The Petoskey City Council meeting on August 18, 2025, focused on the ongoing debate regarding the requirements for listing vacant properties for sale. Council members discussed whether to allow property owners to sell their buildings without the necessity of hiring a licensed realtor, a topic that has sparked considerable concern among council members and community members alike.

One council member raised objections to the current requirement that mandates vacant property owners to list their buildings exclusively with licensed realtors. They argued that this policy may be an overreach, limiting the ability of owners to sell their properties independently. The member emphasized that even if properties are listed by owners, there are still ways to manipulate the system, such as inflating asking prices to deter potential buyers.

Another council member countered that using licensed brokers could reduce the likelihood of such manipulation, as brokers are less likely to take on properties with unrealistic pricing. The discussion highlighted the challenge of determining fair market value, with some members expressing concern that property owners might not accept reasonable offers if they overvalue their properties.

A potential compromise emerged during the meeting, suggesting that property owners could list their properties for sale by owner, provided they register with the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This approach would allow for greater visibility while still maintaining some level of oversight. The council also discussed the importance of having visible "for sale" signs on properties to ensure transparency in the selling process.

As the conversation progressed, members acknowledged that the current regulations might not fully address the issue of vacant properties and that there could be loopholes in the existing language. They agreed that the policy could be revisited and amended in the future if necessary, allowing for adjustments based on its effectiveness.

In conclusion, the council's discussions reflect a desire to balance property owner autonomy with the need for regulation to prevent potential abuses in the real estate market. The proposed changes will be monitored to assess their impact on the community and the effectiveness of the regulations in managing vacant properties.