2025 Leelanau County Real Estate Market Update: Prices Rise, Sales Volume Surges

2025 Leelanau County Real Estate Market Update:
Prices Rise, Sales Volume Surges

If you’ve been waiting for Leelanau County real estate to “cool off,” 2025 politely declined. Prices rose, sales volume surged, and more homes sold than the year before. Using figures from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS, here’s what actually happened in the Leelanau County residential real estate market in 2025 and what it means moving forward.

Total Residential Sales Volume Climbs Sharply

Total residential sales volume in Leelanau County reached $326,403,770 in 2025, a +15.83% increase over 2024.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident, especially in a higher-rate environment. It reflects strong demand, confident buyers, and sellers successfully closing at higher price points.

Bottom line: capital is still flowing into Leelanau County real estate.

Total Homes Sold Increased by Nearly 11%

This is the stat that cuts through the noise.

  • 2024 total homes sold: 338

  • 2025 total homes sold: 375

  • Year-over-year change: +10.95%

More homes sold and higher prices means demand isn’t just holding—it’s expanding.

Why this matters:

  • Buyers weren’t just browsing—they were committing.

  • Inventory that hit the market moved.

  • The increase in sales volume wasn’t driven only by luxury closings.

In short: this was real market activity, not statistical inflation.

Median Home Price Reaches $680,000

The median home sales price rose to $680,000 in 2025, an 11.57% increase year-over-year.

Median price tells us what the typical Leelanau County home is doing, and this confirms price strength across the market—not just at the high end.

What it signals:

  • Strong competition for well-priced homes

  • Continued upward pressure from limited inventory

  • Sellers rewarded for correct pricing and preparation

Leelanau County remains a supply-constrained market, and the data shows it.

Average Home Price Shows Healthy, Slower Growth

The average home sales price increased to $870,410, up 4.40% from 2024.

This slightly slower growth compared to the median price is actually good news.

Translation:

  • Fewer extreme outlier sales skewing the numbers

  • A more balanced mix of primary, second-home, and luxury transactions

  • A maturing, stabilizing market—not a declining one

Stability at elevated price levels is a sign of confidence, not weakness.

What This Meant for Buyers and Sellers in 2025

Sellers:

  • Demand is proven, not speculative.

  • Homes are selling—375 of them, to be exact.

  • Pricing strategy matters more than ever.

Overpricing will get noticed faster than it used to. Buyers are motivated, but they’re not reckless.

Buyers:

  • Waiting for a major pullback in Leelanau County has historically been a losing bet.

  • Negotiation opportunities exist, especially on stale or improperly priced listings.

  • Quality homes continue to attract competition.

The smartest buyers in 2025 weren’t timing the market—they were choosing the right property.

Why Leelanau County Continues to Outperform

Leelanau County’s long-term strength comes from fundamentals that don’t change quickly:

  • Limited supply and strict zoning

  • Persistent second-home and cash-buyer demand

  • Lifestyle-driven purchases, not short-term speculation

  • Buyers thinking in decades, not rate cycles

2025 reinforced what locals already know: this market plays the long game.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Leelanau County?

Market stats are useful—but strategy is everything. Whether you’re preparing to sell, evaluating timing, or trying to buy without overpaying, local insight matters.

If you want a straightforward, data-driven read on your situation (no sugarcoating, no national-portal nonsense), feel free to reach out.

Data based on information from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors® MLS. Reliable but not guaranteed. Does not include fractional ownership.

Need Expert Real Estate Advice? Contact Jonathan Oltersdorf Today!

For personalized insights into Leelanau County real estate, reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC.

📞 Office Phone: 231-271-7777
📧 Email: jonathan@oltersdorf.com
🌐 Website: www.oltersdorf.com

2025 Grand Traverse County Real Estate Market Report: Year-End Home Sales Data & Trends

2025 Grand Traverse County Real Estate Market Report: Year-End Home Sales Data & Trends

2025 Traverse City Real Estate Market Report: Key Statistics and Trends in Grand Traverse County

Traverse City, nestled along the stunning shores of Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan, continues to be a sought-after destination for homebuyers seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community life. As we move through 2026, the 2025 residential real estate data for Grand Traverse County provides valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Based on data from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS (compiled by Oltersdorf Realty), the market showed signs of recovery in sales activity despite slight price corrections.

Overview of 2025 Grand Traverse County Home Sales Statistics

In 2025, Grand Traverse County's residential real estate market demonstrated resilience. While home prices experienced minor declines from 2024 peaks, the number of units sold and overall sales volume rebounded notably.

Year-over-Year Changes (2024 to 2025):

  • Average Sale Price: $528,032 → $519,434 (-1.63%)
  • Median Sale Price: $420,000 → $405,223 (-3.52%)
  • Sales Volume: ~$698M → $749,023,516 (+7.46%)
  • Units Sold: 1,320 → 1,442 (+9.24%)

Data excludes fractional ownership and is based on reliable MLS sources.

Compared to Michigan statewide trends (median home price up 4.7% to $267,600 in late 2025) and national figures (U.S. median existing-home price up 1.7% to $414,400), Grand Traverse County prices remain significantly higher, reflecting its premium lakeside location.

Residential Units Sold: A Strong Rebound

Units sold increased 9.24% from 1,320 in 2024 to 1,442 in 2025 — the strongest annual sales volume since 2021.

10-Year Trend (2016–2025):

  • 2016: 1,741
  • 2017: 1,639
  • 2018: 1,639
  • 2019: 1,805 (peak)
  • 2020: 1,713
  • 2021: 1,732
  • 2022: 1,470
  • 2023: 1,311
  • 2024: 1,320
  • 2025: 1,442

This uptick suggests growing buyer confidence and increased market activity in Northern Michigan.

Total Sales Volume: Healthy Growth

Total residential sales volume reached $749,023,516 in 2025, a solid +7.46% increase from 2024 — despite the modest price softening.

Higher transaction volume more than offset the slight decline in average and median prices.

Average & Median Home Prices: Slight Cooling

  • Average Sale Price 2025: $519,434 (-1.63% from 2024)
  • Median Sale Price 2025: $405,223 (-3.52% from 2024)

Long-term perspective (2004–2025): Both average and median prices have more than doubled since the early 2000s, showing strong long-term appreciation even with the 2025 correction.

This slight price softening creates opportunities for buyers while the market remains fundamentally strong.

What These Trends Mean for 2026 and Beyond

The 2025 data indicates a rebalancing Traverse City housing market:

  • More homes are selling
  • Prices have moderated slightly
  • Inventory is improving regionally
  • Buyer activity is picking up

With national forecasts predicting modest price growth (2–4%) and potentially lower mortgage rates, Grand Traverse County could see continued positive momentum in 2026.

Key factors to watch:

  • Rising inventory across Michigan
  • Strong demand for lifestyle locations like Traverse City
  • Stable local economy (tourism, healthcare, remote work appeal)

Whether you're looking to buy your dream home on the bay, sell your current property, or invest in Northern Michigan real estate, 2026 appears to offer promising opportunities.

For personalized guidance on Traverse City homes, waterfront properties, or the latest Grand Traverse County market updates, contact a local expert today.

Data source: Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS, compiled by Oltersdorf Realty. Figures are reliable but not guaranteed.

This report is based on verified MLS data from the Northern Michigan Realtors. Note that undisclosed home sales and fractional ownership transactions are excluded to maintain data accuracy.

Need Expert Real Estate Advice? Contact Jonathan Oltersdorf Today!

For personalized insights into Grand Traverse County real estate, reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC.

📞 Office Phone: 231-271-7777
📧 Email: jonathan@oltersdorf.com
🌐 Website: www.oltersdorf.com

2026 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2026 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -7 Inches in Past 12 Months

After several years of historically high levels, Lake Michigan water levels are finally trending downward in 2026. According to the latest data, water levels in Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay have dropped 7 inches compared to this time last year and are now 17 inches lower than two years ago.

This shift is closely watched by Lake Michigan waterfront property owners, especially those in Leelanau County and Grand Traverse County, as changing lake levels directly impact shoreline conditions, erosion, docks, and long-term property planning.

Official Lake Michigan Water Level Data (January 9, 2026)

Water level data is collected and published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the official source for current and historical Great Lakes water levels.

  • Date of Reading: January 9, 2026

  • Current Lake Michigan Water Level: 577.5 feet

Lake Michigan Water Level Comparisons

  • Change from January 9, 2025: –7 inches

  • Difference from Long-Term Average: –12 inches

  • Difference from Highest Monthly Average (2020): –49 inches

  • Difference from Lowest Monthly Average (2013): +17 inches

Lake Michigan Water Level Projection

  • Projected Change by February 10, 2026: –1 inch

What This Means for Waterfront Property Owners

Lower water levels can reduce erosion pressure but may expose shoreline, affect dock usability, and change beach conditions—especially along Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay waterfront properties. For buyers and sellers, water level trends are now becoming a bigger conversation point than they’ve been in recent years.

Short version: the lake is coming back toward normal. Slowly. No panic. No headlines. Just physics doing its thing.

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: https://water.usace.army.mil/office/lre/docs/weekly/weekly.pdf

Tags Lake Michigan, Waterfront, Water Levels, Leelanau County, Grand Traverse County, West Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, Omena, Glen Arbor, Empire, Traverse City

Geography of Choice in 2020s America: Traverse City & Leelanau County

The Geography of Choice in 2020s America: What a Recent Domestic Migration Map Reveals — And Why Traverse City and Leelanau County, MI Are Winning Big

National Migration Hotspots and Cold Spots

  • Big winners in dark green: The Upper Rockies (+6.0% of regional population), Greater Ozarks (+3.5%), Texas Triangle (+3.5%), Southern Coastal Plain (+7.1%), and the Northwoods (+3.3% with 56,000 net new residents).

  • The map outlines the Northwoods (Laurentian Mixed Forest Province) stretching across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and into the northern Lower Peninsula — a sparsely populated, forested region standing out with consistent green shading amid much of the rural Midwest's neutral or purple tones.

  • Major losers in purple: California (1.47 million net loss, -3.7%), the Mississippi Delta (-5.0%), and parts of the Great Plains.

The map emphasizes that migration favors scenic, nature-rich areas with lower costs and outdoor appeal — often rural or small-town spots boosted by remote work.Why the Northwoods — Including Northern Michigan — Are Attracting New Residents. The Northwoods region, including much of Northern Michigan, bucks broader Midwest trends with positive net domestic migration. This aligns with real-world data: Michigan's rural counties (especially in the northwest) saw population growth from 2020-2024 driven by domestic in-migration, offsetting natural decrease. Areas like Traverse City and surrounding counties have benefited from inflows of remote workers, retirees, and families escaping high costs, extreme heat in places like Texas/Florida, or urban pressures elsewhere.Recent reports note people moving into the Traverse City area from southern states, drawn by four-season beauty, community, and relative affordability compared to coastal hotspots.Traverse City and Leelanau County: A Prime Example of "Geography of Choice"Nestled in the heart of the Northwoods ecoregion along Lake Michigan, Traverse City, MI, and Leelanau County embody why people are choosing these areas. The region boasts stunning natural features, a thriving local economy (wine, cherries, tourism), and a peaceful lifestyle that's increasingly appealing in the 2020s.

Why Move to Traverse City or Leelanau County, MI?

  • Natural beauty — Pristine lakes, dunes, forests, and trails.

  • Quality of life — Four seasons, farm-to-table scene, wineries, and small-town vibe.

  • Migration momentum — Positive domestic inflows, especially post-2020, as people seek cooler climates and space.

  • Economic perks — Growing opportunities in tourism, remote work, and agriculture.

If you're considering a move to Northern Michigan, Traverse City and Leelanau County stand out as top destinations in America's shifting "Geography of Choice." The 2020-2024 migration map proves it: people are choosing places like ours for the lifestyle they offer.Have you noticed more out-of-state plates around town?

1101 Jefferson Ave, Traverse City – NEW LISTING

This is the Slabtown location you’ve been looking for! This oversized 195’ x 50’ lot is one of the largest you’ll find in Downtown Traverse City’s most sought-after neighborhood. Whether you renovate the existing 2-bedroom ranch home or build from the ground up, this parcel offers tremendous potential for your vision and your investment. R-1b zoning provides flexibility, allowing for accessory dwelling units (maximum of 2 dwellings per parcel) or an accessory building, depending on your desired use. The location can’t be beat: just ½ mile to Slabtown Beach on West Bay, ¾ mile to Downtown, ¼ mile to Munson, and ½ mile to Willow Hill Elementary. If you’re looking for a rare, extra-large parcel in a premium location with room to create exactly what you want, this is it. Opportunities like this don’t come around often so don’t miss out!

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS LISTING!

11604 Whittington Street, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD MORGAN FARMS WALKOUT RANCH HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/27/2025
$890,000 - 11604 Whittington Street, Traverse City, MI

JUST SOLD - Buyer Agent -> Vicky Oltersdorf. $890,000 - 11604 Whittington Street, Traverse City | Stunning 4-bedroom Craftsman-style walk-out ranch in Traverse City’s coveted Morgan Farms neighborhood, featuring high-end finishes, a walk-out lower level with wet bar, premium upgrades throughout, and a private, landscaped lot backing to serene natural area just minutes from downtown!

750 Centre Place #2, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY WATERFRONT CONDO

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/15/2025
$384,900 - 750 Centre Place #2, Traverse City, MI

JUST SOLD | Buyer Agent -> Jonathan Oltersdorf | 750 Centre Place #2, Traverse City, MI – Beautifully remodeled lakeside condo in the Willow Cove condo complex next to the Traverse City Library! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 986 sq ft condo has been beautifully renovated from top to bottom and offers a convenient downtown Traverse City location with Boardman Lake views, a private balcony, and car port.

7470 S Shugart Road Traverse City– SOLD

SOLD SOUTH LAKE LEELANAU RANCH HOUSE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/2/2025
$1,399,000 - 7470 S Shugart Road, Traverse, MI – 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Ranch Home on South Lake Leelanau with a Sandy Shoreline, Sunset Views, and an Extra Lot!

Step onto South Lake Leelanau’s most coveted stretch of shoreline, featuring a sandy beach and spectacular western facing sunsets over the lake! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,780 sq ft ranch, built in 1991, offers turn-key, one-level living with an open living room showcasing lake views and a cozy gas fireplace, plus a spacious waterside primary suite. Additional features include an attached 2+ car garage and a detached outbuilding ideal for storing all your water toys. This rare offering includes two separate parcels, including a vacant back lot with potential to build a 2nd home (buyer to verify details with zoning). Located on quiet, low-traffic Shugart Shores, just 15 minutes from Downtown Traverse City, this property sits in Bingham Township, where Short Term Rentals are allowed with a township permit. Soak up summer on the expansive waterside deck, entertain, relax, and create unforgettable lakeside memories. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity on Lake Leelanau! Septic replacement options may include A) leasing a neighboring property for a traditional system or B) potentially an on-site ATS, subject to site work, testing, approvals, and not guaranteed (details for both on file).

Vacation Home Hotspots: Michigan #4! (2025)

🏡 Did You Know?
There are over 4.8 million vacation homes in the United States—that’s roughly 3.5% of the entire housing market! Whether it’s a beachfront escape, a cozy cabin in the woods, or a lakeside retreat, Americans love their second homes.

According to recent data, here are the top four states where vacation homes are most popular:

1️⃣ Florida – 800,000 vacation homes
2️⃣ California – 360,000 vacation homes
3️⃣ New York – 309,000 vacation homes
4️⃣ Michigan – 260,000 vacation homes

Not surprisingly, warm weather and natural beauty are big draws—but don’t sleep on the Midwest. Michigan, with its stunning Great Lakes shoreline and countless inland lakes, is a hidden gem for vacation property buyers.

Why Do People Invest in Vacation Homes?

  • Lifestyle: A second home offers a place to relax, recharge, and escape the daily grind.

  • Rental Income: Many owners rent out their vacation homes when not in use, offsetting expenses or generating income.

  • Long-Term Investment: Real estate in desirable vacation destinations tends to appreciate over time.

Is a Vacation Home Right for You?

Whether you're dreaming of a cottage in Leelanau County, a beachfront condo, or a mountain lodge, owning a second home can be a lifestyle upgrade and a smart investment.

➡️ Thinking about buying a vacation home in Michigan? Let’s talk. I know the local market and can help you find the right fit.

-Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty LLC

7528 E Meadows Drive, Cedar - SOLD

SOLD ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP RANCH HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/26/2025
$565,000 – 7528 E Meadows Drive, Cedar, MI - Brand new 2025 construction 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch home!

JUST SOLD by Jonathan Oltersdorf | $565,000 – 7528 E Meadows Drive, Cedar, MI - This brand new 2025 construction 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch home offers 2,499 finished square feet (1,614 above grade, 885 lower level) with a spacious 2-car garage. The open-concept design connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, all filled with natural light from large windows and enhanced by luxury vinyl plank flooring and elegant finishes. The kitchen is a showstopper with modern appliances, abundant counter space, and a large island perfect for gatherings. Located close to Downtown Traverse City in Elmwood Township!

427 Monroe Street, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 5/22/2025
427 Monroe Street, Traverse City, MI
$576,000

Tons of potential for this home located in the Slabtown neighborhood in Downtown Traverse City. 4 Bedroom, 2 bath home on a prime 50' x 165' city lot

2222 Kaukauna Ct, Traverse City – SOLD

SOLD HURON HILLS HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 5/21/2025
2222 Kaukauna Ct, Traverse City, MI – 3 Bedroom & 3 Bath Walkout Ranch Close to Everything!  
$530,000

Welcome to the Huron Hills home you’ve been waiting for! Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom walkout ranch is situated on a low-maintenance wooded lot that keeps the yard work minimal and your weekends free. The home is also just a short walk away from a beautiful public sandy beach on East Bay (Sunrise Peace Park)! One of the biggest highlights of the house is a new 450 sq ft luxury-grade composite rear deck, perfect for relaxing and entertaining guests this summer. Inside, you’ll find 3 main floor bedrooms including a private primary suite, classic 1970s construction with a cool retro charm, and a walkout lower level complete with a charming wood-burning fireplace. Recent updates include fresh paint inside and out, a completely rebuilt rear deck, lower-level luxury vinyl plank flooring, and new shingles on both the house and garage - so the big-ticket stuff is already handled - making it move-in ready with tons of upside for future upgrades. The location is unbeatable - just 3 miles from Downtown Traverse City, 1.5 miles to Eastern Elementary, Central High School, and NMC. Looking for a solid home with great bones, a premium location, and the chance to make your own improvements? Here’s your chance to kick off summer 2025 - and the seasons beyond—living in Traverse City on desirable Old Mission Peninsula!

10017 E Lakeview Hills Road, Traverse City – SOLD

SOLD LAKEVIEW HILLS HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 4/25/2025
10017 E Lakeview Hills Road, Traverse City, MI – 4 Bedroom & 2.5 Bath Home with Shared West Bay Frontage!
$485,000

Located in a fantastic neighborhood conveniently located between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, this home offers 230 feet of shared sandy frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay! With approximately 2,026 finished sq ft, it features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths—including a private primary suite—and a main floor living room and a lower-level family room, both with cozy wood-burning fireplaces. Additional features include newer Pella windows and doors, a natural gas furnace + heat pump/air conditioner, plenty of unfinished basement storage space, a dedicated workshop, and an extra-large attached 24x40 4+ car garage! Situated on a spacious 0.56-acre level lot, the property enjoys a large, fenced backyard with an underground sprinkler system, garden areas, and a rear composite deck. Located on a quiet, county-maintained paved road (no HOA dues here), it's just 7 miles from downtown Traverse City, plus, the sandy neighborhood beach is right across M-22, check it out!

607 W Tenth Street, Traverse City - SOLD

SOLD DOWNTOWN TRAVERSE CITY HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 3/21/2025
607 W Tenth Street, Traverse City, MI
$355,000

JUST SOLD in Downtown Traverse City! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is nestled in the highly sought-after Central Neighborhood on a rare and spacious 50' x 165' lot. Finding a 50' wide lot at this price point is no easy feat—an incredible opportunity in a prime location!

2024 Grand Traverse County Real Estate Market Report: Year-End Home Sales Data & Trends

2024 Grand Traverse County Real Estate Market Report: Year-End Home Sales Data & Trends

Looking for the latest 2024 Grand Traverse County real estate market trends? This comprehensive year-end home sales report provides in-depth insights into Traverse City home sales, pricing trends, and real estate market performance. Explore historical sales data, compare pricing changes, and discover what’s driving the Northern Michigan housing market.

2024 Grand Traverse County Home Sales Data & Market Trends

The 2024 real estate market in Grand Traverse County saw notable shifts in pricing and sales volume. Below, we break down the key data points for home sales between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, while comparing trends from the past decade (2015-2023). This data includes sales across Acme, Blair, East Bay, Fife Lake, Garfield, Grant, Green Lake, Long Lake, Mayfield, Paradise, Peninsula, Union, Whitewater, and the City of Traverse City.

Key 2024 Grand Traverse County Home Sales Statistics:

  • Total Homes Sold: +0.38% Increase (compared to 2023)

  • Total Sales Volume: +6.04% Increase

  • Average Home Sales Price: +5.64% Increase

  • Median Home Sales Price: +6.04% Increase

Traverse City & Grand Traverse County Housing Market Insights

The Traverse City real estate market has remained strong, with steady growth in home values and increased buyer demand. Rising home prices in 2024 reflect market stability, while inventory levels continue to shape the housing landscape. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or investor, understanding these real estate market trends is crucial for making informed decisions.

Historical Real Estate Market Comparison: 2015-2024

This Grand Traverse County housing market analysis includes data from the Northern Michigan Realtors MLS spanning 2004-2024. By comparing Traverse City real estate trends over the past decade, you can identify long-term growth patterns and market fluctuations.

Why This Data Matters for Homebuyers & Sellers

  • Sellers: Learn how rising home values can maximize your home sale profits.

  • Buyers: Understand market pricing trends to make informed home purchasing decisions.

  • Investors: Gain insight into Grand Traverse County real estate appreciation rates for better investment strategies.

Reliable Grand Traverse County Home Sales Data

This report is based on verified MLS data from the Northern Michigan Realtors. Note that undisclosed home sales and fractional ownership transactions are excluded to maintain data accuracy.

Need Expert Real Estate Advice? Contact Jonathan Oltersdorf Today!

For personalized insights into Grand Traverse County real estate, reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf at Oltersdorf Realty, LLC.

📞 Phone: 231-271-7777
📧 Email: jonathan@oltersdorf.com
🌐 Website: www.oltersdorf.com