Instagram: canadianlakes_mi High season in Canadian Lakes is here! Or at least it should be. I truly hope we are all enjoying the early sun-filled days of spring with 50-to-60-degree temps, but time will tell as I write this article in the beginning of March.

High season always brings us a ton of excitement with all of our sport venues opening up including golf, along with the opening of our outdoor pool, the beloved campground, full hours at the Royal Grille, and then there’s always my most favorite, most treasured – BOATING!!!! In case you didn’t know, I have grown up in these woods of Mecosta County. My parents, who both grew up in Big Rapids returned here when I was just two years old and raised me on the Muskegon River in Rogers Heights, just south of Big Rapids. That water has always been a part of my life, so boating is what I do! Canadian Lakes is very blessed in this arena, and I love this time of year as I watch all of your vessels pass my office as they prepare for first seasons launch. While high season brings us all those great things, the CLPOC Marketing and PR Committee, headed up by the ever so wonderful, popular and beautiful Fran Voci, asked me to fill my article with some real estate market stats for members. This is a very cool idea, so I turned to my real estate pals here who are the true experts. Tap the resources, right? I asked Rick Kempton, Broker/ Rick and wife Sue Kempton, Feb. 10th Owner of Coldwell Banker Lakes of this year while on vacation Realty, what he thinks homes sales in Canadian Lakes will look like in 2022? He responded “It is definitely a seller’s market; the inventory is low, and prices have appreciated very well over the last two years. Although it’s difficult to predict the future it seems like this market will continue as we head into the summer.” As for lot sales, Rick said “Lot sales also seem to be doing well. There has been an inventory to work through, but we are finally making progress with Canadian Lakes lots.”

Chip Issette, Managing Broker at Century 21 White House Realty, gave me some insight on appeal. I asked Chip based on his experience and feedback from his agents what was most appealing about Canadian Lakes to buyers? I also asked Chip the same two questions I asked Rick above about home and lot sales in 2022. Chip answered “Over the course of the last two years, we have seen a steady increase in demand from buyers may be looking to escape the cities and find leisure in outdoor activities that our community offers. The ability to work from home was a big part of this growth as well. When my family moved here in 1971 there were very few people living here permanently and raising families. That number has grown tremendously which is great! I really don’t see a quick change on the horizon for the next one-two years but with interest rates moving a bit, we may see things stabilize more.” Chip Issette, Managing Broker at Century 21 White House Realty.

Both Chip and Rick provided sales figures for the past two years. Rick reports 129 homes sold in 2021 and 162 sold in 2020. Chip reports 149 lots sold in 2021 and 106 lots sold in 2020. That two-year total of 255 (vacant lots sold) more than DOUBLES the previous two-year period total of 101.

I asked Rick what he and his agents felt the plans are for the new members with their new vacant lots? Rick said “Many reasons! While a number of the buyers just want to enjoy the amenities of Canadian Lakes, a large number of the sales are for homes to be built! There have been builders for homes to be sold and individual future homeowners.”

Of course, I had to meddle in some of Chip and Rick’s personal business so I could share with my readership. I asked them both if they each had one hour to spend alone – no work, no phone completely relaxing with a cocktail or cold one (not in their homes) where in Canadian Lakes would the two of them be?

Chip answered, “Golf, Golf, Golf, but specifically, standing on the 18th green at The Royal golf course, knowing that Dennis Wolfe was about to hand me his debt from our days round. Chip also wanted to add “Much of our success is driven by all that our community has to offer and how Canadian Lakes is perceived by firsttime visitors. For this I would give huge kudos to CLPOC, their entire staff and to the Canadian Lakes Association with all of the awesome events and activities they offer. It sure makes selling our community easy and fun!”

Rick answered, “I have lived in this area my entire life, so it’s hard to pick just one activity. I do enjoy our perfect summers by playing golf league at The Royal or a pontoon ride while listening to a concert!”

I conclude with a giant thank you to Chip and Rick for providing the meat and potatoes to this article. These two men, along with their agents, are a giant part of our community. I am truly thankful for them all. Please give either one of the offices a call for your real estate needs at any time and I’m sure you’ll be well taken care of.

Lastly, our new member onboarding process is going well. We are meeting so many new members. Meet Jan and Doug from Brandt, Michigan. They had family that bought back in December who loved Canadian Lakes so much, they decided to buy here too. If you see them around, be sure to give them a warm welcome!

Happy spring Canadian Lakes!