About Walt Ellis

I was born in Petoskey and graduated from Inland Lakes Schools in 1969 and attended North Central Michigan College for one year. Many days growing up I would take my boat up the Indian River to Burt Lake State Park, walk up the steps, and go to school. (There may have been a few days that I played hooky and went fishing instead.) I joined the army in February of 1971 and served two years.

I married my high school sweetheart Deb Ray in 1970 and we have been married for 50 years. Deb and I have a son and daughter and five beautiful grandkids. Our family loves to boat, kayak, golf, and enjoy the outdoors.

I started my career in Real Estate in 1978 when I joined my father in his office; in 1985 I obtained my Associate Broker's License and became part owner and in 1996 became sole owner of Ellis Realty Better Homes and Gardens. In June of 1999, David Carpenter (who had Earl Kiem Realty) and I merged offices to become Carpenter-Ellis Better Homes and Gardens.

On December 23, 2016, our office merged with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate where Dave and I now work as a team. Combined, Dave and I have over 78 years of experience. We are full-time Associate Brokers and are always among the top producers in Northern Michigan.

Growing up in the Indian River area, I am very knowledgeable of properties in Cheboygan, Emmet, and Presque Isle counties as well as all of the lakes, rivers, and Inland waterways.

We are blessed to live in such a great four-season area. I would love to help you find your dream property.