Don’t Forget the Faucet

I was talking with a cottage owner this week and he was so enthusiastic about the weather this fall. The reason? He could still plan weekend getaways  at his Northern Michigan cottage. He feels  any weekend at his cottage is a good weekend. It gives him something to look forward to during the week. I [...]

Shingles

It is hard to find something interesting to say about shingles. One of the costlier repairs or improvements that a home owner has to face is that of the roof. Even replacing a roof on a small cabin’s roof can be priced in the thousands of dollars.
We cannot begin to figure out how many roofs [...]

Traverse City Shopping

I am not a shopper! I see the mall and I begin to feel sick.  But, as soon as I start heading the other way, my health returns. Well, it may not really be that bad, but you know what I am saying.
The other day I was in Traverse City for an appointment and I arrived [...]

Closing Down the Cottage

Well, it is that time that many of us dread. There is a chill in the air, the leaves have fallen and now it is time to close down the cottage. But, with careful planning and a good checklist, you can rest comfortably this winter knowing your cottage is safe from the winter snow and [...]

Know your Lakefront Neighbors

This past week, I stopped to check on a building job. As I walked around the property, out of nowhere, a neighbor came and asked “Can I help you?” He was sincere, and wanted to be of assistance.
This happens frequently, but there are two types of those who ask. At times I am annoyed by [...]

Rehabing the Cottage on a Budget

So you found it, a one in a million view, a place to retire, the weekend getaway. The land is what you were after, but the waterfront cottage is, shall we say not exactly ‘home sweet home’. You have dreams and plans for the site. You may be planning on tearing it down and building [...]

Renting Your Cottage, A Few More Thoughts

You have decided you are going to rent your cottage out, or your are going to buy a second cottage nearby as an investment. A few suggestions to attract and retain a return clientele of guests. Some simple things go a long way.
Be friendly.  Guests are customers and they like to be welcomed and pampered.
Any [...]

Renting Your Cottage: A Few Thoughts

People looking for a good vacation lakefront cottage to rent would look for the same things you would find appealing.
A lumpy or well worn mattress that is no longer providing you a good nights sleep at your home will not improve by being at the rental cottage. A shower that quickly runs out of hot [...]

Renting your Cottage

Perhaps you are thinking about buying a Michigan cottage and renting it out for a portion of the season or renting it out during the off season to offset some of the expenses.
Before you make any decisions, you should determine the true cost of operation. There are the obvious costs; real estate taxes, utilities, insurance. [...]

Renting a Cottage: What Questions to ask

You’ve made the decision. You are going to rent a cottage for you upcoming vacation. Now it is time to start looking. But, in order to have a relaxing vacation with no unpleasant surprises, you must do your homework and ask a few questions before signing a contract.
The Basic questions:
Address?
Price?
How many bedrooms?
How many bathrooms? Tub [...]

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