Elk Rapids Area Real Estate, Steve Parafin, Serving Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and Grand Traverse Bay, 45th Parallel Realty

Serving all of your real estate needs in Elk Rapids, Williamsburg, Traverse City, Kewadin, Eastport, Ellsworth, Central Lake, Alden, Bellaire, Rapid City, Charlevoix, Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, Bass Lake, Birch Lake and surrounding communities and inland lakes.

Buying a BANK OWNED property, Deal or No Deal?

As we progress in today's market, I often see buyers looking at bank owned homes for deals. But are you really getting a deal? Some would say yes, of course, but I would caution anyone who may think just that. Here are a couple facts to keep in mind if you are looking for a bank owned property. REO properties (Real Estate Owned) are appraised by a neutral third party and priced for retail sale by asset managers, who have a fiduciary duty to their investors to maximize return. So the so-called "bank deal" is largely a myth. Asset Managers do not determine the value and then knock off 10% or more. And if they do inadvertently price the property below market value, their selling strategy enables every buyer to make an offer within the first few days. When that occurs the chances for multiple offers increases dramatically, and in some - Read more...

premier realtor in Northern Michigan

Close your eyes and picture yourself in a lakeside cabin with a four seasons worth of fun just outside your door. A place where you can fish, kayak, hunt, ski, golf, hike or just kick back and enjoy the unparalleled scenery. A place that offers a small-town atmosphere that has every amenity you need to live the good life.

Now, open your eyes and start looking for your place to getaway near the Chain of Lakes area of northwestern Michigan, where you'll find everything we've described and more. Whether you're looking for a simple cabin, a year-round family home, a weekend retreat, a summer place or a luxurious estate, you have a wide variety of choices and hundreds of miles of shoreline and lakes to choose from.

From the wide open waters of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay to the Caribbean blue waters of Torch and Elk Lakes you can choose from lake homes, houses nestled in the woods, vacant lots, hunting land and commercial business properties all located in the year-round playground of the Chain of Lakes area.

As the leading vacation destination in Michigan, The Grand Traverse and Chain of Lakes area has a lot to offer; from outdoor adventures to wine tasting, there is something for everyone.

To start your search, you couldn't ask for better guide than Steve Parafin, who first visited the Traverse City and Elk Rapids area in the late 90’s and subsequently soon after decided to live here full time. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to the lakes as he has not only sells homes on them, but uses them year round! Steve enjoys helping folks like you find just the right spot to live your northern Michigan dream. Give him a call (231) 676-0234 or send him an email.