Curb Appeal: Small Upgrades Create A Big Impact

First impressions are everything—especially when it comes to our lake homes. Curb appeal is, after all, one of the most critical factors when buying and selling homes. But regardless of whether your house is on the market, we still aspire to generate a welcoming experience for ourselves and our guests. So whatever your taste—modern, transitional, traditional, cozy cottage—the entrance to your home should offer an inviting signature statement from the dwellers within. There are many inexpensive ways to amp up your curb appeal surprisingly quickly and with minimal effort. Small changes can deliver significant impact. In addition, you’ll love the…

Home Upgrades: DIY Projects to Improve ROI

We look back at old homes and like to think of them as well-loved, but houses tend to reflect the scars of time. From dents in the wall to oil spots and scuffed hardwood, most properties desperately need a facelift. So grab the caulk gun and sanding paper as we discuss four DIY projects to improve your home’s return on investment (ROI). Improve Curb Appeal Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a home derived from its aesthetic value. Put simply, what does the average passerby think of your property from the street view? Are your hedges trimmed, your exterior freshly…

Top 5 Lake Home Upgrades That Can Backfire on Sellers

It’s a general rule of thumb that you should spruce up your home before putting it on the market. Investing in certain updates before selling it is a great way to increase your home’s value. Aside from that, no one wants to pay good money for a house that looks dated. However, there’s one thing to keep in mind: not all home improvements are created equal. Some renovations have a habit of backfiring on sellers’ pockets. Here are five bad home upgrades to steer clear of if you want high returns on investment. 1) Adding a Swimming Pool It’s only…

Lake Home Tips: Kitchen Upgrades to Make Your Space Feel Bigger

To be honest, most of the time spent at your lake home is spent outdoors – as it should be. But the second-most popular place at your lake home is inside: It’s your kitchen, and when you’re entertaining your family and friends, a cramped space just won’t do. Construction crews aside, there are many simple ways to make your kitchen feel bigger. Take a look at the few examples below to see how you can update your space this lake season! White and Wood Lightening up the color of your kitchen may sound simple, but it’s effective. Lighter colors, such as…

How Energy Efficient Upgrades can Increase Your Home’s Value

Energy efficiency upgrades can not only shrink your utility bill; they can also increase the value of your home. Homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of energy-efficient homes. In fact, they’re often willing to pay more for homes with “green” upgrades, says Sandra Adomatis, a specialist in green valuation with Adomatis Appraisal Service in Punta Gorda, Florida. Just how much your home will increase in value depends on a number of factors, Adomatis says, like where you live, which upgrades you’ve made and how your home is marketed at sale time. The length of time to recoup the…

3 Unique Outdoor Upgrades for Lake Homes

There are many ways to make a house a home, and lake properties are no exception. In addition to making your home more enjoyable to live and entertain in, these outdoor ideas can even add value to the property by increasing curb and shore appeal. Shore Appeal One quality that sets lake properties apart from non-lake property is shore appeal. In addition to traditional curb appeal, lake homes have shore appeal, as many homes are actually viewed from the water just as much or even more than they are viewed from the road. Before you undertake any shoreline projects make sure…

Intro to Ice Sailing

An ice boat has four basic parts—the hull, the runner plank, three skates (or runners), and a sail. Ice boats can reach speeds of more than 140 miles per hour. There are two methods of boating: sailing downwind or going upwind. There are several upcoming ice boating competitions in the U.S. for 2023. Imagine feeling the breeze rush against your face as you glide across the ice at invigorating speeds. Welcome to the world of ice sailing, also known as ice boating or ice yachting—a fast-paced, thrilling winter lake sport enjoyed worldwide. In the United States, many northern lake destinations—such…