D, Liz helped my brother purchase an investment property recently (my family all lives in Marquette County) and he was very pleased with her services. I'm sure she would be a good resource for you!

For up to the minute Market Data check into my Blog at http://www.BuyMarquette.com. I am a top producing Realtor, Assoc. Broker in Marquette and keep a regular watch of the market. Marquette has come out of the recent market downside relatively unscathed. Im always available to answer any of your specific questions. Note: This original question was posted over a year ago.

Does the 30% increase take into account any improvements they've made? It could be that they paid a low price for a home that required repairs. Are you represented by a buyers agent? If so, that agent should be able to review the appraisal with you and provide you with information on what's been going on in that market. If it's close, the house fits your needs well, and you're planning to own the home for more than a couple years, you may choose to bite the bullet and pay the additional price the current owners are seeking. Your agent can also counsel you on other options, including renegotiation of the price, that may be allowable in your contract to purchase.

D, It's hard for me to give you a correct range. On the Trulia website, in the search for homes section, you can view recent sales and public records information. You will need to narrow the search to homes similar to the one you're interested in. Try entering the exact number of bedrooms and then use the map to narrow your search to the proper area. Generally, the closer you get to the lake or NMU home values will increase.

If there was a for sale (not for refinance) appraisal by a local qualified appraiser by the lender, they usually do not lend more than that amount. If you're still interested in the home, it would be your decision whether to pay the difference.

Go to the very bottom of the Trulia website and click on tools for your site. This will bring up a graph. Enter marquette,mi and wait for the program to search neighborhoods. This will show the average (or median) value of listings during the past few years and if you click on the bottom right hand corner below the graph it will show you the current inventory of homes.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me through Trulia. No spam, no obligation.