The New Year has started out with a BANG. I love when visitors ask if we close

in the winter because there is no business? Well, if they could hear our

phones ringing, they would realize that is simply not the case. Our guests are excited to plan and make their

reservations for the up coming summer months, sellers have needs to sell and buyers who want and can

purchase property know now is a great time to buy that 1st home, a dream home, or vacation getaway.

Interest rates continue to be at an all time low which makes payments very attractive. Between foreclosed

properties, short sales and sellers that really need and want to sell, a buyer has a large selection to choose

from. You just might be surprised to see what you can get for the money and what that might mean to you

after consulting with your tax accountant. I believe there is not a better time than the New Year to look at

your whole picture and start making plans to build your portfolio and plan for your retirement.

I welcome your call to look at all of your options.

Mill Pond Mill Pond Mill Pond Mill Pond RealtyRealtyRealtyRealty, Inc., Inc., Inc., Inc. 747 Water St., P.O. Box 1093, Saugatuck, MI 49453747 Water St., P.O. Box 1093, Saugatuck, MI 49453747 Water St., P.O. Box 1093, Saugatuck, MI 49453747 Water St., P.O. Box 1093, Saugatuck, MI 49453

269269269269----857857857857----1477 1477 1477 1477 ���� www.millpondrealty.com www.millpondrealty.com www.millpondrealty.com www.millpondrealty.com Laura J. Durham

Broker/Owner

2 million + 2222 500,000 - 599,999 9999

1 mil - 2 mil 5555 400,000 - 499,999 18181818

900,000 - 999,999 3333 300,000 - 399,999 40404040

800,000 - 899,999 7777 200,000 - 299,999 65656565

700,000 - 799,999 2222 100,000 - 199,999 33333333

600,000 - 699,999 9999 0 - 99,999 13131313

Number of Residential Properties Currently on the Market in the

Saugatuck /

Douglas Area

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Don’t Just Take Our Word For It ... Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking!Our fans are talking! Laura got my tax bill reduced and found a potential buyer for my house in less than 3 weeks and per-severed until the deal was com-pleted. The service I received was exemplary. Joyce M. Neilson

Scenic

Shores

Laura was great to work with. She kept in touch and arranged a financing connection. Thank you.

Gerrie Baarson 215 Grand St.

Just a note ...Just a note ...Just a note ...Just a note ...

_tâÜt ]A WâÜ{tÅ_tâÜt ]A WâÜ{tÅ_tâÜt ]A WâÜ{tÅ_tâÜt ]A WâÜ{tÅ

Marian Overhiser 1134 64th St.

Is your Property being assessed for the Is your Property being assessed for the Is your Property being assessed for the Is your Property being assessed for the

correct amount? Are you paying too much correct amount? Are you paying too much correct amount? Are you paying too much correct amount? Are you paying too much

for your property taxes?for your property taxes?for your property taxes?for your property taxes?

Don’t miss your small window of opportunity to Don’t miss your small window of opportunity to Don’t miss your small window of opportunity to Don’t miss your small window of opportunity to

become aware. The board of review will be meet-become aware. The board of review will be meet-become aware. The board of review will be meet-become aware. The board of review will be meet-

ing shortly. Call your municipality and schedule an appoint-ing shortly. Call your municipality and schedule an appoint-ing shortly. Call your municipality and schedule an appoint-ing shortly. Call your municipality and schedule an appoint-

ment before it’s too late. ment before it’s too late. ment before it’s too late. ment before it’s too late.

www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/taxpayersguide2011.pdfwww.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/taxpayersguide2011.pdfwww.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/taxpayersguide2011.pdfwww.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/taxpayersguide2011.pdf

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) we have the expertise to save their credit, relieve the uncertainty,

and most of all, help their family.

Time is of the essence. We can and have saved several Time is of the essence. We can and have saved several Time is of the essence. We can and have saved several Time is of the essence. We can and have saved several

people and families from going into foreclosure.people and families from going into foreclosure.people and families from going into foreclosure.people and families from going into foreclosure.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS FALLING BEHIND

ON MORTGAGE PAYMENTS?

Call today at 888.528.7238 for a confidential

consultation or visit

www.avoidforeclosureinmichigan.com

for more information and to get a free detailed report.

I was pleased with prompt

attention. Laura’s advertising

is clever and catchy. I rate the

entire team Very good.

The Mill Pond Realty Team

Would like to say Thank You for thinking of us

During the Holiday Season … Yummy!

New Offerings Worthy Of Your Attention

Want to be the FIRST to know when new listings come on the market? Ask us how!

The perfect lake

front home with

million dollar views

of Lake Michigan.

$577,500

Great ground floor

condo right on the

water. Wonderful

recreational property.

$392,500

Custom built home

with all the extras.

Nestled on 5 acres

with winding creek.

$347,500

Completely reno-

vated cottage right

on Goshorn Lake.

Cute as a bug!

$325,000

Sophisticated 3

story townhome just

across from the har-

bor in Saugatuck.

$309,900

Adorable year round

waterfront home in a

peaceful nature

preserve setting.

$287,500

3 great condo offer-

ings in Mariners

Cove. Ideal vacation

rental potential.

$234,500-$280,000

Ideal water front

living. Private 13+

acre sanctuary with

prime river frontage.

$225,000

Enjoy a front row

seat to all water

activities in this 1 BR

2nd floor condo.

$149,900

Updated 3 BR coun-

try home nestled on

20 plus acres of

woods and trails.

$84,900

www.millpondrealty.com � www.saugatuckrealestate.com 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 ���� 888.528.7238 888.528.7238 888.528.7238 888.528.7238

Newly updated end

unit with fantastic

harbor views. Priced

right for a quick sale!

$209,900

Perfect recreational

spot! Lovely Chalet

with deeded access

to Hutchins Lake

$224,000

Total SalesTotal SalesTotal SalesTotal Sales

399 379 -5.0%

AreaAreaAreaArea 2010201020102010 2011201120112011 ChangeChangeChangeChange 2010201020102010 2011201120112011 ChangeChangeChangeChange

Saugatuck / Saugatuck / Saugatuck / Saugatuck /

DouglasDouglasDouglasDouglas

117 106 -9.4% 248,359 253,723 +2.1%

LaketownLaketownLaketownLaketown 127 140 +10.2% 149,653 156,085 +4.3%

FennvilleFennvilleFennvilleFennville 68 51 -25.0% 91,918 82,355 -10.3%

Glenn / Glenn / Glenn / Glenn /

GangesGangesGangesGanges

87 82 -5.7% 181,864 262,861 +44.5%

Residential Sales ComparisonResidential Sales ComparisonResidential Sales ComparisonResidential Sales Comparison Number of Residential SalesNumber of Residential SalesNumber of Residential SalesNumber of Residential Sales Average Residential Sales PriceAverage Residential Sales PriceAverage Residential Sales PriceAverage Residential Sales Price

*Phone our office for information on Vacant

Land and Commercial sales

Who Really Is Number One In Real Estate Sales? Who sells more real estate than any other agent in town? Stop in at the Mill Pond Realty office to pick up the current statistics directly from the ‘Board of Realtors’ showing the number of sales per agent and office in the area. Does it really matter? Would it matter if you were choosing a surgeon for a loved one? Would you pick a surgeon who has

one or two successful surgeries a year or would you pick a surgeon on their success rate?

Affordable chalet

style home on 1 acre

of land. Great invest-

ment opportunity.

$78,000

Easy living in Sauga-

tuck RV Resort.

Just steps away to

Goshorn Lake.

$67,500

Choose from 3 af-

fordable refurbished

1 BR units in the

heart of Saugatuck.

$31,999 each

Wonderful home

with assoc. access

to sandy Lake MI.

Huge $ reduction!

$285,000

Priceless Saugatuck

location! Gorgeous 2

BR condo overlook-

ing the Harbor.

$380,000

Waterfront beauty

with 66’ of prime

Kalamazoo River

frontage! Must see!

$895,000

Local HOT Topic: ConsolidationLocal HOT Topic: ConsolidationLocal HOT Topic: ConsolidationLocal HOT Topic: Consolidation Should Saugatuck City, Saugatuck Town-Should Saugatuck City, Saugatuck Town-Should Saugatuck City, Saugatuck Town-Should Saugatuck City, Saugatuck Town-ship and Douglas consolidate into one ship and Douglas consolidate into one ship and Douglas consolidate into one ship and Douglas consolidate into one

happy community? Stay tuned.happy community? Stay tuned.happy community? Stay tuned.happy community? Stay tuned.

Mark Your Calendar Mark Your Calendar Mark Your Calendar Mark Your Calendar

February February February February 18 Winterfest Weekend

18/19 President’s Day Gallery stroll

MarchMarchMarchMarch 10 World Fest. China concert: Tarim-uyGur Dance Assemble

17 St. Patrick’s Annual Pet Parade & Pub Crawl

AprilAprilAprilApril

7 Easter egg hunt and parade

14 5/10k Town Crier Parade

28 Sounds of Saugatuck

29 Allegan Antique Market

Stay at a Mill Pond Realty rental property ~ pay for 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE

www.millpondrealty.com � 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 269.857.1477 ���� 888.528.7238 888.528.7238 888.528.7238 888.528.7238

I would like to extend my SINCERE APPRECIATION to each and every one of our clients for choosing The Mill Pond Realty Team to represent

their Real Estate and Rental needs in 2011.

The call is FREE …

The Service is Priceless!

Please Join Us In Welcoming OurPlease Join Us In Welcoming OurPlease Join Us In Welcoming OurPlease Join Us In Welcoming Our

NEWEST Vacation Rental Homes!NEWEST Vacation Rental Homes!NEWEST Vacation Rental Homes!NEWEST Vacation Rental Homes!

Ray Barnowsky & Jess Escareno Marguerite & Ruth Tozer Justin & Nicole Howell Paul & Joanne Laudolff Kent & Nancy Ayers Gwyn Rahr Larry & Susan Blose Roland & Dedrie Miller Julie Brunsink Mark & Deirdre Levine Dennis & Barbara Kiszonas Jan McKay Joan & Wayne Madsen David & Linda Rothermel John Caron Charles & Margaret Brunhofer Thomas & Dory Sligh Jeff Baumann & Larry DeGroot Foster & Edyth Rooks Linda Brooks Janet Shalks & Joe Swojenski Jennifer Hilton Rudy Bianco Carl & Alicia Bierling Christine Webster Joseph & Gisela Longo Barb Mast Roland Schreiber Mark & Robin Goldstein Bob & Bobbie Gaunt Robert & Ruth Ulmer Mark Wilson & Philip Sabatini Guy & Joann Moore Wade & Chris Keats Aaron Perysian & Emily Sutton Dick & Sally Shaink Doug & Georgia Everse Adas Burakauskas Don & Peggy Graham David & Marcia Hagen

Howard & Sam Chapman Delores Snyder Lisa Thal Tim Leslie & Lisa O'Keefe Ken Wobith Dustin & Amber Hager Lorie Bryce & Shelly Wells Jeremy Stoddard Richard & Carole Anderson Shelley & Bob Walters Don & Dawn Kidder George & Susan Spiel Neil LeFort Keith & Michelle Anderson Dave Schiller Mr. and Mrs. James Nerad Ron Brown Richard & Susan Lindsay Cheri Summers & Laurel Chapman Ina Grodzin John & Mary Williams John & Rosemary Klungle Mr. and Mrs. Ken Bushnell Gary Beaulieu & Jason Boyles Sally Youn-Chemical Bank Sheila Dean Thomas & Tracy Bass David & Gregg Greiner Jerry Komar Paul & Gina Demos and Rose Kelly Andrew & Kimberly Zolper Patti Klooz Alex & Rita Bastys Melissa Wentzell Robert & Kimberly Langevin Gabriela & Alejandes Buchancow Steve Vargo Jerry & Joyce Osicek Betty Mulder Bob Killackey

Jim & Denise Krol Monica Weakley Edward & Leanne Berry Bonnie Johnson Patty & David Butler Ron Meyer Tom Wright & Dave Wilcox Drake Van Beek Peter Cruz Christine Hoagland Eddie & Vicky Parach Judy Haley Ed Sisk George & Megan Walden Jerry & Debbie Golf Susan Murphy Steven Holt

Karen Anderson & Martin Sturm Ron Elmore & Elizabeth Paxson Kyle Spainhour & Eric Siemers David & Thelma Estlow William & Debra Flower Carol & Steve Nasser Tim & Angela Griffin Michael Finn & Lara Miller Stephen & Melanie Crumbaugh Dennis & Patricia Shipley Gary Korzelik & Barbi Fox Fred & Shelley Wassermann Sandra Tyrrell Richard & Linda King Timothy & Cheryl Phelan Ed & Nancy Karasek Rick & Elizabeth Parent Ramona Connor Jean Fournier Lin Alexander John & Alyce Blok Gary & Ann McCoy

Pauline Jousma Vincent & Christine Beggs Marty Frank Dr. Bruce & Dr. Jane Dillon Richard Luckow & Eilleen Boone Bill & Mary Young Edward Kelly & Susan Hayes Andrea & Scott Schwochow Gerrie & Dennis Baarson Jason Ascencio Derek Walvoord & Cynthia Hillman Jane Rodgers & Sam Ramirez Steve Wunder James & Amy Beckley Sharon Henry Elizabeth Jones & Erika Lacerda Jeff Hansen Betty Giorgi George & Pamela Singleton Debbie Bohmbach Joyce Nielsen Marian Overhiser Carl & Carol Fetkenhour Janel Mueller Mary Graham Jim Secor Sheryl Fyock & Don Wilson Jay Costen Matt Wentzell Joyce Steffen & Bonnie Pisarik Barry & Pat Spengler Pete & Christine Schlipp Ferdinand & Natalie Leimkuhler Deanna Halwas Joseph & Beata Leary Don Marsh Tim Donegan Patricia Fullar Murial Antonakes

Bernard & Faye Van Kampen

This lodge style home sits just

off the shores of

Lake Michigan

with easy private

access.

Wonderful vacation getaway or invest-

ment property … You make the choice.

$285,000 Purchase Price

57,000 20% down

$ 228,000 Loan amount

3.25% rate / 30yr

$ 992.27 per month

(principal & Interest)

$11,907.24 per year

Estimate for payments & Income

Now $285,000 Now $285,000 Now $285,000 Now $285,000 was $500,000 Mt. Baldy & Oval locationMt. Baldy & Oval locationMt. Baldy & Oval locationMt. Baldy & Oval location Hutchins Lake BeautyHutchins Lake BeautyHutchins Lake BeautyHutchins Lake Beauty

Why Just let Your Vacation Home Sit Empty?

Turn to our award winning rental management program and receive income when you are not

using it. We are currently interviewing properties for our visiting guests.

Yearly projected gross rental income

$28,500

Please consult your tax accountant

for all tax benefits.

Phone for all details on Phone for all details on Phone for all details on Phone for all details on this great property!this great property!this great property!this great property!

Start Building Passive Income Today!Start Building Passive Income Today!Start Building Passive Income Today!Start Building Passive Income Today!

747 Water St � PO Box 1093 Saugatuck, MI 49453

(269) 857-1477 � (888) 528-7238 www.millpondrealty.com

www.saugatuckrealestate.com

CONTENTS

� Just a Note

� Avoiding Foreclosure

� Property Tax Reminder

� Saugatuck/Douglas Listing

Inventory

� Our Fans are Talking

� Hot New Offerings

� #1 Agent in Real Estate Sales

� Residential Sales

Comparison

� Mark Your Calendar

� Our 2011 Valuable Clients

� Investment Opportunity

� Additional Vacation Rentals

� Local Sales Facts

� Melanie Durham Update

Local Real Estate Newsletter

Whether you are buying, selling, renting, or looking for a property management

company; talk with Laura Durham first. Laura has consistently been the top selling

agent in our area. Work with the Realtor who has the local Real Estate knowledge

and the track record to prove it. Laura and her team get the job done.

Laura J. Durham Laura J. Durham Laura J. Durham Laura J. Durham CRS GRI CDPE CIAS

Broker/Owner

Address Asking Price Selling Price Address Asking Price Selling Price Address Asking Price Selling Price

454 48th Street 19,900 10,000 299 Chatham Avenue 94,900 87,000 201 Garden Terrace #14 195,500 192,500

5110 109th Avenue 29,900 16,000 5827 Ellcourt Drive 89,500 90,000 4842 Green Ridge Trail 199,900 195,625

5811 Heritage Drive 19,900 18,500 4293 64th Street 75,000 92,000 150 Center Street #K 229,500 198,000

464 Elm Street 25,000 23,000 605 Spring Lane 104,000 93,000 1287 Prestwick Drive #114 239,900 199,000

123 Reynolds Street 24,900 24,900 6340 127th Avenue 119,900 97,465 590 Hoffman Street 239,900 214,250

941 53rd Street 29,900 27,000 6327 102nd Avenue 99,000 99,000 1010 Allegan Street 215,000 215,000

6347 122nd Avenue 32,000 28,000 4684 Cherry Street 109,900 99,900 3228 Wildwood Drive 219,900 217,000

176 E. 35th Street 27,500 28,100 780 Brook Village Court 105,000 100,000 3520 Keppel Lane 259,000 225,000

969 58th Street 49,500 34,000 1229 68th Street 99,900 102,000 7192 Lake Forest Drive 287,500 255,000

4880 106th Avenue 36,000 37,555 780 Graafschap Road 119,500 105,000 7196 Lake Forest Drive 299,900 260,000

53 Old Mill Drive #3 45,900 41,000 3396 Heathridge Trail 124,900 114,000 300 Ferry Street 395,900 297,500

2553 56th Street 35,000 43,500 4572 Arlene Lane 99,900 125,000 3348 Gaslight Lane 305,000 305,000

6589 116th Avenue 49,900 47,000 852 Creek Ridge Drive 139,900 128,000 4569 Jack Pine Drive 359,900 331,000

75 Old Mill Drive #16 52,900 50,500 4364 Meadow Lane 129,900 131,000 3255 Lake Trail Drive 339,900 340,000

4 E. 32nd Street 59,900 60,000 3071 53rd Street 137,900 131,950 1021 Holland Street 419,000 419,000

7387 North Shore Drive 99,000 62,000 6510 142nd Avenue 149,900 140,000 140 Van Dalson Street 474,500 447,000

5859 128th Avenue 67,320 66,000 7099 114th Avenue 165,000 140,000 4350 64th Street 499,900 468,000

790 Brook Village Drive 74,900 69,000 456 Amity Lane 150,000 150,000 2397 Waukazoo Trail 699,000 475,000

525 50th Street 74,900 69,000 1318 St. Andrews Drive #85 169,900 160,000 1467 Lakeshore Drive 575,000 480,000

1019 54th Street 79,000 74,900 7244 Atlantic Avenue 159,500 169,500 4141 65th Street 575,000 535,000

835 Apple Blossom Lane 79,900 75,000 6944 121st Avenue 239,000 175,000 3281 Timberidge Trail 749,000 690,000

320 Blue Star Hwy #15 79,900 79,500 2206 Sunset Drive 184,900 177,000 7180 Cottage Lane 799,000 750,000

6831 123rd Avenue 99,500 85,000 971 Ottawa Avenue 199,900 186,000

6463 138th Avenue 99,907 86,000 3839 Silver Creek Drive 189,900 187,000

November, December Real Estate SalesNovember, December Real Estate SalesNovember, December Real Estate SalesNovember, December Real Estate Sales You may have a new Neighbor between south of Holland and north of South HavenYou may have a new Neighbor between south of Holland and north of South HavenYou may have a new Neighbor between south of Holland and north of South HavenYou may have a new Neighbor between south of Holland and north of South Haven

I’m watching … I’m analyzing … I’m paying close attention to your neighborhood. When you want to know the value of your home, call me - your neighborhood expert.

Information based on data from the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors

BE INFORMED … KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Melanie Durham, Sydney Update: Melanie Durham, Sydney Update: Melanie Durham, Sydney Update: Melanie Durham, Sydney Update: Melanie continues to LOVE her job and community as she works towards her residency in Australia. She recently went on a Holiday to Tasmania where she visited her high school friend, Kasi Unwin Cook. They had a wonderful time catching up on the past 9 years while enjoying the sights and sounds of Kasi’s town, Hobart, including the Taste of

Tasmania, Mt. Wellington and the local farmer’s market. Memories were shared and made.