Get to know MaryKay Shumway: Door County Real Estate Expert 

WELCOME TO MY DOOR COUNTY REAL ESTATE BLOG

Door County Sold Properties

Disclaimer: All published blog posts are deemed reliable based on information gathered and published as of the date of posting and such information is subject to change at any time without notice, with all rights reserved.

Please allow me to introduce myself as a Senior Associate and top Broker producer for an exceptional boutique real estate firm in Door County, The Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. which has been in business since 1948. Our Sister Bay office even has a water view (and views of great sunsets over the Bay).

I'm an annual multi-million dollar MLS producer, a top producer for the Door County MLS, and a former Senior Associate for Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, where I was also the recipient of the coveted Pinnacle Award. 

From 2016-2022, I have been the top producer for my current brokerage, The Kellstrom-Ray Agency. I am also consistently ranked as one of the 5 top ranked agent for the entire Door County Multiple Listing Service for listings and sales. 

After my family (which includes our Labrador), my customers and clients come first--we all have a mutual respect for honesty, integrity and hard work. Many of my customers and clients have become like family to me over the past decade, and I have made many close friends in this industry.

I will work hard as YOUR exclusive Buyer Agent or Listing Broker. Call and talk to me about Door County real estate any time!

March 20, 2023

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A REAL ESTATE SHOWING

How to Prepare Your Home for a Real Estate Showing

As a real estate Broker, I spend a LOT of time and money concentrating on selling your listed property.  Over the years, we have developed a not-inclusive list that really helps my Sellers prepare for showings and/or for their first photography session.  You'd think that much of it is common sense, but my Sellers are very appreciative for this checklist to review when it comes time for photography and then for showings.   

One of the most important things to remember is:  you are hoping to actually MOVE!  So the more packing and decluttering you do in preparation for photography and showings, the less you will ultimately have to do when you have an accepted Offer and are ready to move.

Here is my comprehensive list for how to prepare your home for a real estate showing (or for your listing photography session):

General Interior

  • Please vacuum and /or clean carpets (we'll discuss if you need deep cleaning during one of our pre-photograpy meetings if you need it) and sweep and clean wooden and tile floors.  Take care to make sure throw rugs are clean and neatly arranged.  
  • Please ensure all beds are made neatly and that there is no laundry on bedroom floors.  
  • Please ensure all bathrooms have clean counters and sinks.  Please temporarily remove all toiletry items and store in cabinets until showing is completed. Please make sure towels are clean and neatly hung (or removed if for photography).  Please ensure toilet lids are down.
  • Inspect all rooms for orderly arrangement and placement of furniture.  If it looks cluttered, perhaps we can move some of the smaller items to storage until you plan to move.  
  • Verify that interior lights are working and replace burnt bulbs with new light bulbs (we will be turning some lights on for showings, or specific lights if there is ample sunlight during showing times, but for photography will will turn all lights on). Turn on all ceiling and wall lights. Turn on all lamps. For photography, we ask that you turn off fans so that fan blades are not moving.
  • Remove docking stations, cell phones, cell phone charges, newspapers, magazines from dressers and tables.  Please store TV remotes out of site if possible.  One thing I like to note, especially for photograpy, are dated magazines.  If it's spring, remove the holiday magazines.
  • Please remove cat litter boxes, cat and dog food/water bowels, and other pet-related items, especially large items (we promise you can put these back as soon as necessary). 
  • Please emove family/personal photos when practical, or at least scale back (we want your Buyers to be able to picture their own items in your home).  Remember, these photos will be used for internet media marketing, so we want to respect your privacy as much as possible.  
  • All blinds and curtains should be opened, and blinds should be pulled up so that just clear window is visible for the photography session or so natural daylight can be visible for showings. 
  • If you have a wood-burning fireplace, please make sure you have cleaned the ashes so it shows well.
  • Please lock up any truly valuable items, such as collectables, especially so they are not seen in photos. Please make sure bookkeeping materials, including bills and income statements, are put away in a secure area (your finances are not for your Buyers' review).  Also, it goes without saying, but please lock up any firearms securly.
  • Remember, the work you do now will save you time packing in the future.  It's also a good time to start thinking about items that you would like to donate or sell to not only declutter but to make the move easier.

 Ellison Bay Condominiums for Sale

Kitchen Specific

  • Remove everyday items from countertops such as toasters, coffee makers, white paper rolls, towels and dish rags, soap or dish detergent, cereal boxes, food, etc. until after the showing. Make sure that appliances are clean (including microwave and oven and refrigerator during showings--people will look).
  • Please lose all cabinet doors and drawers.
  • Please remove all stickers, magnets, photographs, notes, etc from front and sides of refrigerator, espeically for photography.
  • Please make sure all dishes are cleaned and any dish rack empty and that both the sink and counters are empty and wiped down. 
  • For photography OR for a showing, fresh flowers on the dining table are always nice. 
  • Remember, the work you do now (if you never use the Insta-Pot and it's on the counter--pack it away!) will save you time packing in the future.  It's also a good time to start thinking about items that you would like to donate or sell.

 

 Ephraim WI Homes for Sale

 

Bedroom Specific

  • Make beds and make sure pillows are orderly.  Verify that coverlets are clean and straight.
  • Please remove all items from underneath bed, if coverlet does not extent to floor.
  • Clean room and place toys, games, clothes, etc into closet or neatly into storage/dresser.
  • Please remove clocks, reading glasses, photographs, docking stations, cell phones and chargers, etc from night stands. We like neatly stacked books and magazines, but please remove any private reading material that someone may find offensive.
  • Please remove and lock up any medication kept in the bedroom.
  • For the rooms of your teens and pre-teens, it would be a good time to remove any posters from the walls (assure them it is temporary).
  • This is an EXCELLENT TIME to donate or sell clothes that you don't wear, shoes or toys the children have outgrown, etc.  The work you do now will make it easier to move in the future . 

 Door County Homes for Sale with 4 bedrooms

Bathroom Specific

  • Remove everyday items from countertops.  This does include hand-washing soap for photography, as well as all makeup, lotion, etc. Remove kleenex boxes, also, until photos are completed.
  • Please close water closet (toilet) lids.  We do NOT allow anyone to use "your facilities", but please make sure the sink, floor, mirror, commode and tub/shower are clean.
  • Remove soaps, brushes, shampoo, etc from shower and tubs.  This might be a good time to clean or replace the shower curtain.
  • Please remove rugs from floor.  This will make your bathroom seem larger for wide-angle lenses.  
  • Either remove towels or make sure they are hung properly and drying on racks.
  • Again, we would stress removing and locking up any prescription medication.  Although I or another agent will be present at every showing, showings and open house statistics obtained by police records throughout the nation note that presciption drug theft (when drugs are out and unattended) is one of the most common crimes in the United States.  

Door County Homes for Sale with 3 Bathrooms

 

Exterior Specific (if applicable)

  • Please weep leaves, dirt etc, from driveway, walkways, patios, decks.
  • Please move garbage bins, bicycles, boxes, landscaping supplies, etc. to the inside of garage or a storage room/area.
  • Park vehicles inside of garage or on street opposite side of your home, especially for the photography session. 
  • Please close garage door and open blinds in garage.
  • Coil garden hose onto garden hose stand or remove.
  • Please open patio umbrellas; arrange outdoor furniture for everyday use.
  • Clean pool and remove floating objects from water if applicable.
  • Please remove security signs, political or school yard signs, etc from lawns and/or flowerbeds.

When you are ready to sell your Door County home, please contact me for more details on what we will do to ensure a successful sale of your listed property.  Please also see my website's Seller Link for more details. A little bit of work now will assure that you will have an easier move, as well as making your home more attractive to prospective Buyers at showings and will also help us have the most successful photography for marketing your home.  

Sold homes in Door County WI

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All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

 

March 3, 2023

Door County Luxury Waterfront Condominium for Sale

Construction has started at

Liberty Park Waterfront in Door County, WI

If you're familiar with Door County, you know it is very, very rare to get a condominium DIRECTLY on the waterfront.  The cost of waterfront land has made it very hard to develop new construction on the Door County shore since the early 2000s.  As such, our luxury waterfront condominiums like Anchorage Cove, Hidden Harbor, The Shores, Yacht Harbor Shores and others command high prices for older construction.

HIDDEN HARBOR CONDOMINIUMS IN FISH CREEK, WI 54212

Hidden Harbor Condominium on the shore

However, at the north end of Sister Bay, we have a delightful opportunity for 2023 at Liberty Park Waterfront Condominium where we are offering a 4 bedroom (plus bonus study/den) waterfront condominium directly on the shores of Green Bay at Liberty Park Waterfront.  This luxury townhome condominium for sale in Door County will also feature a gourmet kitchen, a living room with fireplace, a bonus lower level great room with fireplace and bar, zero clearance entry, a patio on the shore, 2 car garage and so much more! 

Unit 6 at Liberty Park Waterfront is already under construction.  There is time to work with Tim Halbrook Builders, Inc., in order to choose finish selections.  These homes, directly on the shore, are like no others in Door County.  The are private and spacious, with custom finishes and quality construction by Tim Halbrook Builders of De Pere, Wisconsin.

PHOTO OF AN ALREADY FINISHED UNIT AT 

LIBERTY PARK WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUMS, SISTER BAY WI

Sister Bay 4 Bedroom Waterfront Condominium for Sale

 

We also can't say enough about this central location---close to downtown Sister Bay, with Village of Sister Bay amenities including public utilities and high-speed internet, but in the Town of Liberty Grove with lower taxes.   This new waterfront home for sale at 11027 Liberty Park Lane #6, Sister Bay, WI 54234 is the best of all worlds.

If you want to enjoy spectacular waterfront sunsets in Door County year-round from your own private, custom home, you will be delighted with Liberty Park Waterfront Condominiums.  Construction is moving quickly, so it's time to make selections now.  Please contact me for more information on these rare Door County waterfront homes for sale today

 

Construction has started at

Liberty Park Waterfront in Door County, WI

You could call this your own view if you act soon

Contact me today!

Door County Waterfront Homes for Sale on Green Bay

 

Posted by

All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Feb. 25, 2023

Buying Door County Real Estate

BUYING DOOR COUNTY REAL ESTATE

Door County Waterfront Real Estate for Sale

Welcome to Door County, and how can I help you become a part of our vibrant, growing community?

Door County Properties for Sale

As a local, I can tell you that Door County, Wisconsin is a highly desirable area for real estate investment in the United States, with its beautiful natural scenery, charming towns and villages, and its incredibly vibrant arts and culture scene. As a Door County real estate broker, I would assist to highlight the following benefits of owning property in Door County:

1.     Location: Door County is situated on a peninsula, which means that many properties offer stunning waterfront views or access to beaches, lakes, and rivers.  Nearly every town and village has one or more waterfront parks or vistas that you can enjoy for free.  Door County is also located just a few hours' drive from major cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, making it a truly ideal vacation destination.

Door County Locations

 

2.     Quality of Life: I can attest---there’s no place quite like Door County, Wisconsin.  Even Door County’s largest (and only) city, Sturgeon Bay, has a small-town feel, with friendly people and a strong sense of community. The sense of community grows in every municipality with each passing year.  The area offers plenty of year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more, as well as numerous arts and cultural events throughout the year.  We take great pride in our Door County communities and the quality of life in Door County.

 

Door County Homes with Orchards

 

3.     Investment Potential: Door County continues to grow in popularity.  With its growing tourism industry and current, strong real estate market, Door County can offer excellent investment potential for those looking to purchase property. Many properties in the area can be rented out to vacationers or used as second homes, providing a reliable source of income.  Certain criteria must be met for Door County rental, contact me for more information about where to get assistance in setting up your Door County short term transient rental. 

 

Door County Homes with Fire Pits

 

As an experienced Door County real estate broker, I will work closely with my cusomters and clients to help them find the perfect property in Door County:  whether they are looking for a grand waterfront home, a cozy cabin in the woods, a farm or orchard, a business or a Door County rental investment property. As a local Door County real estate broker, I offer a unique perspective on each Door County community.

I will also provide guidance on the local real estate market, discuss financing options, assist in educating you in our different towns and villages and provide any other factors that could impact your Door County real estate purchase.

Door County is a wonderful place to live, work (or retire!), and invest, and I would be thrilled to help you make the most of all that this beautiful area has to offer. Please contact me today to discuss Door County real estate..

 

Feb. 11, 2023

What's not to love about Door County, Wisconsin?

What's NOT to love about Door County, Wisconsin?

 

Ahh, February.  The month of romance.  ❤️

Door County, Wisconsin, is very well known as a destination wedding location, and the place of tens of thousands of proposals.  And why not?  This little peninsula jutting into Green Bay and Lake Michigan is the stuff that dreams are made of!  And I consider myself an expert---I've sold many Inns throughout Door County where engagements take place, honeymoons are celebrated and SO much more.  So I consider myself a little bit of an expert in the Door County romance department!

Door County Bed and Breakfast for Sale

If I write about the wildly beautiful area that I call home, I can't just concentrate on Sister Bay (the village where I currently reside, after living in Liberty Grove on and off for a good portion of my life).  I need to focus on ALL of the areas I love in Door County, and the places where love is celebrated from engagements through diamond anniversaries.  I started out with a featured photo of Northport/Gills Rock:  the place where the Washington Island Ferry Line will take you to Washington Island....where you'll pass several other islands and lighthouses (how romantic is that)?  So in honor of this month of the heart holiday, let me relay some of the places that I feel are the most romantic you may find in Door County, Wisconsin.  

1.  Gills Rock/Northport:  Yes, that lovely photo is the iconic Northport Ferry Dock where many a ring has been presented with the beautiful islands as a backdrop.  However, there are a few off-the-beaten path areas that you will also find in this area that just beg for you to get down on one knee.  Romantic areas in Gills Rock/Northport include the town park of N. Portes des Mortes Road, Isle View Park, Newport State Park and especially Europe Lake.

Beautiful Europe Lake Facing Newport State Park

Europe Lake Homes for Sale

2.  Ellison Bay:  Ellison Bay brings a WEALTH of romantic opportunities.  First and foremost, I should mention Ellison Bay Bluff Park off of Porcupine Bay.  This park has an overlook for watching sunsets, and this is one of Door County's PRIME locations for romance.  In fact, our son proposed to his future wife while she sat at the lookout and the rest of us were sitting out on a fishing boat holding up a "Will You Marry Me?" sign (true story).  But that's not the ONLY romantic place in Ellison Bay.  Wills Park, next to the Ellison Bay marina, is truly ideal for sunsets, as is the Ellison Bay Beach.  And in terms of romantic dining, you can't beat Ellison Bay's Wickman House (a recent James Beard nominee at the time of this writing).  Alas--they are already full for Valentine's Day weekend, but you can book for next year!

After dinner, you can walk to the water in Ellison Bay to catch a sunset

Ellison Bay Sunset

3.  Sister Bay:  I love 🥰 Sister Bay.  This is the year-round village where you can walk to most everything and where music plays in the streets from late April through October.  Sister Bay has Northern Haus, a stately Door County wedding barn on expansive acreage, and many other venues that will provide the perfect backdrop for a wedding, including Thyme (one of the area's premier caterers) and Twelve Eleven.  However, I believe that MANY a romantic proposal has been made at any of Sister Bay's incredible venues for food or drink, as well as the Sister Bay Beach and Sister Bay Marina.  Looking for a Sister Bay honeymoon spot?  You can't beat Roots Inn & Kitchen, the Sister Bay Inn or the Dorr Hotel!

This historic Sister Bay B & B/inn became Roots Inn & Kitchen with new owners in 2016 (see the site above for current photos!)

Door County Bed & Breakfasts

4.  Ephraim:  Ephraim is one of the cutest, quaintest villages in the State of Wisconsin.  With a carefully preserved downtown Historic District, you can grab some ice cream at Wilson's and stroll down the clean, beautiful streets along the water.  Ephraim is also home to the Ephraim entrace to Peninsula State Park, which is not only well-known for proposals (there are many scenic water-view sites in the park), but it's also an incredible place to host a wedding.

5.  Fish Creek:  Another year-round Village, Fish Creek is home to many scenic vistas (and the other entrance to Peninsula State Park), great food and drink and lots of extensive shopping.  If you're looking for a special ring for your beloved, you can check out the Fish Creek branch of Rummele's Jewelers (open May-October) or the beautiful Trilliant Diamonds.  And, of course, no actual Valentine's Day celebration would be complete without delicious chocolate--you can get delicous chocolates that taste as good as they look at Fish Creek's Top of the Hill shops at DC Chocolate Designs (one of my absolute favorites). 

6.  Baileys Harbor:  Baileys Harbor is home to one of Door County's most pristine places--The Ridges Sanctuary.  Whether you are looking to propose on a beach (The Ridges has one) or in a pristine wooded setting, a visit to The Ridges is a year-round opportunity to make any engagement or any VISIT to Door County memorable.

7.  Door County Romance 💕:  Of course, there are dozens of other places that are truly romantic in Door County and well worth a visit for romantic dining, prime shopping, snuggling, a weekend away or, of course, Valentine's Day.  Many of our year-round inns and restaurants offer special promotions to make this day of romance very memorable.  And Door County is truly lovely year-round---imagine a proposal in autumn, when Door County is full of color, or in spring--when it is full of blooming cherry blossoms.  Or a romantic walk overlooking the water at Whitefish Dunes or Cave Point--the possibilities for romance in Door County are endless!  You WILL fall in love with Door County, Wisconsin.  

Door County Cherry Blossoms

My job, however, isn't to make you fall in love--my job is to make you fall in love with Door County!  I've been turning visitors and vacationers into Door County residents for over 19 years.  When you are ready to make Door County a permanent part of your life, please contact me and view all Door County MLS-listed properties for sale online at moredoorcounty.com today.  

What's NOT to love about Door County, Wisconsin?

Door County Waterfront Listings

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All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Feb. 1, 2023

Door County Winter Sunset

A winter Door County sunset!  It's a new month, but another month closer to "the Season" arriving in Door County.  It's a bright but chilly afternoon in Ellison Bay, and I took this sunset photo yesterday afternoon--tonight promises another beautiful Door County sunset! 

Thinking ahead to summer 2023:  This acreage is zoned Mixed Commercial and is between Ellison Bay and Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  This zoning district allows for business uses, but also for single family homes.  As such, this may be an ideal area for a new build for your future Door County AirBnB or VRBO business.  Located near the highway, it's also across the street from a Door County cherry orchard, which will be beautiful in the spring!  Learn more at moredoorcounty.com  

It's cold here, but a great weekend awaits in Door County.  Enjoy the February sunshine!

Door County Fields in Winter for Sale

 

 

 

Posted by

All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Jan. 31, 2023

Door County Winter 2023

Winter in Door County 2023---the last few January 2023 days of snow and bitter cold have ensured that our public ice rinks are open!!  Dress warmly and enjoy.  

Door County real estate this winter:  if you are searching for a Door County home for the 2023 season, please contact me today or search moredoorcounty.com for access to the entire Door County MLS.   

Door County Winter Real Estate

Posted by

All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Jan. 10, 2023

What to do in Door County in the Winter

What to do in Door County in the Winter

It's a warm January in Door County, which begs to ask the question:  what do we do here in Door County, Wisconsin all winter?  Expecially if it's un-winterlike weather?  Right now, even though it is nearing the heart of January 2023, there is no ice for ice fishing and there is no snow.  How do we keep from going CRAZY in the off-season if we can't skate, ski, snowmobile or ice fish, among other things?

1.  First and foremost, Sister Bay has a great ice rink that is lovingly maintained by volunteers to allow for ice skating (along with skate rental).  As it's still getting quite cold at night, the ice is holding up nicely for an afternoon or evening skate.  Since it gets dark quite early, it's fun to see the lights come on and watch the skaters, too.  If your crowd gets stir-crazy, bring or rent skates and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

2.  We explore!  With so little snow and no dangerous ice right now, it's a great time to visit some of our favorite places that get so crowded in the summer, like Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes, Newport State Park and many of the wonderful County and town and village parks.  This is the perfect time for a hike on a day when it's not too windy.  Dress with appropriate shoes and proper layering and enjoy fresh air and solitude.  You may see deer, wild turkeys, winter birds and other hardy souls pass you as you hike the trails or create your own trails.

Hiking Along Lake Michigan in Winter

Lake MIchigan does not freeze in winter, making it a wonderful time to hike along the shore

3.  We enjoy local restaurants.  Yes, many of our favorites are closed for the season (or for a short winter break), but this is the only time of the year that I know I can get into Al Johnson's on a weekday for breakfast with no wait.  Even though there are no goats on the roof at Al Johnson's at this time of the year, our favorite Swedish delicacies await.   Other places that are perfect to visit at this time of the year include SIP (new in Ephraim), the White Gull Inn, Blue Bear Ellison Bay, The Bayside, Harbor Fish Market (now serving brunch) and, on the weekends, Wickman House (until mid-February, then reopening spring).  

4.  We visit!  This is a great time of the year to have coffee with friends at Kick Ash Ellison Bay, Skipstone or Blue Horse Cafe.  It's also a wonderful time to spend a wintery evening outside with friends and family enjoying a bonfire, complete with s'mores and hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine.  You may join a local book club, yoga class or anything else simply to get educated or get fit, but most of all to see your friends and meet new ones.  

What to do in Door County in winter, bonfire

5.  We learn.   From the winter classes at The Clearing in Ellison Bay to weekend art exhibits and the February Short Film Festival, there is something new to take in every week or weekend.  As an example, this winter one could could learn everything from wood carving to wine tasting to watercolors at The Clearing.  These classes fill up very quickly (some are already full) so register now.  This year's Short Film Festival will move its location from Sister Bay to the new Northern Sky Theater in Fish Creek....sample dozens of short films over a special weekend.  

6.  We House Hunt.  Winter is a great time to beat the crowds if you are looking for a Door County property.  The prices don't go down in the winter, but the competition is much less fierce than other times of the year.  You can also visit our website to find the lastest in Door County listings from the comfort of your own home.  We do show property year-round here, and it's also a great time to book a resort weekend to enjoy some down time in between your showings.  Some of our local resorts are so popular that even we "locals" will book an overnight evening to enjoy a "spa night" with our loved ones.  This is definitely something we can't do in the summer!

Door County Resorts with indoor poolsWinter is a fabulous time to enjoy a Door County getaway to a resort with an indoor pool.

What is there to do in Door County in the winter?  There is time to breathe, explore, play, learn, enjoy driving down the Sister Bay hill with NO cars on either side of the street (it's a bit of a surreal experience after the busy season), visit with friends and so much more.  Don't worry, of course it will snow (probably more than we want it to) but enjoy this gentle weather while you can!

What to do in Door County in the Winter

Door County House Hunting in Winter

 

Posted by

All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Jan. 5, 2023

Door County Real Estate Market Report January 2023

Door County Market Report January, 2023

 

It's starting to look like a typical Door County winter, with snow on the ground and ice on the Bay.  January 2023 meant a new calendar year for all of us, but those of us involved in the Door County real estate industry don't anticipate any immediate drastic changes in the Door County real estate market as of January 2023.

Lack of inventory and affordability continue to be issues that are greatly impacting the entire Door Peninsula and its local real estate market.  Right now, as of this writing, there are some listings north of Sturgeon Bay that priced under $300,000 that are still available, which has been extremely rare over the past 24 months (please contact me for more details).  People cite interest rates as issues, but you can still pick up some very good rates at our local banks (I'm dating myself, but I paid much more in interest for my first mortgage than people are paying right now).  

Statistically, February has been the month that business typically begins to pick up after the holiday lag in Door County (May through early November are the "crush" months), but the problem remains that there are multiple buyers for every property priced under $500,000, so multiple Offers may continue to be a "thing" for good inventory in 2023.

WISH WE HAD ONE OF THESE AT THE OFFICE!

Door County Real Estate Market Predictions

A reminder that I am an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and can set you up for an active search at any time.  Or, use our website--setting up a search has truly never been easier.  Visit our site at moredoorcounty.com and choose your areas (please choose "Door County" first and foremost), and then choose your towns and villages that are of interest.  Pick from houses, condominiums, land, businesses and multi-family listings.  Then, choose price, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.--anything that will help send you the listings that you want automatically.  You can even choose how often your listing updates are sent.

Alternatively, are you thinking about selling a Door County property?  If you are interested in selling in 2023, please contact me for a detailed discussion and analysis of what your current Door County property can sell for in the current Door County real estate market.  

Allow me to be your guide for the Door County real estate market.  For more information on current market listings, as well as current market conditions, please contact me today.  

 

Door County Real Estate Map

Door County Market Report January, 2023

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All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.

Jan. 1, 2023

Searching for a Door County Property for 2023

 

It's a brand new year as of this writing, and we're excited to be able to help you with your Door County property search in 2023!

You know that old joke, "My mind is like my web browser. Fifteen tabs are open, three are frozen and I have no idea where the music is coming from"? - yep, that's pretty much me!

We have so many great thoughts and ideas about your Door County house hunt that I need a place to write them down, since no one will give me my own Door County reality househunter tv show (yet!!!).

My clients and customers know that I am passionately addicted to helping others achieve success in our Door County real estate market. I'm out to change the world one happy person at a time by sharing my Door County real estate knowledge, my heart, and my sense of humor each and every day.  What is YOUR Door County dream?  Together, let's make it happen!

Searching for a house in Gills Rock, Wisconsin 54210

Dec. 17, 2022

Europe Lake Property for Sale in Door County WI

Door County Land for Sale 

Featured Europe Lake Land

Ever since I filmed a "Lakefront Bargain Hunt--Renovation" episode in Door County (now in syndication on the Magnolia Network), I've been lucky enough to be considered one of Door County's go-to waterfront brokers.  If you're looking for a Door County waterfront getaway, I can help. 

Northern Door County is a special place, away from the hustle and bustle of the busier towns and villages in the center of the peninsula.  It's a longer drive, made most popular in September and October by "Leaf Peepers" taking a drive down the iconic, curvy Highway 42 corridor to Northport.  Along that route, you may pass the entrance for lovely Europe Lake.  Europe Lake, one of northern Door's three inland lakes (the other 2 being Clark Lake and Kangaroo Lake) is one of the most serene places you can possibly find.

Europe Lake Properties for Sale

Bordered by the edge of Newport State Park on one side, Europe Lake has minimal homes and cottages (quite unlike Clark Lake and Kangaroo Lake) on the other side of the lake.  It is fed by Lake Michigan, but freezes over solidly in winter and is a popular (don't tell anyone!) place for ice skating.  It is also a much desired place to ice fish for perch.

In the summer, with its one small Town of Liberty Grove boat launch, it is busier, but mostly with kayakers and pontoon boats.  In autumn, the colors on the Newport State Park side are amazing.  The water can get quite warm--and the lake has a sand bottom--it's a swimmer's paradise!

Europe Lake Land for Sale Door County

If you are lucky enough to live here--you are lucky enough indeed.  We are currently offering Europe Lake waterfront land for sale off of Landin Lane.  The property consists of over nine acres--ensuring some nice privacy--and is comprised of two separate lots being sold together.  The acreage does have some wetlands, but also has buildable sites that would be PERFECT for your future Door County lake home.  Learn more about our vacant acreage for sale on Europe Lake here.  

With ice skating and ice fishing in the winter months, and kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing in the warmer months, Europe Lake is definitely an ideal Door County destination to plan a future lakefront dream home.  If you'd like to learn more about this Door County waterfront land opportunity, please contact me today

Door County Land for Sale 

Featured Europe Lake Land

Door County Waterfront Property for Sale

 

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All information is deemed reliable as of date of publication and is subject to change without notice.

 

 Thank you for reading!  MaryKay Shumway, ABR®, CRS®, Realtor® loves to laugh and enjoys working with people that love the Door Peninsula.  She is a full-time real estate Broker, mother of two and a senior Broker Associate at the Kellstrom-Ray Agency, Inc. in beautiful Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  She represents listings throughout the Door County Peninsula and also represents many Buyers that want to purchase the perfect property to make Door County a part of their lives.  CONTACT MARYKAY ABOUT YOUR DOOR COUNTY PROPERTY QUESTIONS TODAY.