2024 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2024 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Up +1 Inch in 12 Months

For the 4th year in a row the good news continues for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now holding steady and just +1 inches higher compared to this time in 2023 and -32 inches lower than this time in 2020! January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan which caused massive investment in shoreline protection throughout Leelanau County and the region.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 12, 2024.  

January 12, 2024                   578.90 feet

Difference from January 12, 2023: +1 inch

Difference from long term average: +5 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -32 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +35 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 12, 2024:  -1 inches

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

111 S Shore Drive, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/25/2023
111 S Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI – Village of Suttons Bay Waterfront Home
$1,250,000

Introducing a remarkable waterfront property located within the charming year-round village of Suttons Bay! This exceptional parcel features 180 feet of private, hard sandy bottom direct water frontage on highly sought-after Suttons Bay – an ideal spot for swimming and boating! This one-level home offers 1,878 finished sq ft, including 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The living room features a cozy fireplace, while a large kitchen with informal dining awaits those who have a passion for cooking and entertaining. A four-season sun porch/family room and a dining area with a second fireplace provide ample space for relaxation and hosting friends and family. Additional features include a heated and finished 2+ car attached garage, central A/C, and recent updates such as a new gas forced air furnace, all new attic insulation, and a newly landscaped yard. The low-maintenance vinyl-sided exterior, municipal water and sewer, and high-speed internet, offer convenience. A newer storage building is perfect for housing all of your water toys, and you'll love the ever-changing views and all the bay activities just steps from your door. This property is ideally situated for those who want to keep their boat on their private waterfrontage within a protected bay, and recently installed shoreline protection adds piece of mind. Located on a quiet dead-end village-maintained roadway, just a short walk from quaint shopping, quality restaurants, theater, library, marina, and so much more! Don't miss this rare opportunity to own your piece of Leelanau County paradise!

2022 Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales

2022 Leelanau County Year-End Waterfront Home Sales Data

Leelanau County Private Waterfront Home Sales data 2005-2022 for houses with direct private water frontage on Lake Michigan, West Bay, West Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Northport Bay, Big Glen Lake, Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake, North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, and Lime Lake. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire. The data includes only homes with private direct water frontage. This excludes condominiums and homes with shared access, creek frontage, river frontage, and pond frontage, and also excludes fractional ownership.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

2023 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2023 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -7 Inches in 12 Months

For the 3rd year in a row the good news continues for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now -7 inches lower compared to this time in 2022 and -32 inches lower than this time in 2020! January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 14, 2022.  

January 13, 2023                   578.87 feet

Difference from January 13, 2022: -7 inches

Difference from long term average: +5 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -32 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +34 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 13, 2023:  -1 inches

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

12063 N Foxview Drive, Northport - SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT WATER VIEW LOT

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/6/2022
12063 N Foxview Drive, Northport, MI - 1.69 Acre Water View Lot + Lake Michigan Access
Asking Price: $475,000

Stunning western facing sunset views of Lake Michigan are enjoyed from this 1.69 acre ridge top building site within The Shores subdivision in Northport Michigan! 4,000 feet of shared water access on Lake Michigan is just steps away!

14967 N Cathead Bay Drive, Northport - SOLD

SOLD LAKE MICHIGAN WATERFRONT HOME

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/15/2022
14967 N Cathead Bay Drive, Northport, MI - 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath home on 2.21 acres with 200’ of direct private frontage on Lake Michigan!
Asking Price: $1,695,000

2021 Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales Data

2021 Leelanau County Year-End Waterfront Home Sales Data

Average Sales Price: +35.24%
Median Sales Price: +23.47%

Leelanau County Private Waterfront Home Sales data 2004-2021 for houses with private water frontage on Lake Michigan, West Bay, West Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay, Omena Bay, Northport Bay, Big Glen Lake, Little Glen Lake, Glen Lake, North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, and Lime Lake. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire. The data includes homes with private direct water frontage and "across the road" private waterfront. This excludes condominiums and homes with shared access, creek frontage, river frontage, and pond frontage, and also excludes fractional ownership.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

2022 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2022 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -26 Inches in 24 Months

For the 2nd year in a row the good news continues for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now -18 inches lower compared to this time in 2021 and -26 inches lower than this time in 2020! January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 14, 2022.  

January 14, 2022                   579.43 feet

Difference from January 14, 2021: -18 inches

Difference from long term average: +12 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -26 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +41 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 14, 2022:  -1 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

2021 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2021 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Some good news for many waterfront property owners on Lake Michigan as the most recent readings indicate that water levels are now -7 inches lower compared to this time last year. January 2020 - July 2020 saw record high water levels on Lake Michigan.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 15, 2021.  

January 15, 2021                   580.97 feet

Difference from January 15, 2020: -7 inches
Difference from long term average: +31 inches
Difference from highest monthly average (1987): -4 inches
Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +59 inches
Projected change in levels by Feb 15, 2021: -1 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

280 S Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 6/16/2020
280 S Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay, MI – Completely Remodeled Home with 103’ on Suttons Bay
Asking Price: $1,075,000

This fully remodeled classic coastal lakefront home is the ideal Northern Michigan retreat offering panoramic sunset water views and 103’ of direct Suttons Bay water frontage located on desirable Stony Point Peninsula just minutes from downtown Suttons Bay!  A rare opportunity to purchase a recently renovated ~3,260 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath waterfront home featuring an abundance of modern upgrades including a spacious great room with stunning unobstructed Bay views throughout, hardwood flooring, a new gas fireplace, entirely new luxury kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and custom built-ins, newly renovated baths, 3 master bedroom suites, finished walkout lower level, all new flooring throughout, new mechanicals, new plumbing, new electrical, and so much more! The low maintenance exterior features a new composite deck with glass railings, new shingles, new well & septic, and perfect topography for boat dockage. This unique property is ideal for boating and swimming and the home sits on its own small peninsula which makes you feel as if you are nearly on top of the water!

2020 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2020 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

If you are 5’6” or shorter and stood at the water’s edge of Lake Michigan in 2013 and then stood in the exact same spot this week, your entire head would now be completely underwater. Water levels are now +66” above the record low levels of 2013.

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on January 17, 2020.  

January 17, 2020                   581.53 feet

Difference from January 17, 2019                             +18 inches
Difference from long term average:                          +37 inches
Difference from highest monthly average (1987):  +3 inches
Difference from lowest monthly average (2013):    +66 inches
Projected change in levels by Feb 17, 2020:           -1 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

Lot 166, N Forest Beach Shores, Northport - SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT WATERFRONT LOT

SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 11/21/2019
N Forest Beach Shores, Northport, MI - Vacant Parcel with 50’ of Sandy Frontage
Asking Price: $160,000

50’ of private direct sandy waterfrontage on Lake Michigan with approved on-site septic location! Gorgeous flat, easy to build vacant lot in popular Cherry Homes north of Northport at the northern tip of Leelanau County! *© Photos provided by the Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS.

2019 Lake Michigan Water Levels

Current Lake Michigan Water Levels 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on March 1, 2019.

March 1, 2019                   580.15 feet

Difference from March 1, 2018:                                  +2 inches
Difference from long term average:                            +21 inches
Difference from highest monthly average (1986):    -11 inches
Difference from lowest monthly average (1964):      +49 inches
Projected change in levels by April 1, 2019:              +2 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

9201 N Onominese Trail, Northport – SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT WATERFRONT HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/23/2018
9201 N Onominese Trail, Northport, MI - Home & 146' on Lake Michigan
Asking Price: $549,500

Breathtaking expansive Lake Michigan sunset water views and the soothing sounds of Lake Michigan waves are enjoyed with this charming 3 bedroom year-round direct waterfront home!  The spacious great room is accented by wood tongue and groove cathedral ceilings, hardwood flooring, a beautiful two story natural stone fireplace and large Andersen windows.  Additional features include a spacious open kitchen, main level master bedroom, solid pine doors, 2 car attached garage, cedar siding, and a large waterside deck.  The extremely private 1.24 acre wooded lot includes 146’ of private direct Lake Michigan frontage all within a short drive of the quaint Villages of Northport, Omena, Suttons Bay, and Leland!

2017 Lake Michigan Water Levels

Current Lake Michigan Water Levels 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on November 13, 2017.

November 13, 2017                   580.13 feet

Difference from November 10, 2016:                             +9 inches
Difference from long term average:                             +19 inches
Difference from highest monthly average (1986) :       -21 inches
Difference from lowest monthly average (1964):        +47 inches
Projected change in levels by December 10, 2017:       -1 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://lre-wm.usace.army.mil/reports/GreatLakes/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/Weekly-Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/

11945 N Foxview Drive, Northport – SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT WATER VIEW HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/18/2017
11945 N Foxview Drive, Northport, MI –Lake Michigan Views & Shared Access
Asking Price: $795,000

This beautifully designed quality constructed custom home offers spectacular uninterrupted Lake Michigan, N Manitou Island, and Fox Island sunset views, large open custom kitchen, main level living room with vaulted ceilings and a 2 story stone fireplace, den/family room with a stone fireplace, a spacious main level master bedroom suite with a oversized walk-in closet, solid interior doors, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, custom built-ins, finished 3 car heated garage, mahogany wood waterside deck, cedar shake roof, and incredible water views throughout the home! 4000 ft of shared Lake Michigan Frontage!

2016 Lake Michigan Water Levels

Current Lake Michigan Water Levels 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers collects and publishes current / past Lake Michigan water level data which is very important to many property owners in Leelanau County & Grand Traverse County who own real estate on Lake Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Their last reading took place on December 2, 2016.

December 2, 2016                   579.24 feet

Difference from December 2, 2015:                             0 inches
Difference from long term average:                            +8 inches
Difference from highest monthly average (1986) :    -29 inches
Difference from lowest monthly average (2012):      +36 inches
Projected change in levels by January 2, 2017:          -2 inches

Click here to open/download the full report for the current month:
http://w3.lre.usace.army.mil/hh/GreatLakesWaterLevels/GLWL-CurrentMonth-Feet.pdf

For more information on current & past historic records regarding the Great Lakes Water Levels please visit: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/GreatLakesInformation/GreatLakesWaterLevels/WaterLevelForecast/WeeklyGreatLakesWaterLevels.aspx

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales: January - September

The 2016 3rd quarter (January 1 – September 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016 to the same time period in 2015,2014,2013,2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

Compared to this time last year 2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Average Price has increased +8.40%, Median Sales Price is up +5.35%, Total Sales Volume is up +28.84%, and Total Units sold has increased +18.85%. 

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2011-2016. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

2016 Leelanau County Home Sales January-June

The 2016 2nd quarter (January 1 – June 30) home sales data have been posted in the charts above. The home sales statistics compare real estate housing sold in Leelanau County from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016 to the same time period in 2015,2014,2013,2012, and 2011. This includes the townships of Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City within the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

Compared to this time last year 2016 Leelanau County Home Sales Average Price has increased +14.26%, Median Sales Price is up +14.54%, Total Sales Volume is up +22.32%, and Total Units sold has increased +7.05%. 

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Traverse Area Multiple Listing Service from 2011-2016. Undisclosed sales are not included in the data. This is for basic review purposes only. All attempts for accuracy have been made but cannot be guaranteed.

Jonathan Oltersdorf, Oltersdorf Realty, LLC
Phone: 231-271-7777
E-mail: jonathan@oltersdorf.com

Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales 2011-2015

Total Sales Volume in $ Millions

Total Number of Houses Sold

Inland Lakes, Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan

Leelanau County Waterfront Home Sales 2011-2015 for houses with private water frontage on all Inland Lakes, Grand Traverse Bay, and Lake Michigan. This includes Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Omena, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor, and Empire.