Hartwick Up North Homes

11/06/2026

Price reduced on a move-in ready Woodside home, just minutes from Walloon Lake. 🌲

Now $899,000 for 2563 Woodside Drive: five bedrooms, three finished levels, and a layout that works for a large family, extended guests, or multi-generational living. Cathedral ceilings, a two-sided stone fireplace, a main-level primary suite, and a walkout lower level with its own bedroom, full bath, and sauna. Irrigation and an invisible fence are already in place, and Resort Pike Park and a public beach on Walloon Lake are just down the road.

Schedule your tour today: HartwickUpNorthHomes.com/property/480637/?view

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

11/03/2026

11/03/2026

TRISH'S TUESDAYS TIPS:

Backsplash Ideas That Never Go Out of Style

Choosing a backsplash can be one of the most exciting parts of a kitchen or bathroom refresh. It's that perfect blend of style and protection from liquids in these heavily used areas. If you're looking for a style that'll still look great years from now, here are four classic backsplash ideas that stand the test of time:

Subway tile
There's a reason this classic look has been around for over a century. Clean lines, simple shapes and a neutral palette make subway tile a go-to choice for both modern and traditional spaces. Whether you stack them horizontally, vertically or in a herringbone pattern, these simple tiles always look fresh.

Marble or marble-look tile
Soft veining and subtle color variations give marble a luxurious, timeless vibe. Real marble makes a stunning impact, but there are also ceramic and porcelain options that mimic its look, offering a lower-maintenance approach. Either way, marble brings elegance to any space.

Classic white or neutral glass tile
Glass tile reflects light beautifully, adding brightness and depth to kitchens and bathrooms. Sticking to neutrals such as whites, grays or soft beige tones keeps the look clean and versatile, no matter how the rest of your decor evolves.

Natural stone or slate
For a more organic, earthy feel, natural stone tile offers rich textures and color variations that never look dated. They work especially well in rustic, farmhouse or transitional spaces. Bonus: No two tiles made of stone are the same, so your backsplash is truly a one-of-a-kind design.

Do you want to know more about classic backsplash ideas or how to update your kitchen or bathroom? Call us today!

10/27/2026

💰 Price Reduced | 8292 Woodloft Trail, Harbor Springs — $699,000

Mid-century modern meets up-north retreat on a wooded three-quarter-acre lot — now priced at $699,000. Four bedrooms, three full baths, and three finished levels, offered turnkey with furnishings for an easy move-in. No association, a proven short-term rental track record, and easy access to Boyne Highlands, Nub’s Nob, and downtown Harbor Springs.

HartwickUpNorthHomes.com/property/481025/?view

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

10/27/2026

TRISH'S TUESDAYS TIPS

Home Equity Loan or HELOC for That Special Project?

As a homeowner, you should understand that your home may have equity that you can access to pay for an upcoming big expense.

What is home equity?

Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and how much your home is worth. If your home is worth $390,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $190,000 in equity. Lenders generally allow homeowners to borrow up to 80% of their available equity.

Two ways to access equity

You can borrow against your home's equity in the form of a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. While both borrowing tools let you access your equity, the way you receive your money differs with each.

Home equity loan. With a home equity loan, you receive your money in a single payment. You can spend your money however you want. You repay what you borrow with regular monthly payments, paying back the principal balance of your loan and the interest charged by your lender.
A home equity loan is a second loan. You'll make payments on both your primary mortgage and home equity loan.

Home equity line of credit. A home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC, works more like a credit card, with your credit limit based on your equity. If you have $190,000 in equity, your lender might approve you for a HELOC with a borrowing limit of $152,000. You'll only pay back what you borrow. Say you only borrow $100,000. You'll only pay back that amount plus interest, not the full $152,000 available to you.
HELOCs come with two phases. During the borrowing phase, which typically lasts five to seven years, you can borrow up to your HELOC's limit. Your monthly payments are smaller during this time, covering only interest. Your HELOC will then enter its repayment period, which can last from 10 to 20 years. During this period, you can no longer borrow money. Your monthly payment will jump, too, because now you'll be paying back the principal balance of what you've borrowed plus interest.

Which home equity product should you use?

This decision largely depends on what you need the money for.

A home equity loan is usually the better choice if you need a set amount of money for one purpose. This loan type is typically better if you know exactly how much money you need.

A HELOC is a good choice if you aren't sure how much money you'll need or if you want access to a stream of funds over time. HELOCs give you the flexibility to spend what you need and no more.

Say you want to renovate your kitchen or add a bathroom. Contractors have given you an estimate of how much your project will cost. But you're not sure of the final design choices and materials to be used, and you expect that they might be higher than your construction team's estimate. A HELOC is a good choice to pay for these projects: You can borrow more or less cash, depending on the final costs.

But what if you want to pay off your high-rate credit card debt? You know how much you owe on your cards. You can apply for a home equity loan that will cover that amount. You don't need the flexibility of a HELOC because you know exactly how much money you need to meet your goal.

The same might be true if you want to borrow against your equity to help pay for a child's college education. Once you know these tuition, housing and additional costs, you can take out a home equity loan for that amount.

Whether you choose a HELOC or a home equity loan, just be sure that you can afford your monthly payments. If you fall behind on them, your lenders can foreclose on your home.T

10/26/2026

Check out our featured community--Harbor Springs-- on Hartwick Up North Homes 👇

The Northern Michigan towns and lakes Bob and Trish Hartwick know by name: Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Bay Harbor, Walloon Lake and more.

10/26/2026

✨ Just Listed | 4749 S. Pleasantview Road #132, Harbor Springs — $434,900

Dialed in to every detail, Unit 132 at Trout Creek is a 2-bedroom-plus-loft condo sold completely turnkey—new furniture, stocked kitchen, all linens, and a smart home package that handles the rest. Steps from the outdoor pool and jacuzzi, with Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands both under five minutes away.

Once in, you and your guests won’t want to leave.

HartwickUpNorthHomes.com/property/481118/?view

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

10/24/2026

🏡 Two open houses this Sunday — we’d love to see you!

Sunday, October 25:
11am–1pm | 8292 Woodloft Trail, Harbor Springs
11am–1pm | 2563 Woodside Drive, Petoskey

Swipe to see each home, then stop in and say hi. 👋

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

10/23/2026

🏡 Three open houses this Saturday — we’d love to see you!

Saturday, October 24:
10am–12pm | 4749 S. Pleasantview #91, Harbor Springs
1pm–3pm | 8324 Valley Road, Levering
1pm–3pm | 4680 Camelot Drive #23, Harbor Springs

Swipe to see each home, then stop in and say hi. 👋

Trish: 231-838-0411 | Bob: 231-838-2926 | Coldwell Banker Schmidt – Petoskey (231) 347-7600

10/20/2026

TRISH'S TUESAYS TIPS

Repairs You Shouldn’t Ignore (and Ones That Can Wait)

Owning a home comes with a steady stream of repairs, both big and small. When several issues appear at once, it can be difficult to know what truly needs immediate attention and what can be handled later.

Understanding the difference can reduce stress and help you make more confident decisions about your home.

Repairs that affect safety
Issues that pose a safety risk should always come first. Electrical problems, gas odors, unstable railings or damaged steps are examples of repairs that should not be delayed.

Addressing safety concerns promptly helps protect everyone in the home and prevents accidents before they happen.

Problems involving water or moisture
Water-related issues often worsen over time. Leaks, persistent dampness or signs of water damage can lead to mold, rot or structural concerns if left untreated.

Even small leaks deserve attention sooner rather than later to avoid larger repairs down the road.

Structural concerns need closer attention
Cracks that grow quickly, sagging floors or shifting foundations can signal deeper issues. While not every crack is a problem, changes that worsen or appear suddenly should be evaluated.

When structure is involved, early assessment often prevents more extensive damage.

Repairs that affect daily function
Some issues may not be emergencies but still disrupt daily life. Broken appliances, unreliable heating or cooling or plumbing problems in frequently used areas can quickly become frustrating.

These repairs often fall into the “soon” category, even if they are not immediate emergencies.

Cosmetic issues can usually wait
Scuffed floors, chipped paint or outdated finishes often look worse than they are. While these issues affect appearance, they rarely cause damage if postponed.

Cosmetic updates can be scheduled when time and budget allow without creating long-term problems.

Trust patterns, not isolated moments
A one-time noise or minor issue is not always cause for concern. Repeated problems, ongoing odors or changes that continue to worsen over time are more important to watch.

Paying attention to patterns helps distinguish between normal wear and issues that need attention.

Prioritizing with confidence
Not every repair requires immediate action. By focusing on safety, water and structure first, homeowners can make thoughtful choices and reduce unnecessary worry while caring for their homes over time.