Dave Carlson - REALTOR ®

Northern Michigan engages and captivates us all on so many levels; whether you are looking to purchase that special place to create a lifetime of memories on a year round or seasonal basis, or grudgingly selling and moving on, you should call Dave today.

Dave "listed" his first home at 4 years old. He had plans to run away and knew that he'd be needing some cash, so he planted a for sale sign in front of his family home and sat down beside it. While his parents had calls within hours, he didn't close that deal. BUT he has learned a thing or two since then, and he look forwarded to closing a deal for you.

Dave grew up in Northern Michigan, and has spent the majority of his years exploring the many pristine lakes and rivers, wooded hills, warm neighborhoods, and lively downtowns in the area. After graduating from Petoskey High School, Dave enlisted in the US Marine Corps. While in the Marines, serving both in the DC area and at the Presidential Retreat Camp David, he had the honor of protecting Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries of State, and foreign heads-of-state.

After the Marine Corps, Dave returned to Michigan to attend Hillsdale College. He graduated with degrees in Political Economics and English Literature, some of which were earned while studying overseas at Oxford University in the UK. He received his Masters from Michigan State University.

Returning to Northern Michigan, Dave purchased Toad Hall, a Petoskey institution of a gift store.

Dave increased his involvement in the region when appointed by Petoskey's city council to serve on Petoskey's Downtown Management Board/Downtown Development Authority. He served as well on various related committees, to include the city's Economic Enhancement Committee. He has long been active in the Lions Club of Petoskey, serving on the executive committee and as the treasurer for years. After closing Toad Hall, Dave followed his interest in real estate to Kidd & Leavy Real Estate, the top-selling firm in the area.

Dave loves visiting and revisiting all the small towns and shops in the area, attending church, scouring the libraries and bookstores for new finds, exploring the shorelines and swimming the lakes; he and his wife and kids can frequently be found on the bike trails, ski hills, or hiking the acres and acres of conservancy land in the area.

His in-depth knowledge of the area is a valuable asset as he work with clients to buy or sell their Northern Michigan home or land. Whether you are looking to come home as well, establish a new home to raise your family, or buy your share of sunrises, sunsets, beaches, and up north friendships, Dave can help you make that dream come true.