Have Ethics, Expertise & Experience on Your Team
At Lakeside Properties Real Estate, our team is committed to making your home buying, selling, and closing experiences a pleasant one. Our real estate agents go above and beyond to ensure that each client is offered the utmost care in every step of the process. Based in Elk Rapids, Michigan, our team is known for being thorough and attentive in our work. With helpful advice based on years of experience in the industry, you can rest assured knowing that your needs will be met with support from our personable team of experts. Whether you are selling or buying a home today or just beginning to browse listings – make sure to enlist the help of Lakeside Properties Real Estate!

Ready to buy or sell?
Meet Our Agents
Dennis Irelan
Associate Broker, Owner
231-883-5020
DennyIrelan@gmail.com
Darci Springborn
Associate Broker
231-590-8321
DarciSpringborn@gmail.com
Jennifer Martin
Associate Broker/Licensed Builder
231-499-0679
jennmartin007@gmail.com
Cathy Mahaffey
Associate Broker
231-218-5012
cathyburry@torchlake.com
Marie Leathers
Associate Broker
231-350-0286
upnorthrealtor@gmail.com
We can’t wait to meet you! For more information about our experienced and reliable agents,
contact us at 231-264-5000 today!
With more than 43 years of full-time active experience in the real estate industry, I am a respected and knowledgeable broker-owner of Lakeside Properties Real Estate, a leading area real estate office with five brokers and seven realtors.
I am a 1962 Grand Blanc High School graduate and a 1966 MSU Bachelor of Science graduate. I have been a 52-year Elk Rapids area resident since 1971, and I’m married to Gail with four daughters and 12 grandchildren.
I have been a past president and 25-year member of the Elk Rapids Rotary Club, and I have been a member of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors since 1981. I’m a top multimillion dollar producer specializing in high-value waterfront properties, and I’m the developer of the Harbors Watch condominiums on the Elk River in Elk Rapids and numerous well-received single family subdivisions throughout the area.
I’m proud to be a member of numerous organizations, including the National Association of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors, Northern Great Lakes Realtors Multiple Listing Service, Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Three Lakes Association, Elk Skegemog Association, Torch Lake Protection Alliance, Grand Traverse Resort Bear Member, Better Business Bureau, and Federation of Independent Businesses.
If you’re looking for an experienced and knowledgeable broker-owner for your real estate needs, look no further. Contact me today and let’s get started on your journey!
Hello, my name is Darci Springborn, an Associate Broker with Lakeside Properties Real Estate in Elk Rapids, Michigan, and the daughter of the Broker/Owner, Dennis Irelan, who has been a hard-working Realtor® for my whole life. My dad and I are a dynamic father-daughter team known as the Denny Irelan Team. We serve Antrim, Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Benzie and Leelanau Counties. I have enjoyed helping clients through the challenging process of selling and purchasing their real estate for nearly two decades. As you might imagine, I grew up attending showings and closings and even worked as a receptionist for my dad while attending college at Michigan State University. I initially ventured down a different walk of life after I graduated from Michigan State and became a chef. As much as I loved working in the hospitality business, I found myself circling back to my roots and decided it was my turn to become a Realtor®. I love working with people, helping them find the right property or sell their property that holds so many emotions. I am patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, eager, and resourceful, just to name a few. I take pride in helping my clients make money when they sell and helping them save money when they purchase, and doing it all in an ethical manner. I have been married for over 15 years and am a mother to three awesome kids! When time allows, I enjoy boating, gardening, cooking, baking, tending to my small hobby farm, snowmobiling, golfing, and hanging out with family and friends. I am so blessed to live in Northern Michigan, where I am surrounded by clean, beautiful lakes, glorious sunsets, bountiful crops, and amazing people… it truly is God’s Country!
Personal
Marie resides back in her home town of Central Lake where she grew up the youngest of six Litwaitis girls. She is married to her husband of 40 years Rodney, a retired Air Force veteran. Her experience with the military has helped her become a relocation expert, whether moving across town or across the country. They raised 4 children while traveling in the military, so she understands the additional stresses moving with children can bring. Their youngest of 4 children, Sarah, is a graduate of Central Lake High School and currently is a manager at Merrie’s Market in Central Lake. They attend Ellsworth Wesleyan Church. She serves her community as a member of the Central Lake Lions Club. They all enjoy the year round beauty Northern Michigan has to offer, including gardening, boating, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Professional
Marie is a veteran in the real estate business with nearly 30 years of experience. Committed to continuing education, Marie is an Associate Broker and has earned the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), e-PRO and Accredited Buyers Representative designations. Specializes in representing her clients in the purchase and sale of single-family residences and income property in Antrim County and surrounding areas. She prides herself on her knowledge of current transactions, school districts, neighborhood information, and related services, including mortgage, insurance and inspection information.
A customer driven Realtor dedicated to achieving results and providing exceptional service. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, put Marie’s years of real estate expertise to work for you!
Certifications and Recognitions
REALTOR® certification
GRI® Graduate, REALTOR® Institute
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
e-Pro
With nearly two decades of experience in the real estate industry, I am an Associate Broker with Lakeside Properties Real Estate in Elk Rapids, Michigan. Born in Mount Clemens and raised in Traverse City, I have lived in the Torch Lake area for the last 35 years, where I raised my six children.
Northern Michigan is my home and I have grown to love everything this area has to offer. I have been able to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me and enjoy all of the recreational activities of Northern Michigan—especially boating and skiing!
I am grateful for the opportunity given to me through my work in real estate to work with clients that share the same desire to live in such a beautiful area. If you’re looking for an experienced and knowledgeable realtor in the Northern Michigan area, look no further. Contact me today and let’s get started on your journey!
Fortunate enough to be born and raised in Northern Michigan. My first experience promoting and selling our beautiful area was opening the door at Shanty Creek Resorts as a four-year-old welcoming guests, and wishing them a wonderful stay. I have traveled and lived in other areas-states selling primarily commercial real estate with my father and mentor, John F. Meeske, but I was compelled to return to my hometown because I believe it is the most amazing place to work, live, and play. I switched gears and focused on helping my mother, realtor Carole Meeske sell homes to our local families and those wanting the “Up Borth Getaway home” desired by many of our in and out-of-town friends. I love handing over the keys to my client’s dream, starter, vacation home, or new business. I love where I live and what I do, and I would love to help you with whatever your current real estate needs are.
With more than 29 years of experience in the real estate industry, I’m a seasoned professional in the residential sales market. I’m licensed in both Michigan and Florida, and I’ve lived in Michigan for the past 40 years, primarily in the Williamsburg/Elk Rapids/Traverse City area. My specialty is helping people find the perfect home for their needs and budget. I understand the local market and have the knowledge and experience to successfully navigate the buying and selling process for my clients.
I’m also a proud mother and grandmother. I understand the importance of finding a home that can accommodate a growing family, and I’m passionate about helping families achieve their real estate dreams. If you’re looking for an experienced realtor who specializes in residential sales, look no further. Contact me today and let’s get started on your journey!
I am an Associate Broker with Lakeside Properties Real Estate in Northern Michigan. Born in Mt. Pleasant, I moved to Williamsburg and started kindergarten in Elk Rapids, and I am an Elk Rapids High School graduate. I went on to the University of Michigan and Ferris State University, and I had a successful 10-plus-year career in golf course management before making a career switch in 2005.
In 2017, I decided to get my real estate license, and I have since enjoyed helping people sell and purchase homes, vacant land, and more. I’m married with four kids, one at college and three attending Traverse City Christian. I’m active in the New Hope Church community and I have a deep appreciation for this beautiful area.
If you are in search of an experienced and knowledgeable realtor in the Northern Michigan area, contact me today and let’s get started on your journey!
I was born and raised in “Down State” Michigan. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. My previous work experience includes my Partnership in a respected CPA Firm in Birmingham, Michigan, for 18+ years. After relocating to Georgia, I was a business owner and real estate investor, owning numerous homes, renovating homes, and managing rental properties for over 25+ years. When an opportunity presented, my wife and I moved to Northern Michigan, where I continued my interest in the Real Estate Market.
My Business is Built on “Communication, Dedication, and Transparency”
whether you’re buying a property or selling, I will work diligently & be there for you every step of the way. My service does not end with the sale – it’s the beginning of what I hope to be a long-lasting relationship.
I aim to provide a service that meets or exceeds my client’s expectations.
My motto is and always has been “Service Above Self.”
Thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs. Let’s get started!
Mary Merchant is a native to the Elk Rapids area. She has been practicing real estate since
2018 as part of “Team Merchant” with her husband, Jason. The two also own and operate an
outdoor maintenance company which they began in 2004. They have been married for 22 years
and have 2 children. Mary is a graduate of Elk Rapids High School and Grand Valley State
University. She has spent many years working in public service. Currently, she sits on the
steering committee for Torch Lake Township and is also on their Board of Review.
Jason Merchant has lived in the Elk Rapids area his whole life. He began his career in real
estate in 2017 and works with his wife, Mary, as part of “Team Merchant”. The two also own and
operate an outdoor maintenance company which they began in 2004. They have been married
for 22 years and have 2 children. Jason is a huge outdoor enthusiast and sports fanatic. He is a
certified measurer for QDMA of Michigan (Quality Deer Management Association) and an avid
whitetail deer hunter. He has been coaching girls softball for 10+ years beginning with his
daughter in little league and continuing throughout high school. Jason sits on the Torch Lake
Township Board as a Trustee and is also a member of the Planning Commission.