Life in Big Canoe, Real Estate in the Mountains

As I was going through my daily tasks this morning I was a little stressed and started thinking about a vacation. Yes, I live in a lovely Big Canoe home and often joke about taking a vacation right here in Big Canoe!  There was no destination in mind for this vacation, since I’m happy on a hot sunny beach or skiing powdery moguls in the mountains. I wondered what made vacations so special? I have kids so the laundry goes where I go. Hotels are not ideal for us because we like a full kitchen. I think it’s fun to “live like a local” where ever I go, and shop at the grocery stores there for the local delicacies. So we usually rent a small home while we are away. I always have my computer, cell phone, and all other necessities to keep IBA business as usual. So, aside from different scenery and temperature, what makes my vacations special? I thought of this for a while and came up with a theory.

I realized that the one thing I really love about going on vacation is that I’m in a smaller comfortable house with less to take care of. Usually there is one point on my vacation where I am sitting in the living room wondering if Icould live here, with the kids, dogs, and still work from home. So I think the true reason I like vacations is because I like to temporarily downsize! It’s less stressful, less money, and I find that the whole house gets used. It reminds me of the little houses I used to draw in Kindergarten, with people smiling out of all 4 windows, and no empty rooms. What a good feeling that is!  However, the pendulum swings two ways!

There are people I work who are diligently searching for Big Canoe real estate  for a home that will accommodate their families and guests.  The large holiday dinners and spacious rooms for privacy are glistening in their eyes as they walk through the home. They love the terrace levels, finished or unfinished because it is a whole other level to play with. They usually tell me that their current home is much smaller and they have been aching for elbow room both inside and out.  I can relate to that feeling too. We outgrew our last house in Duluth but I certainly loved the mortgage!

I feel a trend is on the way where poeple are buying smarter and the concept of bigger and better is being traded in for smaller and wiser. One example is the recent gas price hike where we were paying close to $5 per gallon, if we could find a gas station that even had gas. Suddenly I started to see a lot of hybrids turning up in Big Canoe instead of gas hogs. People seem to be buying more fuel efficient and reasonably priced cars, and these same people are buying homes that are big enough for them and their needs and no larger. There is no doubt that we have all started to straighten up when it comes to spending our money. My personal advice when looking for a home is to stay within your means and avoid looking at homes out of your range. Tell that to your agent (hopefully me) also. Yes, you will love the house that is 100K over your budget, but why not find a home at, or even below your budget that you can modify to suit your needs. Once again keep in mind that it’s not just a house you’re buying, it’s also the community.  Big Canoe lots average about an acre each and the homes here range in price fron 130K to 2M. There is a home for you in Big Canoe somewhere in these 8,000 acres. Come up and take a look. Rent a home for a weekend to get the whole scope of the area. You won’t regret it.

Find out for yourself which house fits just right for your lifestyle.

Sincerely,

Karin