Megan and Nathan Petroelje were newlyweds searching for their dream home in Traverse City. Working for local company Hagerty Insurance Company, self-proclaimed car guy Nathan knew he wanted a two-car garage for future projects, while Megan was more interested in finding a house that they could turn into a home. Born and raised in Michigan, this couple regularly spent time traveling North and vacationing with family, friends and each other. Most recently, they even got engaged and married in Northern Michigan.
The pace of life, proximity to water, natural beauty and memories were just a few of the things that drew Megan and Nathan to this area. “Beauty is all around us up here and that was one of the things that made it such an easy decision to make the move,” says Nathan. “Being asked to live in a town like Traverse City for a job is so rare for young people like us, so we jumped at the opportunity to head North.”
Before starting their house search, Nathan and Megan sat down and broke down what they most wanted in their home: the ability to host family and friends, a two-car garage for storage and projects, ability to renovate and personalize, land for privacy (and for a dog!), a maximum commute of 30 minutes from Downtown Traverse City and a budget cap of $300,000.
For hosting, they knew they needed a home that had at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. “We love hosting lots of family and friends in this area that we love so much, which is why one of the most important factors in our house search was a home that comfortably fit our visitors,” says Megan.
Related Read: Searching for more home articles featuring home tips, trends and entertaining? Visit our Northern Michigan Homes page.
Once ready, Megan and Nathan started their house hunt with realtor Erika Nita from Real Estate One. Erika took them to 15 different homes in the Traverse City area in hopes of finding the perfect home for the Petroeljes.
“Owning a home is the biggest purchase that a young couple makes by a longshot,” says Nathan. “Erika’s expertise and knowledge made the stress of home buying, especially as first-time homebuyers, a lot more manageable for us. We were very measured in our approach and that didn’t bother her at all, she always went above and beyond and was completely patient and supportive through the entire process.”
After viewing all 15 homes, Megan and Nathan narrowed it down to their top three with the help of Erika.
Finalist No. 1 | Roselawn in Traverse City
This three-bed, two-bath family home was located on a private lot with state land directly behind it. It was 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City and featured a wood-burning stove, 1,500 sq. ft. pole barn, 2 car garage and a 4-season sitting room with cathedral ceilings. The spacious main floor living room led into a bonus lower level lounge and the home had easy access to local recreational trails.
Megan and Nathan loved the location of this home and the vast, expansive Northern Michigan landscape views. The pole barn was a bonus that Nathan could see himself completing future car projects in. To the couple, the biggest issue with the home was how much work is required inside- including new walls throughout.
Grand Traverse County | Asking price: $283,000
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Related Read: The Northern Dream: Couple Hunts for Michigan Lake House.
Finalist No. 2 | Timberlee in Traverse City
This home in the development of Timberlee was both family and dog-friendly and featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The entire neighborhood was an active play place with a nearby dog-friendly trail, access to the local tubing hill and an ownership interest in the Tamarack Beach Club shared frontage on Lake Leelanau. Outside of the unlimited neighborhood activities, this tri-level home featured new laminate flooring, an insulated two-car garage and newer updates throughout.
Megan and Nathan loved the location, which is close to downtown TC and Lake Leelanau, the backyard and how manageable future projects would be. The downside of this home was the lack of a lower level, which would make it more difficult to host family and friends.
Grand Traverse County | Asking price: $255,000
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Related Read: The Northern Dream: A Family’s Traverse City Home Search.
Finalist No. 3 | Carlisle in Traverse City
Featuring an acre and a half lot that backed up to a wooded area, this three-bed, two-bath home was the most private of all the options. This home featured open living areas, a fireplace and countryside views. Updates had been made throughout the house, but the bedrooms were smaller in size and some rooms, like the kitchen, could still use upgrades.
Megan and Nathan loved the lot and the opportunity for easy upgrades and investments. They were slightly put off by the painting inside, steep driveway and no air conditioning, something they knew they would need during summer months. This home was brimming with potential but missing a few key things they wanted.
Grand Traverse County | Asking price: $265,000
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Photo by Megan and Nathan Petroelje
Related Read: The Northern Dream: Young Couple Hunts for Home with Land.
What Home Did Megan & Nathan Pick?
Now that you’ve viewed their final three homes, which one do you think they picked?! Cast your vote for your favorite home and see which one they actually picked.
