Prin Associate Broker (MI: 6502370294)
25 years experience
Leelanau County, Michigan represents one of the most distinctive and sought-after real estate markets in the Great Lakes region, where pristine Lake Michigan shoreline meets rolling vineyards and charming small towns. This northern Michigan peninsula attracts a unique blend of seasonal residents, retirees, and investors drawn to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The market here operates with a surprisingly robust network of real estate professionals despite its rural character.
With 187 total actively licensed agents serving the county, Leelanau maintains an impressive agent-to-population ratio that reflects the area's active property market and high transaction values. What's particularly noteworthy is that all 187 agents maintain email contact information, indicating a tech-savvy professional community that's well-connected despite the county's remote location. This digital connectivity becomes crucial when serving clients who often relocate from urban areas across the Midwest.
The county's real estate activity centers around several distinct communities, each with its own character and price points. Suttons Bay serves as a primary hub, offering a mix of year-round residences and vacation properties with easy access to both water activities and the growing wine country. Leland, famous for its historic Fishtown district, commands premium prices for waterfront properties and attracts buyers seeking authentic Great Lakes charm. Glen Arbor and Empire, positioned near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, represent some of the most exclusive markets in the region.
Traverse City's influence extends into southern Leelanau County, creating a spillover effect where buyers priced out of Grand Traverse County seek similar amenities at more accessible price points. The Leelanau Peninsula's wine trail has transformed formerly agricultural areas into premium residential zones, with vineyard properties and wine country estates becoming increasingly popular among affluent buyers from Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids.
Leelanau County's real estate market operates on distinct seasonal rhythms, with peak activity occurring during summer months when potential buyers can fully appreciate the area's recreational assets. The market shows surprising resilience during economic downturns, as the combination of limited inventory and consistent demand from retirees and second-home buyers provides stability. Waterfront properties, particularly those with Lake Michigan frontage, often sell before reaching the general market through agent networks and referrals.
The county's geographic diversity creates multiple micro-markets, from affordable inland properties near Cedar to multi-million dollar estates along the Gold Coast. This complexity requires agents to possess deep local knowledge about everything from soil conditions and septic regulations to seasonal access issues and HOA restrictions. Many properties come with unique considerations like private beaches, vineyard operations, or conservation easements that demand specialized expertise.
Real estate service providers, from mortgage brokers to home inspectors, find Leelanau County's agent network particularly valuable because of the high transaction values and specialized property types common in the area. These agents regularly work with clients purchasing vacation homes, vineyard properties, and luxury waterfront estates that require premium services and products. The county's seasonal nature also creates concentrated periods of intense activity where having direct agent contacts becomes essential for capturing business opportunities.
Financial services companies and luxury home product vendors particularly benefit from connecting with Leelanau County agents, who often work with affluent clients making cash purchases or seeking specialized financing for unique properties. The agents' universal email connectivity facilitates efficient communication and relationship building, crucial factors when serving a market where referrals and repeat business drive success in this tight-knit professional community.
As of 2/17/2026, Carole Higgins has 1 property for sale in Suttons Bay and surrounding areas.
$497,900
Listed 2025-04-24
Carole Higgins currently has no rental properties available in Suttons Bay and surrounding areas. Check back later.