AREAS TO WATCH

The city of Clare itself continues to be a steady and popular choice for buyers. It offers convenient access to shopping, restaurants, schools, and healthcare, while still having that small-town feel that so many people are looking for. The data backs this up: Redfin currently scores Clare’s housing market at 70 out of 100 for competitiveness, meaning homes move quickly and buyers need to be ready to act. Homes in Clare are averaging just 30 days on the market when priced well — less than half the county average of 68 days. The community has seen some nice reinvestment in recent years, and that momentum is showing up in buyer interest.

To the counties west and north, the Lake and areas around Farwell offer buyers a bit more space for their dollar. Data currently shows Farwell’s median home value around $166,000 — a meaningful difference from Clare city’s $183,000 range. If you’re looking for a larger lot or a more rural setting without sacrificing too much convenience, Farwell remains one of the most-searched communities in the county on major platforms this week. It’s also worth noting that this area has the highest concentration of waterfront listings in Clare County, making it a dual draw for both everyday buyers and lake-seekers.

Of course, one of the biggest draws in our region is the water. Clare County and the surrounding area are dotted with lakes that attract buyers looking for a recreational or second home. Harrison — the county seat, sitting right on Budd Lake — anchors a corridor often called “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes,” and searches for lakefront and waterfront properties in this zip code are among the highest-volume real estate queries on Google and mega online real estate sites right now for this region. There are currently about 64 active lakefront property listings in Clare County alone, with activity concentrated around Long Lake, Lily Lake, and Dodge Lake near Harrison. Properties on or near the water tend to hold their value well and are always in demand. If that’s on your radar, now is a great time to start exploring what’s available before summer inventory tightens.

The big city exodus continues. There also has been continued interest in properties with acreage — whether for hunting, farming, hobby homesteading, or simply privacy. Land.com reports that the total value of land currently listed for sale in Clare County is approaching $52 million across more than 2,700 acres, placing the county 17th in Michigan for active land listings. Harrison leads all Clare County communities in acreage listed for sale, reflecting strong demand from buyers coming out of urban areas who are prioritizing space and a connection to the outdoors. Parcels range from 10–20-acre starter tracts to 80–160-acre hunting and timber properties, and we a consistently receive call for “hunting land in Clare County” and “acreage for sale”, so please contact me if you have any you are considering selling.

The bigger picture statewide, Michigan’s market is signaling stability with modest growth. The median home sale price across the state has risen roughly 4.24% year-over-year, and homes are selling for about 98% of their list price. Clare County’s 10.1% year-over-year price gain is outpacing that state average is a sign that this market is attracting real interest, not just casual browsing. With mortgage rates hovering around 6.28% on a 30-year fixed, many buyers are adopting a “buy now, refinance later” strategy, and that mindset is fueling activity even in smaller markets like ours.

No matter what type of property you’re interested in, having a local agent who knows the lay of the land — literally — is a huge advantage. I’ve lived and worked in this market for my entire life and I’m happy to share what I know.

Daniel Dwyer-Snyder is an Associate Broker with CENTURY 21 Signature Realty in Clare. He can be reached at 989-321-9927.

Market data sourced from local MLS sources, Compass, Land.com, Homes.com, and Houzeo — week of May 20, 2026. Data reflects the most current publicly available figures and may vary.