Harley & Donna Wagner
October 6, 2007
Howard Vogel, President
HearthStone Land & Homes
566 West Long Lake Road
Traverse City, MI 49684

Dear Howard,

Now that all of our holdings in Grand Traverse County have been sold, we have taken a moment to reflect and thank you for what you were able to accomplish. Our admiration for you grew as you generated prospects, over came the many obstacles with each situation, and cultivated the relationships that brought each sale to fruition.

Our challenge to you was not only to obtain top dollar, which you did, but to locate good "stewards" for the land that had been in the family since the 1930's. Buyers that would value, as we did, all the assets the properties had to offer.

In particular, we found your creative solution for moving the land locked parcel a stroke of genius! It was your "chess player" thinking that accomplished that sale! In fact, each of the sales took a patient approach, and considerable people skills. Our contribution to the partnership was to provide you with sufficient time to achieve our objectives.

The sale we signed off on just last week was the final challenge only because the market had taken a nose dive and buyers were skittish. Yet again, you managed to generate a viable prospect, a great couple, and strike a deal that was a win-win for all parties.

Great job, good and faithful real estate guy! Seriously, we wanted to express in writing just how much we appreciate all that you've achieved on our behalf, and gosh the process was even fun at times!

"Dear Howard,
I want to thank you for all your hard work and professionalism in helping Karen and I buy our "dream property." As you know, we had very specific criteria in searching for a family compound in northern Michigan. Locating this property was not simply a matter of combing through the MLS listings. But for your willingness to invest the extra time and effort, we would have never known about Campbell Island. I truly believe it was your years of experience in the market and persistence in finding a unique property that made our successful transaction possible. Thank you.

After showing us the island in the fall and winter (complete with near white-out conditions), we entered into a complex, long distance negotiation. The deal easily could have fallen apart - but for your ability to keep both parties focused on completing the transaction. As you know, I'm involved in deals on a daily basis and you masterfully moved us to a successful closing. Even after the sale, you've helped us with getting utilities installed, suggested architects/builders and, in general, smoothed the way for us. I can't thank you enough.

I would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone buying property in northern Michigan. Please feel free to use me as a reference.

Very best wishes for your continued success,

W. Clark Bunting, II"

With Howard's incentive and drive our land was sold, and within a relatively short time. We were listed with one of those really large companies for a year,… and not once did the REALTOR® walk it with a prospect. Howard always accompanied interested parties to be sure they were fully aware of all this beautiful parcel had to offer.

Howard has a real respect and appreciation for land and is 100% commitment to helping his clients. His dedication, hard work, and excellent networking got the job done. We think he is one of real estates best kept secrets. But not for long!. . . Donna Wagner

"From helping purchase our vacation home in Traverse City to assessing vacant building sites to sourcing contractors, Howard Vogel has provided outstanding service and keen insight. Howard is a high-caliber professional... he understands the market, listens intently, delivers on his commitments, and works with integrity. Without question... he's the best we've ever worked with... and through that process, has also become a great friend."

Tom and Tanya Berg Grand Rapids, Michigan June 19, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is a testament to a great REALTOR®

My husband and I owned a resort, which we converted to condominiums almost three years ago. We listed two condos with the largest real estate brokerage in the Traverse City area for a year—no action. Then we listed with a small local brokerage for a year—no action. Neither of these companies kept in touch, just listed the properties in the MLS and waited for someone else to sell them. Needless to say, we were frustrated and took the properties off the market.

This spring I happened to tell Howard Vogel about our properties. Within two weeks he brought forth a buyer for one of them, followed a month later by a buyer for the other. During this whole process, he kept in daily contact and helped find solutions for financing and all the other little “problems” that seem to crop up in a real estate transaction. I can’t begin to express how great an experience it was working with an ethical and hardworking REALTOR® like Howard.

We would recommend Howard Vogel and Hearth Stone to both buyers and sellers alike. He can make your dreams a reality!

Sincerely,
JoAnn Overzet

"The recent transactions of selling my home and moving into a new residence were simplified by Howard Vogel's professionalism and real estate knowledge. His integrity, and willingness to "go the extra mile" were clearly demonstrated when my house sold in one week's time, and all details of the transaction were handled quickly as well. Howard takes a personal interest in his clients. . .a quality I appreciate and respect.

For any real estate transactions, I highly recommend Howard Vogel of Hearth Stone Land & Homes. . . Rebekah C. Thornton.

When my wife and I bought our home, Howard Vogel was very helpful in all phases of the purchase. Not only did he help us find a home, but he also put us in contact with the right people to help with the financing. Howard was very involved throughout the entire process and his professionalism was very much appreciated. When we decide to sell our current home, and purchase another, Howard Vogel will definately be our real estate agent. . . Greg & Sherry Gay

Dear Howard,

We'd like to thank you for the way in which you quickly solved our potential problem of owning two homes. We were more than a little surprised to sell our house in just three weeks, especially taking into consideration that we're in the Buckley market. I'm sure it was a fine blend of your personality, marketing plan, perseverance, and "the lucky sign", and it worked!

We had fun working with you and certainly wouldn't hesitate to call you for any real estate transaction. We really didn't mind doing all the leg work so you could spend more time golfing, as long as it was in the best interest of your game.

Thanks again for going the extra mile, making the trips out to show the house personally.

Take care and thank you. . .Brad & Cindy

During the acquisition of Varsity Golf Center in Traverse City, Howard Vogel helped the process in a very informative and professional manner. His knowledge of the NORTHERN MICHIGAN GOLF MARKET helped us with our marketing research and investigative process which helped us make informative decisions.

We could not have had a better broker help us close this complicated acquisition.

Respectfully. . . Todd & Cathy Brown

Howard Vogel is a REALTOR® who knows the real estate market and works hard for his clients. During transactions, his innovative ideas create solutions between buyers and sellers. We also found his in-depth knowledge of the building trade to be a bonus in the recent building of our home. Many of his suggestions, which we incorporated, enhanced the livability and value of our residence. Howard's integrity and follow through are qualities which we appreciated and valued. . . Larry and Donna Manthei

"I've had the opportunity of getting to know Howard Vogel by being his hairstylist.

Through those years I learned that Howard is a man of integrity along with a compassionate heart for people.

My story of the sale of my home and the purchase of this new home is amazing! Way too many details to list every one! From the moment we sat down to discuss this business venture, howard was organized and upfront with all the pros and cons of the sale of my home.

Through the days after our meeting Howard was wonderful in keeping me updated on everything! He has excellent marketing skills which gave me confidence that eventually my home would sell. Before I actually had my home listed I had been checking out houses through "open houses". I came across a home that I wanted to check out. We made an appointment and Howard took me through. It was exactly what I was looking for.

I kind of panicked because my home wasn't even listed yet. Well, we got going on that and within a week the house was sold!

At that time we made the offer on the house that I was interested in. Through the days leading up to this - I had no idea that Howard kept in touch with the seller of my new home.

The whole process was a pleasure! I got to meet the buyers of my home and they are very excited. The sellers of my new home have been helpful & friendly.

What a cool thing, due to a possitive attitude and many prayers! I'm so thankful to God for answering my prayers and giving me the wisdom to hire an outstanding Realtor® like Howard.

Sincerely,
Vickie Karas

E-mail Howard