Unlocking the Secrets of Selling Waterfront Legacy Homes in Leelanau
Waterfront properties are our specialty! I don't know why, maybe it is because I grew up spending my summers on North Lake Leelanau, or maybe it is because I like the added pressure that comes with the higher property values! Some agents say that they would rather sell 3 $300K properties than sell a one million dollar property. There definitely is a different element of pressure. Usually, when I am working with waterfront sellers, the property has been in the family for multiple generations, and there are multiple members of the family who are co-owners. More often than not, the property is in a family trust. That, too, adds another element to the importance of the sale. I had a very similar situation with our family lake cottage a few years ago, and so I understand and can relate to all the complications and the sensitive nature that comes with selling a waterfront family legacy. Not surprisingly, sales like these are usually some of the biggest decisions that a family has ever had to make, and it triggers a lot of emotions for everyone involved. I have honed my negotiating skills by not only working with buyers, sellers, and other agents but also by helping family co-owners come to a cohesive decision without argument or regret. Right now, I am working with 2 families in Leelanau County who are 90% ready to sell their family waterfront home, however, one co-owner is the hold-out. It takes time and a lot of phone calls, but I am okay with that. I never want my clients to lose sleep over a real estate decision.
So far this year, I have sold over $6 million in waterfront, not counting created sales. Created sales are sales that have occurred off-market and never hit the MLS. As far as created sales, I have sold almost $2,500,000 this year. I wish I could record all created sales in the MLS, but a lot of buyers, especially cash buyers, really like their privacy. Of all the recorded Leelanau County waterfront sales thus far in 2023, I have sold the second-highest property at $3,600,000.00. That property was on the market for only 37 days and sold for less than 10% below the original list price. John Martin just sold the highest property at $3,900,000.00, however, that property was on the market for 280 days. His sold for less than 10% under the list price as well. Last year I had $4,213,000.00 in recorded waterfront sales, and thus far, I have sold $7,530,000.00 in 2023.
Thankfully there are a lot of really good Realtors® in Leelanau, and I enjoy working with them (the good ones). There are a couple of things that set Robin Vilter Group apart from the best of the best. With RVG, you get 2 Realtors® for the price of one. Neil and I work together seamlessly from marketing to closing in order to ensure that the process is as stress-free for our clients as possible. We have a full administrative staff, so Neil is not acting as a paper pusher, rather, he is doing all the things I do, so it is 2 for one. We also have our social media and marketing expert consultant, Maggie, from Luxury Presence. She handles all of our socials as well as developing specific, targeted social media campaigns and websites for our high-end properties. Luxury Presence also handles our website, and they create a unique website for each of our waterfront listings. I think this adds a level of distinctiveness rather than just sending a buyer the MLS page or the Zillow page to look at. Our photographer, Jason at Knightwing Media is amazing! He not only gets beautiful, magazine-quality photos, but for our luxury properties, he also does drone video, interior video, 3D floor plans, and more.
Another unique benefit to our sellers is the pool of clients we have from the rental management side of our office. We have a list of buyers who did not know that they wanted to buy until they rented.... sometimes all it takes is one week on the beach, and they are ready to buy! That's where a lot of our created sales have come from.
Other than that, I have been certified with Coldwell Banker's Global Luxury program as well as with the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. I also have my Real Estate Negotiating Expert certificate from NAR as well as my SRS and ABR certification (Accredited Seller/Buyer representative/specialist).
In scenic Leelanau County, where we, the Robin Vilter Group, specialize in waterfront properties, the area boasts a stunning array of lakes that add to the region's charm. From the vast and iconic Lake Michigan, which graces the western shores of the county, to the serene beauty of Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau, Lime Lake, Little Traverse Lake, Suttons Bay, and Good Harbor Bay, the options for waterfront living are diverse and abundant. Each of these lakes has unique characteristics, offering a range of experiences for those seeking the quintessential waterfront lifestyle. Whether it's the crystal-clear waters of Glen Lake or the tranquil ambiance of Little Traverse Lake, these bodies of water hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors, making Leelanau County a coveted destination for waterfront real estate. My extensive experience and expertise in this region ensure that I will guide you through the nuances of buying or selling property near these pristine lakes, making your real estate journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
In the realm of Leelanau waterfront real estate, my distinctive fusion of experience and empathy shines. My remarkable sales record, encompassing confidential off-market transactions, underscores my capacity to achieve outstanding results while grasping the complexities of multi-generational family properties. The collaborative Robin Vilter Group, under my leadership, ensures a comprehensive service marked by seamless teamwork and personalized marketing, differentiating us in the industry. With an unwavering dedication to surpassing my clients' expectations and a portfolio of esteemed certifications, I, Robin Vilter, and my team proudly represent the premier choice for unlocking the secrets of selling waterfront legacy homes in Leelanau, Michigan.
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807 W Front St,,I was raised in Cincinnati but always summered on the lake in Leland. Being able to spend my summers up here was such a gift. Starting at the age of twelve we were able to drive the boat into town or to the yacht club or to a friend's house. My days were jam-packed. I would wake up and teach sailing school at the Leland Yacht Club from nine to one, then take a nap on the dock or the beach, shower, then drive into Leland in the late afternoon where I had a job as a hostess. My sisters and I did this every summer and when we had a driver's license we had more options for employment. I started teaching sailing school in Omena and working at night waiting tables at The Cove in Leland. We stashed away thousands of dollars every summer. Yes, we worked our tails off, but it really did not seem like it since we were enjoying all the beauty of Leelanau at the same time.
I attended Miami University in Ohio and chose creative writing since that was my easiest subject. I’ve not yet written a novel, but have started about five. After graduation, I bought the Riverside Inn with my mother and my sister. I later sold my shares when I realized that being a single parent and working late nights did not pair well with my mental health. It took a decade to raise my kids and go through two divorces.
Whether you are an experienced investor or a first-time buyer, our team can help you in finding the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse our website or let us guide you every step of the way by calling or e-mailing us to set up an appointment today.
