Non Prin Associate Broker (MI: 6506048979)
10 years experience
Manistee County's real estate market reflects the unique character of this Lake Michigan coastal region, where seasonal tourism drives property values and waterfront access commands premium prices. With 166 actively licensed real estate agents serving the county, the market maintains a robust professional presence despite the area's relatively modest year-round population of approximately 25,000 residents.
The county's real estate landscape is distinguished by its dramatic seasonal fluctuations, with summer months bringing intense activity as buyers from Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Detroit seek vacation properties along the pristine shoreline. Properties in lakefront communities like Manistee and Pierport can see values swing dramatically based on water access, with beachfront homes often commanding prices that seem disconnected from local income levels but reflect the broader regional demand for Michigan's "Gold Coast" properties.
The City of Manistee anchors the county's real estate activity, featuring a historic downtown district that has benefited from significant revitalization efforts and the expansion of the Manistee River Walk. Victorian-era homes in the residential districts near downtown have experienced steady appreciation, while newer developments toward Manistee Lake cater to retirees and second-home buyers seeking modern amenities with water views.
Rural townships like Filer, Norman, and Bear Lake offer a different market dynamic entirely, where large parcels of forested land attract hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking privacy away from the more developed lakefront areas. These inland properties often feature seasonal cabins, hunting lodges, and agricultural land that trades at much lower per-acre prices but can represent significant total investments due to parcel sizes that commonly exceed 40 acres.
Manistee County's real estate market operates on multiple timelines simultaneously, creating complexity that requires deep local knowledge to navigate effectively. Spring listings target summer residents preparing to upgrade or relocate, while fall often brings motivated sellers facing property tax deadlines or inheritance situations that create opportunities for cash buyers and investors.
The county's geographic diversity means agents must understand vastly different property types and buyer motivations within a relatively small area. Waterfront specialists command different expertise than those focusing on agricultural land or forest properties, while the growing short-term rental market near Manistee National Forest has created a new category requiring knowledge of both tourism patterns and local zoning regulations.
Service providers targeting the real estate industry will find Manistee County's 166 agents represent a highly accessible market where digital communication is essential—notably, all 166 licensed agents maintain email addresses, indicating a professionally connected community despite the rural setting. This complete email coverage suggests agents here actively embrace technology to serve clients across the county's diverse geographic areas.
The seasonal nature of Manistee County's market creates specific windows where agents need specialized services, from property inspection companies preparing for spring listings to mortgage brokers handling the summer rush of vacation home purchases. Companies offering staging services, photography, or property maintenance can build relationships with agents who regularly work with out-of-area buyers requiring comprehensive support services to complete transactions remotely.
As of 2/13/2026, Leah Gannon has 1 property for sale in Manistee and surrounding areas.
$120,000
Listed 2026-02-13
Leah Gannon currently has no rental properties available in Manistee and surrounding areas. Check back later.