Spring Is Coming!
I’m excited to start sharing a monthly update with you all! Think of it as a mix of what’s happening in our local real estate market here along the Lakeshore, helpful tips for homeowners and future buyers, and a few fun seasonal things along the way.
Whether you’re thinking about moving someday, actively house hunting, or just enjoy staying in the loop, my goal is to keep this space helpful, upbeat, and easy to read.
And most importantly, never gross or spammy. My goal is never to make you feel pressured. Ever!!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…
I think we’re all a little tired of winter here in West Michigan, but March is when things finally start to feel hopeful again. The sun sticks around longer (hello, time change!), people start thinking about lake days again (dare I say, DREAM of them?) and believe it or not, the spring real estate season starts waking up too…almost feels like it happens overnight.
Lately I’ve been having a lot of conversations with people around Ottawa, Kent, and Muskegon counties. The biggest theme I keep hearing is:
“We’re not ready to move yet… but we’re starting to think about it.”
And honestly? That is the perfect place to start.
Don’t wait until you’re ready. Start learning early so when the time comes, you actually feel ready.
What’s Happening Around the Lakeshore Right Now?
Things are definitely picking up as we head into spring. Homes are still moving, and we’re starting to see more listings pop up. It almost feels like things heated up overnight.
Right now we’re roughly seeing:
Ottawa County: homes around the high $300s
Kent County: homes around the low $300s
Muskegon County: homes around the mid $200s
Every neighborhood is a little different, but overall the Lakeshore market is still really solid!
One thing I always tell people: the buyers who feel the most confident are the ones who started learning the process early.
Not rushing. Just paying attention.
If Buying Is Even On Your Radar… Start Now
And I don’t say that because I want to sell you something. I say it as your friend.
One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you should start the search when you’re ready to buy immediately.
In reality, the smoothest home purchases usually happen when someone has been casually preparing for a while.
That preparation might look like:
chatting with a lender just to understand your numbers
browsing homes online to get a feel for pricing
figuring out which neighborhoods feel right
making a list of your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
No pressure. No rush. Just getting familiar with the process so when the right home shows up, you’re ready.
If Selling Might Be In Your Future… Spring Is Prep Season
Even if selling feels like a “maybe someday” idea, spring is actually the perfect time to start getting your home ready.
Nothing dramatic, just small things that make your home feel fresh and welcoming.
A few easy tasks:
✨ Declutter surfaces and closets
🧼 Do a good deep clean (clean windows make a huge difference!)
🌱 Add fresh mulch or tidy up the front porch for curb appeal
🎨 Touch up any scuffed paint
🔧 Fix those small repairs you’ve been putting off
Those little details really do go a long way when buyers walk through a home. As well, they just feel nice!
Just for Fun: A Spring Mocktail
Because warmer weather deserves something refreshing, and fruity!
Strawberry Citrus Sparkler
What you need:
½ cup fresh strawberries
juice of ½ lime
1 tsp honey or simple syrup
sparkling water or lemon soda
ice
mint (optional, if you’re feeling fancy)
Muddle the strawberries, lime juice, and honey in a glass. Add ice, top with sparkling water, and give it a stir.
Super simple and very spring-y.
Bonus points if you drink it outside when the weather finally hits 60°. ☀️ Let me know if you give it a try!!
One Last Thing!
If buying or selling has even crossed your mind this year (or even next year), I’m always happy to chat about it. Truly — no pressure.
Sometimes people just want to understand the process or ask a few questions, and I love those conversations.
Until then, I’ll be over here patiently waiting for patio weather and those beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets again.
Hope you’re all hanging in there through the final stretch of winter!
If you ever have any buying or selling questions, feel free to reach out.
XOXO
Deb
