Unusually Mild U.P. Winter

I keep waiting for it to happen... Winter that is. Not only have we avoided heavy snow fall to this point, but the temperatures have been amazingly warm. Throughout the Upper Peninsula the snow depth is shockingly low. I have been in the woods in several places of Marquette and Alger County in the past two weeks. Everywhere I go the snow depth is way below normal. There are many places where deer are digging at bare ground. Most of the deer haven't even migrated into their normal yards.

While this places a strain on some winter tourism locations, I can't help but love the mild winter. I like to snowmobile, but I'll give it up if I don't have to plow my driveway everyday. In fact, I haven't plowed in almost a month. I can't remember such a winter. It sure makes looking at properties easier. Usually during the winter months, we put off certain projects or we struggle to view properties. This year has been like no other in that I have been out almost every week looking at land. I don't mind toughing it out through feet of snow, but with less than a foot on the ground in many places, my job has been much easier this winter.

The Southern U.P. hasn't even had snow on the ground for much of this winter. Looking at property and showing buyers into parcels has been a real bonus to these mild conditions. The Real Estate market is typically slow during the winter months. Most buyers do not want to look at land with snow on the ground, or they lack the ability to get to most properties. Many sellers do not bother to list new properties because of the lack of buyer interest.

This winter we have seen increased activity by both buyers and sellers. The mild conditions are just what was needed to get a jump start to the 2012 Real Estate season. Hopefully this early start will lead to a better market this year. It sure is off to a good start. If you've been thinking about looking for a piece of land or putting a property on the market, don't wait until Spring. Right now is a great time get into the market. It is easy to access most areas around the U.P. with less snow depths and the mild temperatures make for some really great conditions to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

If you would like to take advantage of the mild weather by looking at land this winter, give us a call. We'd love to get out of the office and help you find a good buy while many are waiting for Spring.
Contact Northern Michigan Land Brokers