Ryan Servatius Broker/Manager

10/30/2026

Ryan Servatius Broker/ManagerThe Perfect Setting, Inc. will live on.
Servatius

10/20/2026

Here are the 10 worst States for homebuilding in the USA.

New York ranked last among all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in Realtor.com's 2026 Housing Report Card, earning an F grade and a score of just 8.5 out of 100 due to sluggish construction and housing costs that consume more than 55% of the median household income. Five other coastal states also failed, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Hawaii, California, and Connecticut, all struggling with restrictive zoning, scarce land, and high construction costs.

10/20/2026

I am proud to be of been asked back for my 12th year on a NAR national committee and coming back to the Resort & Second Home Property Specialist committee is one close to my heart. From being in the training material when they first launched the designation years ago, to speaking at national conventions on this real estate segment it is a great honor and I am looking forward to the 2027 year with this exceptional group of professionals representing all of our States and territories of the USA.

10/19/2026

A few days ago, we learned that someone came up with a Spanish translation for a word Strong Towns Founder Chuck Marohn coined back in 2011: stroad.

The word is calletera, combining "calle" (street) and "carretera" (highway). We're excited about this translation for a couple of reasons.

First, it's an encouraging sign of how far Strong Towns ideas are reaching.

Second, the translation might actually capture the concept more clearly than the original English word.

At Strong Towns, we've always made a distinction between roads and streets. Roads are designed to move people quickly and efficiently between places. Streets are places themselves, where people live, work, shop, and interact with one another.

stroad-costs-ben-min
But in everyday English, "street" and "road" are often used interchangeably. That means the contradiction behind the word stroad isn't necessarily obvious until someone explains it. The Spanish combination of "street" and "highway" makes that conflict a little easier to recognize.

And that recognition is important because placing homes, businesses, and people in direct proximity to fast-moving vehicles has serious consequences.

A couple of years ago, we published Beyond Blame, a report examining the findings of our first 18 Crash Analysis Studios. In 89% of the crashes we studied, high-speed road design in an urban area was a contributing factor. And that number has remained steady in the crashes we've studied since.

The corridors these crashes occurred in often had wide lanes, generous shoulders, and other features that encouraged drivers to travel faster, even where people were crossing streets, entering businesses, or walking and biking alongside traffic.

One of the sites studied with the Crash Analysis Studio model
People drove accordingly. At almost every crash site we studied, the measured 85th-percentile speed — the speed that 85% of drivers naturally choose to drive at or below — was higher than the speed limit.

That's why recognizing this kind of dangerous design is useful, whether you call it a stroad or a calletera. Once you understand the conflict between its two purposes, you can look more closely at its design and begin asking what needs to change.

We recently expanded our free Crash Analysis Studio resources to help communities do exactly that. The new materials include step-by-step guidance, model policies and motions, and opportunities for cities to connect with our team for help getting started. Give them a look!

And if you've encountered other translations for stroad or other Strong Towns terms, let me know in a reply! We'd love to hear about them.

10/17/2026

Good read

Passing assets to later generations often triggers conflict, but proactive bonding, fair ownership structures and open communication can safeguard your legacy.

10/16/2026

Here is the number so far and a prediction of what we’re looking for in the near future over 2027 for th real estate market. Servatius Broker

10/15/2026

Today’s the day

Behind every successful agent is experience worth sharing. Our Michigan & Indiana Rally, next Thursday October 15, is your opportunity to hear from these real estate professionals on our Top Agent Panel:

⭐ Andra Anteau
⭐ Anthony Warden
⭐ Ryan Servatius
⭐ Victoria Rudlaff

Get a firsthand look at how fellow agents approach their businesses, navigate challenges and keep moving forward. Didn't RSVP? Chat with your Team Leader to get on the list!

10/12/2026

Check out this renovated ranch home on two lots on South Haven famed South Beach neighborhood. This 3 bd/2bth home has a personal STR permit. Located only 3 blocks to the Blue Stairs to South Beach, Kids Corner Park and Van Buren State Park trail head. Move into this completely renovated main level living home and have your own South Haven retreat. Let me know if you have interest in this great home. Ryan Servatius Broker/Manager

10/09/2026

Here is a South Haven gem smack dab in the middle of everything fun on the northside let me know if you’d like more information on this STR approved home.

10/05/2026

Here it is, The Perfect Setting just came to market. If you’re looking for one most unique retail shops and locations in downtown South Haven in Maritime District this is when you definitely want to check out. More information contact me at 269-252-7926 Ryan Servatius Broker/Manager