The Michigan City In-Water Boat Show is celebrating it's 30th Anniversary Aug 27-30.

LaPorte county residents get in for free on opening day.  Since its inception, the

boat show has contributed an estimated $68 million into the local economy.

I have visited the boat show many times, and have truly enjoyed the variety of boats.

From sailboats, to fishing, race, whatever your pleasure and of course Squiggy

the water-skiing squirrel.

Boat show hrs.

• Thurs. Aug 27 noon-8
• Fri.  Aug 28 noon-8
• Sat Aug 29 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sun Aug 30 10:00am-6:00 pm

Hope to see you there!

http://www.michigancityboatshow.com/M

"Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness.  It

trains the mind through they eye, and the eye through the mind.  As the sun colors

flowers, so does art color life"  John Lubbock, Sr.

May 1-3 is the 16th Annual "Art Attack"  in Harbor Country.  Journey to Southwestern

Michigan lakeside resort for a week-end featuring gallery receptions, artists workshops,

demonstrations, exhibitions, theater, music, and food.  All participating establishments

will have an "Art Attack" logo.  It will be an entertaining eclectic week-end, an interactive

celebration of "All that is Art"

Some Highlights of the week-end:

     Custom Imports, New Buffalo MI owner Dee Dee distributed cameras to her

Balinese/Sumatran friends on a trip to Indonesia.  They were asked to take pictures

of whatever they liked to share of their village.  Their photos share their homes,

work, and play bringing their world to us.

     Elizabeth Nuti Studio of Art Design of Art Design features oil paintings with

chicken and eggs.  "Sunny Side Up"  is like life there is always a bright side

to every story.

     Studio B in Three Oaks, MI theme is "Spring for Green"  The artwork

incorporates recycled elements, utilizes sustainable materials, or is

about nature. (paintings, ceramics, sculptures.)

  It will be a wonderful week-end. Hope to see you there!

visit harborcountry.org for specific times

According to Walter Molony, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors, the second

home market is "fundamentally healthy" despite short term ups and downs.  According to the

NAR, more than 4 out of 10 investment buyers and more than 3 out of 10 vacation home

buyers paid cash for their properties.  However, it is important for potential buyers to keep

in mind that with the current mortgage crises, it will probably be necessary for  the

purchaser to bring more cash to the closing table.  The NAR's Investment and

Vacation Home Buyer's Survey shows vacation homes sales have dropped 30%

last year.  Investment home sales dropped 17%.  The reason for the optimism

is the baby-boomers are predicted to continue to drive this market over the next ten

years. 

According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the NAR, lifestyle considerations are the single

most important factor driving the second-home market.  Eighty nine percent of purchasers,

wanted to use the home personally or as a family retreat.

I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet gentleman in the lounge of our condo on N.

Hutchinson Island, last Friday.  Buddy and I started chatting about flying home.

I was heading to Chicago that day and he was heading a few days later.   Ironically,

Buddy's family owned a vacation property a few blocks from where I live in Indiana.

I walk or run by his family's home most days.  (In the Florida, Chicago, Indiana

connection their seems to be a little less than the six degrees of separation)

Buddy was fondly recalling his days at the beach in Michiana.  You can tell by the way

that his face lit up - how much he loved the area.  We are fortunate to live in such

a truly unique community.  There is just something special about it - that brings

that smile to your face!!

www.cnbc.com/id/29553813/

realtor.org news research - more buyers pay cash

Now that the majic of the holiday season is behind us.  The parties,family, friends, laughter, and

love.  We look to what the real estate market will be in 2009.  As one client asked me "Is there

anything positive that you can tell me about the real estate market?"

I have been in the office most of the week (and week-end too) and the phones have been

ringing.  There are appointments being made on homes.  Offers are being made and deals

are being put together.  (even some of our higher end properties that are typically second

home buyers)  It is encouraging because the cold mid-western winters usually do not

have the buyers out immediately after the holidays.  We know it is going to be a challenging

market, but we also know we are dedicated Realtors looking to adapt to the changing

market - and look for the opportunity.  Network, ning, etc. and we are looking beyond where

we have gone before.

As one local major newspaper mentioned real estate- dead- dead- dead.  (They said it

about seven times in the first two paragraphs)  We are not going to let fear define

who and what we are.  We will define who we are through our work ethic, drive, determination

and character.  May I suggest to you we are realistic, yet optimistic.  Ready to meet the

challenges for ourselves, but more importantly you the consumer and we are Ringing

In The New Year!!