Saugatuck Real Estate | Pat and Pam Murphy, Realtors

My husband and team partner, Patrick, of Patrick Murphy Builders, LLC have been working hard this winter between the snow storms!  Clients contacting me from our web sites, sitting Open Houses or personal referrel, they all say the same things, "How are you surviving in this market?" 

Since Patrick and I have not started any "Spec" custom homes, the last one we Built in 2008 SOLD, we have been concentrating on REMODELING!!!  Forget the backhoe, less invasive, thoughful home improvements can have a huge impact on the value of your home!  Architect Sarah Susanka and author of Not So Big Remodeling, has a few great ideas on the subject.

People are staying put in their homes, so they want to make their current house into a place that fits their needs.  They don't see their home as a automatic stepping stone to their next purchase.  There's no longer the notion of onward and upward and that a bigger house is better.

So, that's what we as a Custom Home Builder and Realtors have been doing to survive.  A lot of people have contacted us to help them in this process of remodeling.  We balance the desire for high-quality design with people's need to save money!  We help our clients who call us in to remodel, especially after I sell them a property that needs updating, to have a vision of what is possible. 

Many people think they'll need a huge addition or have to practically rebuild their whole house, when in fact the house of their dreams is right under their feet!!!

Contace me today so I can help you in any area of your personal Real Estate Needs!  Buying,  Selling, Remodeling or Building a Home!

Pam

omurphy.com

patrickmurphyhomes.com

wickspark.com

2010:  Big Endings and New Beginnings for Michigan Small Businesses.  Defining Michigan!

The primary source of new jobs in Michigan will be from small companies, some start-ups and some in the early stages of their development.

Some call this shift the change from "hunting and gathering" to "gardening," growing our own companies while deversifying our economy.

To do this we did Banks willing to lend to small businesses and most important we need to change our state's culture from one that scared of risks to one that relished and rewards risk.  Michigan will never be prosperous without lots of little companies springing up all over Michigan, brought forth by energetic and innovative people who are attracted by the wonderful quality of life found here.

The best time to stay in a place, is when it's in trouble!  There is less competition for good jobs and starting a successful career.

Last year, my husband, Patrick and I and our family started a restaurant here in Saugatuck called Wicks Park Bar & Grille.  Along with our Real Estate Experience and

Building Custom Homes and Remodeling, Patrick Murphy Homes, Inc. we have definitely contributed to the entrepreneurial that is needed for this state.

Please contact me today at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

so we can start a e-conversation & tell you how the wonderful quality of life here in Michigan will attract and retain entrepreneurs from the world around!!

Pam

With Single-family homes and commercial properties down as much 50% from their peacks in some areas, bargain hunters are finding some irresistible

deals.  A story in The Wall Street Journal told of an investor who bought a custom home in Phoenix at a foreclosure auction for $486,300, about $800,000 less than the mortgage alone.  A week later, he agreed to sell the house for $690,000, a cool 42% profit.

If you're a hands on type of investor, you should look into the bargains available through foreclosures, repossessions, bankruptcies and IRS seizures.  Never done it before?  Get some low cost guidance from veteran property investor Jack Reed, author of Distressed Real Estate Times.  He has a no nonsense approach.

Also, for reference Bob Condon at Foundation Investment Group

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration.

The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.

Papyrus supports long term environmental sustainability and is committed to protecting and preserving the environmnet by using recycled and FSC certified paper and vegetable based inks whenever posible.

Papyrus click for more information.

Remember that special someone this Valentine's Day!!!!

-an old Gaelic prayer-"Deep Peace"

Deep peace     of the running waves to you.

Deep peace     of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace     of the smiling stars to you.

Deep peace    of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace    of the watching shepherds to you.

Deep peace   of the Son of Peace to you.

 Wishing you and your family and friends, a Merry Christmas & Happy New year!

Putting fear behind us as the Real Estate Market improves, let me help you through your uncertainty!

Pam

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?  It was the question the adults asked us kids every Thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's house in Chicago, Illinois.  Seated around a table overflowing with ceramic pilgrims and Indians, synthetic fall leaves, and silver candelabra, my cousins and I were each expected to give a thoughtul answer.

We always groaned, but by the time we'd finished, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Remembering those Thanksgivings past got me thinking about my tight knit, food obsessed family here in Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan, and owners of

Wicks Park Bar & Grille.  I get so busy at times I forget to pause and consider the question of gratitude.  I would like to acknowledge how lucky I am to work with my family in running the restaurant but also working with my husband, Patrick, Patrick Murphy Builders, LLC and working with my Buyers and Sellers in Real Estate.

For all of their hard work, I'd like to raise a glass and offer the heartiest of thanks.

And for all my real estate clients and developing an understanding and interacting with you online, so I can share valuable information about this most unique area

Saugatuck/Douglas and all along the beautiful Lakeshore of Lake Michigan.  To help and guide you in your search for the perfect home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pam