Bargains are plentiful in towns like Lansing, Traverse City and Grand Rapids, suggest local Realtors.

Lansing

"Lansing is an ideal place in which to live, work and raise a family and has some of the most affordable housing available in the United States," says Realtor Vince Villegas. "Lansing is a very diverse city. Educational opportunities include Michigan State University (MSU) and Lansing Community College. Sports interests include MSU teams and the Lansing "Lugnuts" minor league baseball team at Oldsmobile Park downtown. Lansing museums include R.E. Olds, Impression 5 Children's Museum, Michigan State Historical Museum, MSU museum, Turner/Dodge Mansion."

Villegas advises, "Lansing is undergoing a number of major downtown economic development projects and is renovating its "Old Town" in the northern section of the city with many exciting developments."

Traverse City

"Lakes, woods and rivers abound!" says Realtor Deanne Burch. "Although still a buyer's market, houses that are priced right have been selling quickly. The average sale price of a home in the Traverse City area is $189,000. Lakefront homes range from $199,000 into the millions depending on the body of water, property and the house. A small cottage/home on an all-sports lake such as Long Lake, Silver Lake or Lake Ann will average around $500,000."

Grand Rapids

"Some buyers are cautious at this time but there are very good buys out there in the market," says Realtor Marilyn Smith. "The trick is to pick someone you are confident in and let them keep you up to date of the new listings that come out on the market. The listings they can provide are updated and not leftovers on the multitude of websites out there."

Suggests Smith, "The Grand Rapids Area is a rapidly expanding market. There are smaller neighborhoods springing up everywhere around the city proper. The diverse work force and types of white collar and industrial business that go on in this area keep the economy steady. It has had its ups and down lately but seems to be gaining in light of the past year. Sales in general have been steady and generally rising."

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Published: August 30, 2005

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