In an October article, the Wall Street Journal declared that “Detroit’s Engine Roars on Sign of a Turnaround.” It went on to say, “The mood in the region is more positive than in much of the rest of the country.”

In October, TechAmerica Foundation reported that Michigan’s high tech industry saw a net gain of 2700 jobs in 2010—the most high tech jobs gained by any state from 2009–2010. And in November, Bloomberg’s study of states’ economic health rated Michigan’s economic health as second best in the nation. After going through the economic ringer for the last several years, the mitten state is making its comeback!

In August, Good Morning America viewers voted Sleeping Bear Dunes “The Most Beautiful Place in America.” That may have been a surprise to people across the country, but not to those of us familiar with this magical place right here in our back yard.

Our region repeatedly shows up on Best Places to Live lists. And why not? We have four distinct seasons and abundant natural resources. No hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis—just a blizzard now and again that brings lots of beautiful, soft snow. We are surrounded by clean fresh water—the new gold of the future according to many, and our agriculture industry is robust and renowned. Crystal itself has been lauded as The #1 Resort in the Midwest by Ski Magazine, one of the Best 15 “Green” Resorts in the country by Golf Digest, one of the 10 Best Winter Resorts for Families by Parents Magazine, and one of the Top Spas in America’s Heartland by Spa Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Survey.

Pure Michigan—it’s a pretty incredible place to live and recreate. And as air travel becomes more costly and less convenient, doesn’t it make sense to select a drive-to vacation destination that you can visit easily and often? In spite of all the positive indicators, real estate prices are lagging the rest of the economy, and property can still be purchased for less than it might have been over a decade ago.

If you share our enthusiasm for the future of Michigan and our beautiful corner of it, we invite you to take advantage of today’s opportunity and join the Crystal Community of owners.

In early 2011, Crystal Mountain had the good fortune of working with a very talented team of MBA candidates from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. This MAP team, an acronym for Multidisciplinary Action Program, was charged with identifying key future opportunities that would successfully position the Crystal Properties development team for strategic growth.

The process, the caliber of the people working on the project, and the outcomes were all impressive, and the end result included recommendations spanning the next 10 years for resort and real  estate development. Crystal has already begun executing some of the MAP plan recommendations. In the near term this includes creating inviting new guest gathering spaces, boosting shoulder  season occupancies via focused & well-executed seasonal special events, and expanding partnerships with area attractions to increase exposure to all that is special about northwestern Michigan.

In addition, Crystal’s longtime commitment to stewardship of the land and sustainability will continue to guide our development. You’ll see an increased emphasis on locally grown foods—perhaps to the point of a future on-site organic farm that would enable  sourcing of foods for the resort. Down the road, the resort’s core area will be further developed and new ownership opportunities will be introduced. Exciting times lie ahead for the Mountain!

In 2011 Crystal Mountain Realty sales were nearly double that of 2010, and they exceeded every year since 2007. Even more impressive, 4th quarter sales volume was the highest in nearly a decade. The trend is positive not only at Crystal Mountain but throughout the region. After a long period of declining indicators, things are looking up in northern Michigan!

The Crystal Mountain Realty team of Karyn Thorr, Jay White and Nancy Mullen Call has over 45 years of combined real estate sales experience. They’re here to guide you through the ownership exploration process and help you find your own, personal Pure Michigan property. Own at Crystal and travel the world through RCI, the premier vacation exchange network with over 4,000 destinations worldwide.

KarynThorr@crystalmountain.com

JayWhite@crystalmountain.com

NancyCall@crystalmountain.com

The goal of the Crystal Mountain Realty Team is to provide property owners and prospective owners with the kind of factual information needed to make good decisions. Whether you’re interested in exploring ownership options or selling your current property, we’d love the opportunity to speak with you. Our office is adjacent to the resort’s main registration desk in the Inn at the Mountain, and we’re open daily during most months of the year.

If all you need is popcorn that’s OK, too! Our office is home to a big popcorn popper that gets a daily work out. Stop in anytime and help yourself. There’s no pressure, no canned presentations and no reason to be shy. If you want information but have only a minute, no problem. You can pick up a packet, and be on your way. The information is free and so is the popcorn!

Enjoy the beauty of northern Michigan and Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa year round. As a homeowner at one of the Midwest's premier all-season family resorts, Four Seasons Club membership offers you a convenient way to make the most of your ownership experience.

Four Seasons Club membership puts you and your family at the heart of the action. Whether you're here to ski, golf or just relax, there's a club membership perfectly suited to you!

Most property listings are offered with a complimentary Four Seasons Club ski/golf membership for your family! Ask a Crystal Mountain Realty team member for details.

We salute world class athlete, Jordyn Wieber, granddaughter of Crystal Mountain Club owners Chuck & Emmie Reifsnyder and daughter of Dave & Rita Wieber.

Jordyn, a 16-year old gymnast from Dewitt, Michigan, claimed the Wormen's All-Around Title at Gymnastics Worlds held in Tokyo, October 2011.