Where Are Leelanau County Home Buyers Coming From in 2024?

Where Are Leelanau County Home Buyers Coming From in 2024?

Curious about the origins of home buyers in Leelanau County in 2024? We analyzed the data, breaking down the primary mailing addresses (zip codes) of the 338 residential real estate buyers in the area last year. Here’s what we found.

Local Buyers: A Shrinking Share

In 2024, 40% of home buyers came from zip codes in Leelanau County or neighboring Grand Traverse County, which includes Traverse City. However, this percentage has steadily declined since 2014. This shift marks a notable change in the makeup of the local buyer base.

Expanding Reach: Buyers from Across the U.S.

Historically, most Leelanau County buyers originated from areas within a 6-hour drive. But the trend is changing. More buyers are now coming from across the country, especially from western states like Colorado, California, and Texas.

This evolving dynamic signals a growing interest in Leelanau County real estate from a broader national audience, reflecting the area's appeal beyond Michigan’s borders.

Key Takeaways

  • 40% of 2024 buyers were from local zip codes (Leelanau and Grand Traverse Counties).

  • There’s a notable increase in out-of-state buyers, particularly from western states.

  • The trend highlights Leelanau County’s growing popularity as a destination for relocation or investment.

If you’re considering buying or selling property in Leelanau County, understanding these trends can help you make more informed decisions. Want to explore the real estate opportunities here? Contact us today!

2024 Leelanau Home Buyers - Cash or Financing?

In Leelanau County there were 338 residential home sales in 2024. Did they buy with cash or use financing?

In 2024, there were 338 residential home sales throughout Leelanau County. Of these, 44% were cash purchases (no mortgage), a decrease from the record high of 50% cash sales in 2023. By comparison, Grand Traverse County saw 34.3% of homes purchased with cash in 2024, nearly unchanged from 35.0% in 2023. *Fractional ownership sales are excluded from this data.

This report is based upon sales information obtained from the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS. Undisclosed sales and fractional ownership 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 Home Sales Report 2024: Record Highs, Market Trends, and Key Insights

Leelanau County Home Sales Report 2024
Record Highs, Market Trends, and Key Insights
(click photos below to enlarge)

Discover the latest trends in the Leelanau County real estate market with our comprehensive 2024 Leelanau County Home Sales Report. This detailed analysis covers key metrics like median prices, average sale prices, total sales volume, and units sold. Dive into the data and see how 2024 stacks up against previous years, including 2023, 2022, and earlier.

In the charts above, we present the comprehensive 2024 year-end home sales data (January 1 – December 31) for Leelanau County. This analysis compares real estate housing sales in the county during 2024 to the corresponding periods in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015, focusing on townships such as Bingham, Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Empire, Glen Arbor, Kasson, Leelanau, Leland, Solon, Suttons Bay, and the City of Traverse City situated in the southeast corner of Leelanau County.

Leelanau County's residential home sales in 2024 continued to break new ground, achieving all-time record highs in median pricing. However, it's noteworthy that the total number of units sold witnessed a slight decline, primarily influenced by low inventory. The key statistics for Leelanau County Home Sales in 2024 are as follows:

  • Average Price: Increased by +9.33%

  • Median Price: Increased by +4.19%

  • Sales Volume: Increased by +2.94%

  • Units Sold: Decreased by -5.85%

This comprehensive report is derived from sales information gathered from the Northern Michigan Realtors MLS spanning the years 2004 to 2024. The data excludes undisclosed sales and fractional ownership, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Please note that this report is intended for basic review purposes, and while every effort has been made for accuracy, it cannot be guaranteed.

For further inquiries or detailed information, feel free to reach out to Jonathan Oltersdorf of Oltersdorf Realty, LLC at 231-271-7777 or via email at jonathan@oltersdorf.com. Stay informed about the dynamic Leelanau County real estate market with our insights and analysis.

2025 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

2025 Current Lake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Levels Down -10 Inches in Past 12 Months

After several years of Lake Michigan water levels holding steady we are now starting to see a noticeable drop in Lake Michigan / Grand Traverse Bay water levels in 2025 as they have decreased 10 inches from this time last year.

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 10, 2025.  

January 10, 2025                   578.02 feet

Difference from January 10, 2024: -10 inches

Difference from long term average: -6 inches

Difference from highest monthly average (2020): -43 inches

Difference from lowest monthly average (2013): +24 inches

Projected change in levels by Feb 10, 2025: - 1 inch

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/

24.07 Acres – E Valley Road, Maple City – SOLD

SOLD MAPLE CITY VACANT ACREAGE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 11/1/2024
E Valley Road, Maple City, MI – Vacant 24.07 acre parcel offering rolling hardwoods and no restrictions!
$268,000

Beautiful 24.07-acre wooded parcel, offering rolling terrain, majestic hardwoods, and complete freedom without deed restrictions. Several building locations are possible, near the road for easy access, or create a secluded retreat nestled deeper into the mid-point of the property on a ridge overlooking your own peaceful valley. This amazing parcel offers endless possibilities for outdoor recreation, including prime hunting land, just in time for the season. Situated on a paved county road in the heart of Leelanau County, this convenient location is just 13 miles from vibrant Downtown Traverse City and only 2.5 miles from the charming small towns of Maple City and Cedar. You’ll also be within 15 miles of the picturesque towns of Empire and Glen Arbor. Positioned on the south side of E Valley Road, this property is located just west of 1241 E Valley Road (between S Tower Road and S Kasben Road). A completed perc test/site survey confirm suitable soils for an on-site septic system.

12100 E Spinnaker Lane, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATER VIEW HOME

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/23/2024
12100 E Spinnaker Lane, Suttons Bay MI – 4 Bedroom & 4 Bath Home with Incredible Bay Views!  
$1,300,000 Ask Price

Enjoy year-round, elevated panoramic views of West Bay and Power Island from this incredible 4-bedroom, 4-bath, 4,787+ sq ft custom home located on the sought-after Stony Point Peninsula in Leelanau County! Beautifully crafted inside and out, this immaculate home features abundant natural light, high-end finishes, spacious living and family rooms with gas fireplaces, a main-level all-season sunroom and bedroom, a recently updated & efficiently designed kitchen, and two expansive master bedroom suites, each with a gas fireplace. Use one suite as a comfortable, isolated in-home office or as a private guest apartment. The thoughtfully finished walkout lower level offers West Bay views, a family room, bedroom, and full bath. Additional features include a remodeled main floor laundry room, plentiful storage areas, two furnaces and A/C units, a finished 3-car attached garage, 4 fireplaces, a natural gas generator, and a stunning new 700+ sq ft composite deck expanding the living/entertaining area outside to enjoy the scenic water and countryside views in all directions! Situated in a private and convenient location on a quiet, low-traffic, county-maintained paved road in "The Points" development, this home is only 3 miles away from the charming year-round Village of Suttons Bay and just a short 15-minute drive to downtown Traverse City. An amazing, ideal year-round or vacation home!

8485 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City – SOLD

SOLD TRAVERSE CITY WATERFRONT HOME

LISTED & SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 10/11/2024
8485 S W Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI – Home with Pool & Direct Sandy Frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay!
$1,075,000 Ask Price

Picturesque panoramic views of Power Island are enjoyed from this year-round waterfront residence offering 3,125 finished sq ft and 62’ of direct sandy beach frontage on desirable West Grand Traverse Bay! Home features include an open great room with cathedral ceilings and breathtaking water views throughout, gas fireplace, separate living & family rooms, office/den, a cozy wood burning stove, new natural gas zoned hot water boiler (2024), and an attached 2+ car garage. Step outside to enjoy an incredible one of a kind in-ground waterside pool with spectacular views and a private sandy shoreline ideal for bonfires, swimming, and boating! Situated in a fantastic location just 6 miles north of Downtown Traverse City, a perfect setting for a year-round primary home, vacation retreat, or rental investment property!

13121 N Knollwood Drive, Northport – SOLD

SOLD NORTHPORT AFFORDABLE HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/10/2024
13121 N Knollwood Drive, Northport, MI – 3 Bedroom & 2 Bath Ranch Home on 2 lots! 
$253,000

This well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home is nestled within a very private wooded setting offering 988 sq ft of finished living area and additional full unfinished walkout basement with potential to double the size of living area!  Home offering includes a second adjoining buildable lot.  Affordable living and an ideal location for a primary or vacation home within the very desirable Cherry Homes Development which offers wonderful amenities, 4 waterfront parks with access to Grand Traverse Bay/Lake Michigan, a community center, hiking trails, paved publicly maintained roads, tennis/pickle ball court and more! Natural gas and high speed internet is available! All association info can be found at: https://cherryhomeshores.com/ , short term rentals are not allowed.

6339 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau – SOLD

SOLD EAST LELAND FARMHOUSE ON ACREAGE

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 9/3/2024
6339 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, MI – 2,440 Sq Ft Farmhouse + 47 Acres in East Leland!  
$990,000 - Asking Price

A nature lover’s paradise! This 3 bedroom, 2,440 sq ft farmhouse is located on a sprawling ~47 acre wildlife sanctuary containing a variety of hardwoods, wooded wetlands, bubbling springs & streams, dry agricultural land, orchards, 2-3 ft deep seasonal pond fed by underground springs, and various areas of reforestation projects! Step inside to the 1886 era farmhouse which features 3 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a cozy wood burning stove, spacious kitchen & dining areas, natural gas generator, gas forced air furnace, 29.6’ x 21’ attached 2+ car garage, plentiful attic & basement storage, and solar panels that have resulted in a negative electric bill for the owners. Approximately 40 acres of this extremely unique property has been placed in conservancy ensuring its natural beauty will remain intact in perpetuity. The ~7.38 acres around the house are unencumbered and separate from conservation easement to be used according to the owners wishes and local zoning laws. See maps and conservation easement attached. Situated in a one-of-a-kind location in East Leland, directly across the street from public waterfront access on North Lake Leelanau!

1564 N West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay – NEW LISTING

Discover your own private paradise with this rarely available property. Situated on one of the largest frontages on beautiful Suttons Bay, this exquisite lakefront ranch home offers 275 feet of private shoreline. The preferred east-facing lot ensures stunning sunrises - relax on the waterside covered porch, where you can unwind to the soothing sounds of waves gently lapping the waterfront. Built in 2013, this modern home is surrounded by granite stone walls and beautiful blue spruce trees, providing total privacy. The property includes a matching potting shed with full electric, two workbenches, and ample storage space for tools and toys. Inside, the home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, including a waterside master suite with a walk-in shower, tub, and an additional outdoor shower equipped with hot and cold water. The great room, dining room, kitchen, and master suite all offer breathtaking views of Suttons Bay and Stony Point. The chef's kitchen is equipped with dual sinks, granite countertops, custom cabinets, a built-in stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the great room, dining room, and kitchen, making it perfect for entertaining. A quarry stone-faced gas fireplace adds a touch of warmth and elegance. Sliders from the great room, dining room, and master bedroom lead to an expansive deck, partially covered with four skylights to allow natural light while providing shelter in inclement weather. Flagstone steps guide you to the water’s edge, where you'll find a 120-foot dock with a patio, perfect for waterside entertaining and taking in the views. The dock is equipped with electric and water services to meet your boating needs. This all-weather, low-maintenance home requires minimal annual upkeep, allowing you more time to enjoy its beauty. Located just 2 miles north of Suttons Bay, you'll have easy access to the town's many amenities, including restaurants, shopping, theater, library, and beaches! The nearby bike path connects Suttons Bay to Traverse City, which is only a 20-minute drive away, recently voted one of the best beach towns in America. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is also just a 30-minute drive away!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS NEW LISTING!

6308 S Grapevine Trail, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY HOME

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/22/2024
6308 S Grapevine Trail, Suttons Bay, MI – 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 3,400 Sq Ft Home Located on the Leelanau Bike Trail!
$795,000 - Asking Price

Leelanau Trail bike access directly out your front door! Situated on a large 3.72 acre parcel surrounded by beautiful vineyards and cherry orchards, this immaculately maintained 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath newer home built in 2016 features over 3,400 sq ft of finished living space! Step inside to a main floor with hardwood floors throughout, a light & bright open floor plan offering a roomy living room with plentiful natural light, custom built-ins, and a cozy wood burning fireplace. The island kitchen has granite countertops and plenty of storage space, countryside views, tile backsplash, and an enormous pantry. The main floor den is currently being used as an office but could be converted to a main floor bedroom if desired. Upstairs you will find a large master suite with a private bath, 2 more bedrooms with a hall bath, large laundry room, and a 450 sq ft bonus room above the garage. Downstairs features a family room with a wet bar, new vinyl flooring throughout, a full bathroom, and an additional bedroom. Step outside to a heated garage, a charming covered front porch with tongue & groove wood ceilings, spacious yard, and a rear fire pit backing to orchards. Convenient location just 10 miles from Downtown Traverse City, between Suttons Bay & Traverse City. No HOA here but there is a road maintenance agreement. A long list of upgrades to the house have been made in the past few years, check it out!

2024 Home Sales Data - Mid-Year Review

Year-To-Date Market Snapshot --> How is the Leelanau real estate market in 2024? Average sales price is up but the median sales price is flirting with it's first decline since 2009.....

Year-To-Date Market Snapshot --> How is the Grand Traverse County real estate market in 2024? Price growth has slowed this year but all data is still trending up!

706 N Dockside Circle, Unit D-2, Suttons Bay – SOLD

SOLD SUTTONS BAY WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUM

LISTING SOLD by Oltersdorf Realty LLC on 7/8/2024
706 N Dockside Circle, Unit D-2, Suttons Bay, MI – Direct Waterfront Condominium in the Village of Suttons Bay!
$950,000 - Asking Price

A Boaters Paradise!  This beautifully appointed Suttons Bay direct waterfront condominium offers 180 degree panoramic waterfront views and shared water frontage with a private marina and features stone and cement board siding, energy efficient construction, an indoor swimming pool, tennis/pickle ball court, outdoor hot tub, elevators, and use of a 40’ boat slip right out your door for 2024!  With over 2160 sq. ft. of living area this year-round condominium offers a wonderful open floor plan with expansive water views throughout, living and dining rooms enjoying a gas two sided fireplace, quality cherry cabinetry, island kitchen with granite countertops, wood and ceramic tile flooring, large master suite with a private bath and walk-in closet, four spacious bedrooms, main level private balcony, lower level family room/fourth bedroom which walks out to the marina and your private waterside patio,  and a coveted private 2 car garage!  All within the charming Village of Suttons Bay and a short walk to restaurants, library, theatre, shopping, and the Bike Trail!