FAQ

We serve Beulah, Benzonia, Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Elberta, Honor, Thompsonville and communities throughout Benzie County and Northwest Michigan. This is home for us; we don’t just work here, we live here. That local knowledge makes a difference when it comes to pricing, marketing, and negotiating.

We specialize in waterfront homes, luxury and recreational properties, cottages, second homes, and year-round residences. Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan properties are a big part of our market, as are Big Platte Lake, Little Platte Lake, Betsie River, Platte River and our many inland lakes. We also help clients with vacant land and investment opportunities.

There is so much that goes into buying or selling a waterfront home. Things like frontage, water clarity, bottom quality, views, shoreline protection, EGLE regulations, setbacks, zoning – all of it impacts value and no two waterfront properties are the same. Pricing and marketing a waterfront property requires more than pulling comparable sales. We understand the nuances, and that helps our clients, whether buyers or sellers, make smart decisions. The Jon Zickert Group has been a part of over 240 waterfront property transactions representing over $200 million in sales since 2013. We’d be honored to help you with your waterfront property needs.

We offer a team-based approach to buying and selling your property. That means our clients get the benefit of shared expertise, consistent communication, and strong follow-through. But more than that, we build relationships. If you read our Google reviews, you’ll see words like “knowledgeable,” “responsive,” and “thorough” come up again and again. We take that seriously.

All you have to do is ask, and we can provide a complimentary detailed Comparative Market Analysis tailored to your property and today’s local market. Even if you’re just curious, there’s no cost. We will look at recent sales, current competition, timing, and property-specific details – which is especially important for waterfront homes. No automated estimate can replace a thoughtful, local evaluation.

We’ve had several favorable sales, even during what some might call the “off-season.” This can be especially true for waterfront and second homes. Instead of giving a generic answer, we would be happy to walk you through current market conditions in your specific area and price range so you can decide confidently.

Presentation matters, and so does strategy, which is why we have a dedicated marketing specialist as part of our team.Our marketing efforts professional photography, drone footage for waterfront homes, strong online exposure, social media, email marketing, and tapping into our local network.

All the time. Many of our clients are purchasing second homes from downstate Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and beyond. We offer video walkthroughs, detailed communication, and trusted local referrals to make the process smooth, even from a distance.

 It varies by season and price point. Waterfront and well-prepared homes tend to draw strong immediate interest, naturally. We’ll help you understand what competition looks like in your specific category.

It depends on pricing, preparation, and timing. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well tend to move faster. Our job is to help you position your property strategically from day one.

It all starts with a conversation. No pressure. We’ll talk about your goals, timing, and questions, and then outline a clear plan. Whether it’s next month or next year, we’re here as a resource first.