BLOG Branch County Real Estate

Click on this link: YOUR ENTRY INTO THE MLS.  SEARCH ANY LISTING! Check out new listings.  You are limited to # of listings so make sure you narrow the search by county and sub-area. The drop down boxes can help you with that.

• COLDWATER SOUTH IS THE AREA MOST SURROUNDING COLDWATER LAKE CHAIN.
• RURAL QUINCY IS THE AREA MOST SURROUNDING MARBLE LAKE
• RUAL NORTH IS THE AREA MOST SURROUNDING NORTH CHAIN OF LAKES

If you need assistance don't hesitate to call me.  517-617-0432

PICTURE PROVIDED BY: STATE OF MICHIGAN DEQ- Gilead Lake 1964

Branch County lakes that are fed by streams or rivers are less likely to be affected by drought conditions.  In 1964 Gilead Lake suffered a unique drought condition. It is considered a "land locked" lake so it suffered more than others during the 2-3yr drought in the 60's.  The economic strain it put on the area was immense.  Little can be done about conditions like this one, because the options are so costly.  It's fortunate that it's been over 40 years and we haven't seen such severe conditions.  The water levels never seems to be a continual issue only an intermittent one, and never critical.  This year we have not had the rainfall necessary to keep the water levels high, so some areas are experiencing lower than normal levels, but I haven't heard any complaining.   

The residential builders act, MCL 339.2412, bars an unlicensed builder from seeking compensation on a residential construction contract. Stokes v Millen Roofing Co, 466 Mich 660, 662, 664; 649 NW2d 371 (2002); HA Smith Lumber,[& Hardware Co v Decina, 258 Mich App 419, 436; 670 NW2d 729 (2003)vacated in part on other grounds, ___ Mich ___; 689 NW2d 227 (2004)]. This prohibition extends to counterclaims as well as complaints, and includes damages for labor and materials, enforcement of a construction lien, and equitable relief.4 Stokes, supra at 665-667, 673; Parker v McQuade Plumbing & Heating, Inc, 124 Mich App 469, 471, 335 NW2d 7 (1983). The prohibition also applies to suits between subcontractors and contractors. Utica Equipment Co v Ray W Malow Co, 204 Mich App 476, 477-478; 516 NW2d 99 (1994). An unlicensed subcontractor may not recover compensation if the contractor also was unlicensed. Id. at 478. CONTENT PROVIDED BY: http://www.michbar.org/opinions/appeals/2005/032405/26805.pdf

As a member of the National Association of REALTORS, I am bound by our code of ethics which you can find at:

http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/Code?OpenDocument

There are rules pertaining to: Disclosure of agency, financial arrangements, following the law of the land, marketing practices, negotiation methods, how clients are charged for services, how offers are presented, confidentiality, and more. All of these rules are intended to protect your interest. If you need help contact: BRANCH COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Coldwater, MI 49036 517-278-3192 fax 517-278-4164

STAY CURRENT ON WHAT YOUR TOWNSHIP IS DOING EVEN IF YOU LIVE OUT OF TOWN. LOG ONTO SOME BRANCH COUNTY TOWNSHIP WEBSITES.  LOOK FOR THE "ZONING" TAB ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE.  ALGANSEE, KINDERHOOK, AND OVID ARE FEATURED. READ UP ON THE MINUTES OF YOUR TOWNSHIP. IF YOU NEED CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS OR ORDINANCE INFORMATION THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO START. DON'T GO UNINFORMED.

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COLDWATER LAKE VIDEO

Some shots of the first and second basin of Coldwater Lake!

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COLDWATER LAKE 4TH 0F JULY! (I'M NOT THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER!)