Tag: lake home

5 Beginner Yoga Poses for Lake Lovers

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Yoga’s origins date back to more than 5,000 years ago in Northern India. Derived from the internalization of ritual sacrifice, yoga teaches practitioners to sacrifice not their bodies, but their egos through wisdom, action and self-knowledge.

Today, modern yoga provides a path to enlightenment, helping those who practice it to cleanse their minds and bodies of negative energy and to disconnect from their physical existence.

Few places provide more opportunity for such enlightenment than the lake, with its natural beauty, picturesque sunsets and hum of wildlife activity.

So take a look at these 5 beginner yoga poses and start enjoying the peace and rejuvenation of this age-old practice.

Beginner Yoga Pose - Childs Pose

1. Sukhasana

We start our beginner yoga poses with Sukhasana, also known as the easy pose, which requires practitioners to take a seated position with their legs crossed and folded in front of them.

In this pose, the pelvis should be in a neutral position, in line with the spine.

Palms can be positioned on top of one another in your lap, in a praying position at your chest, or resting on your knees, palms up.

Still seated, find your breath by taking several long, deep breaths in and exhaling them slowly.

After a few moments, you can also start to stretch the neck by slowly bringing chin to chest and as far back as you can comfortably go. Stretch the sides of your neck by bringing your ear to your shoulder, calmly alternating between your left and right sides.

Sukhasana is a good position with which to begin your practice as it helps you find your breath, relaxes the mind, softly stretches your muscles and strengthens your back.

2. Cat/Cow

From the Sukhasana pose, come to all fours with your head hanging loosely and your back in a tabletop position, with your hands in line with your shoulders and your knees in line with your hips.

Next, you will alternately transition in and out of cat/cow, which stretches your torso and neck and brings awareness to your spinal movements.

Cat pose requires practitioners to take a deep breath in, rounding your spine up towards the sky and bringing your chin to your chests. Be mindful that your knees and arms stay firmly in place as your execute your move.

Transition into cow pose by slowly exhaling while pressing your stomach towards the earth and stretching your your chest towards the sky. Direct your gaze forward, so that your head is in line with your shoulders.

Slide in and out of these positions for several deep breaths before coming back to neutral spine.

3. Child’s Pose

Balasana, or child’s pose as it is most-commonly called, is a resting pose that stretches the hips and thighs and helps in relieving fatigue and stress.

To go into child’s pose from cat/cow, bring your big toes together so that your knees press out from your hips. Rock back with your arms extended out in front of you until your bottom rests on the heels of your feet.

Press your chest into the ground so that it rests between your legs. Keep your arms extended, applying slight pressure to your palms.

Take deep, conscious breaths in and out, paying close attention to breathing fully into your chest, stretching your upper spine skyward.

Rest here for as long as you would like, but be sure you are not putting too much strain on your knees or ankles.

4. Downward-Facing Dog

This beginner yoga pose is known by many names: downward dog, downward-facing dog, and (less commonly) Adho Mukha Svanasana.

Downward-facing dog helps improve digestion, relieve mild depression, energizes the body and helps stretch the hands, calves, hamstrings and arches.

To take this position from child’s pose, walk your hands forward, and roll your feet under you. Press into your feet, and extend your legs as you continue walking your hands out until your body creates a triangle with the earth.

Keep your feet hip-width apart and your hands slightly past your shoulders with your fingers spread out to distribute energy evenly between both hands.

In downward dog, you can alternate lifting your heels, press back into your calves, or rock forward gently onto your palms and then back.

5. Mountain Pose

Tadasana, or mountain pose improves posture, strengthens your legs and feet and helps to firm your core and bottom. You can use this pose as a starting or ending position during your practice as it a good resting position for refocusing your breathing.

From downward dog, walk your feet slowly toward your hands until they are directly under your hips. Slowly roll to standing position, paying careful attention to each vertebrae.

When you are fully upright, bring your feet together with your heels slightly apart, softly shifting your weight from foot to foot to gain your balance.

Tighten your core and legs and elongate your spine, keeping sure to align the crown of your head and spine. Bring your awareness to your chest, back and shoulders, so that your energy radiates from the earth through the length of your body.

Open your chest and shoulders bringing your hands, palms facing out, slightly from your sides while pushing your shoulder blades down. Your facial muscles and jaw should be relaxed.

To take your mountain pose to the next level, try closing your eyes.

Hold here while you take deep breaths in and out for about a minute before concluding your practice.

For more tips on beginner yoga poses check out The Yoga Journal, and be sure to check out what other activities you can enjoy around the lake in our article “6 Exercises That Are Better At The Lake.”

Namaste, lake lovers. 

The 6 Best Books to Get Lost in This Summer

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girl reading at lake

School’s out, the lake is buzzing with activity, and the smell of barbecue is in the air–it’s summertime.

There are things to do and people to see. However, every once in a while, you’ll find real value in what the Italians call “la dolce far niente,” or the sweetness of doing nothing.

Grab a cold drink and put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”

We’ve found six of the best books for you to get lost in this summer.

Laura and Emma by Kate Greathead

This warmhearted, witty novel tells the story of an eccentric single mom raising her daughter in the lap of privilege in the New York City of the 1980s and 90s.

Native to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Laura was born into all the benefits and comfort that old money could afford. After a reckless weekend with a relative stranger, Laura finds out she’s pregnant. This is when we’re introduced to Emma.

Laura’s easy-going, liberal nature doesn’t stop her from raising Emma in the same gold-plated, blue-blooded world she came to know as a child. Unlike her mother, however, Emma begins to question it all–the costly private schools, designer clothes and homes in the Hamptons.

In a flurry of society friends, quirky characters and mini-adventures, Laura and Emma tells the story of a woman on a mission to find herself, her daughter’s place in it all, and the ever shifting environment of the Upper East Side.

Vivacious and entertaining, this book matches perfectly with warm weather and sunscreen.

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

This poetic journey of self-discovery will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The protagonist, Astrid, narrates every dark, tantalizing detail of her early life with a rare beauty and strength not often seen in characters so young.

Harrowing circumstances thrust 12-year-old Astrid into the foster care system after her mother—the cold-hearted, distant and fascinating Ingrid—goes to prison for murder.

For the next eight years, Astrid will endure manic, riveting and life-changing episodes in each home she visits. Fitch expertly draws readers in as they witness Astrid’s rocky growth from an innocent, observant little girl to an artistic, brazen young woman.

This book paints a captivating picture: the dynamics of the ever-complicated mother-daughter relationship; the pitfalls of the foster care system; and the ways in which loneliness can sometimes lead us down the road less traveled.

Elegant and bold, White Oleander is an unforgettable rabbit hole of an adventure that’s sure to make the hours fly by all summer long.

To the New Owners by Madeleine Blais

Journalist Madeleine Blais uses her award-winning storytelling skills in this wistful, decades-long nonfiction.

To the New Owners chronicles the time her family spent at their humble vacation home on Martha’s Vineyard from the 1970s to 2014, when they chose to sell the house.

Years of summers with no air conditioning, endless hours at the beach and priceless moments with dear friends — all of these experiences grew to be associated with the quirky cottage.

The author’s loving account of her time spent on the island creates vivid imagery that almost feels like the reader’s own memory:

“The world was in layers—the blue gray of the pond, the beige lip of sand in the distance, the different blue of the ocean, and yet another blue for the sky—an orgy of horizons, interrupted now and then by white birds, white foam, and white clouds.”

With a good mix of reminiscence and admiration, Blais gently educates the new owners of this special place on the value of the well-loved “shack.”

To the New Owners is a memoir about that symbolic home on Tisbury Great Pond, to the Vineyard itself and to the memories made there over time.

This one-of-a-kind novel has all the charming nostalgia necessary for a light-hearted summer read.

The Distance Home by Paula Saunders

The Distance Home takes place in the desolate, rolling plains of South Dakota in the years following World War II. It’s a story that embodies all the harsh paradoxes of life: acceptance and rejection, success and failure, family and separation.

Two siblings, René and Leon, share the same home and the same passion, but meet strikingly different fates in life.

René is naturally bold, effortlessly successful and basks in the adoration of her father. She exists in stark contrast to Leon, a tender soul who can never seem to gain his father’s approval.

Consequently, the two siblings, once close in childhood, grow apart as they grow older. Over the years, they embark on lifelong quests for love, self-discovery and understanding.

Saunders tells the story of a broken family who struggles to connect the dots throughout life. She somehow invokes enough empathy for the reader to feel compassion toward every character involved.

After a long day on the move, a peaceful summer night isn’t complete without an enchanting coming-of-age novel to keep you captivated. The Distance Home is a wonderful tale of the complexities of losing, and then finding, yourself over and over again.

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

An imaginative romantic comedy is just what the doctor ordered for a perfect lakeside read.

Haig tells the story of a seemingly middle-aged man who holds a dangerous secret. Due to a rare condition, Tom Hazard has been alive for centuries.

After living hundreds of extraordinary years through some of history’s most famous corridors, Hazard craves nothing more than a normal existence.

However, while living yet another life in his former home of London, he makes a dire mistake. Tom falls in love.

As a result, he attracts the attention of the Albatross Society.

This secretive group protects people like Tom and specifically prohibits love under all circumstances. Painful memories of past lives and the unpredictable behavior of the Society throw the protagonist into a series of misadventures.

How to Stop Time shows how, sometimes, it can take a few lifetimes to really learn how to live.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

A supermodel’s suicide, a downtrodden private investigator and a cohort of sparkling multimillionaires.

The Cuckoo’s Calling, written by J.K. Rowling under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith, has all the fixings of a juicy summertime mystery novel.

Detective Cormoran Strike is going through a bit of a rough patch in life.

The bills are past due and his clientele is dwindling. He’s recently ended things with his long-time girlfriend and is now forced to live out of his office. By a sudden stroke of fate, a case for the ages lands in his lap, spurring his life into action.

After a swift investigation, authorities rule legendary supermodel Cuckoo’s death a suicide after she takes a fatal plunge from a high-rise building.

Through desperation and determination, Detective Strike sets out to prove that the lethal fall was anything but self-inflicted.

 

These are the best books to curl up with on those lazy summer days. This list features a variety of page-turners that’ll linger in your memory long after you’re done reading.

Grilling Out this Memorial Day

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hamburgers cooking on a grill in front of American FlagThis weekend, Americans across the country will celebrate Memorial Day, to honor those who died while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

What better place to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than on the lake, surrounded by our loved ones and this country’s natural beauty?

If you are hosting a Memorial Day barbecue on the lake, here is a checklist to help you get started with your preparations.

Clean up Your Act!

Spring is the perfect time to give your grill a good scrub-down. This is true even if you haven’t used the grill since last fall. Give it a good cleaning to remove dirt, dust, grime and other things you don’t want on that first burger of the season.

If you can remove the grill grates, soak them in a bucket, or plastic tub, of hot water and dish soap, then give them a good scrub.

Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose before putting them back in.

Scrub the grill hood and inside walls to remove any build-up. If your grill uses propane or natural gas, make sure all the jet ports are clean and free of gunk or debris.

Give me fuel, give me fire…

Take a careful look at that half-empty bag of charcoal in the garage.

Will it REALLY be enough? If you can’t say for sure, better safe than sorry.

Grab a fresh bag of charcoal and make sure there’s plenty to go around. Unless you use self-lighting charcoal, make sure you have lighter fluid, too.

If you use a propane tank, make sure there is enough propane. If you don’t have a gauge attached, here’s an easy trick to find out how much propane is left in your tank.

Still shopping for your grill this season? Click here for tips on finding the grill of your dreams.

Serving Guides

Keep these serving guidelines in mind when you’re planning the menu.

  • For boneless meat, such as hamburgers, most experts recommend between 1/3 and ½ pound of meat per adult.
  • For meat with bones, such as ribs or chicken wings, plan for somewhere between 12 and 16 ounces per person.
    • This breaks down to approximately four to six ribs, depending on the type, and 10 wings.
  • Side dishes vary, depending on how filling they are. For most dishes, experts recommend four to six ounces per person.
  • With a side salad, go for one big handful per person.
  • When in doubt, round up. It’s far better to have leftovers than to run to the store in the middle of your barbecue because you ran out of  something!

Get a Solid Head Count

While this seems like a no-brainer, it goes hand in hand with making sure you have enough food.

If you’re just feeding your immediate family, this isn’t a problem. On the other hand, if you invited all your friends, family and coworkers, you might have more guests than you can handle!

It may seem like overkill, but treating your barbecue like an invitation-only event can save your it.

Don’t be afraid to divvy up the side dish duties, either.

Most guests are happy to bring a dish. If you insist on buying everything, even a modest back yard barbecue can easily run upwards of $300.

Make sure you have plenty of parking for your event, too.

If you can, tell people where to park in your invitation. That way you won’t see their tire tracks in your front lawn through the month of June.

Get the Tools for the Job!

From a first-timer to a veteran grillmaster, everyone needs the tools for the job. Make sure you have each of these before you get started.

  • Basic tools: Metal spatula, metal tongs, basting brush, barbecue fork, butcher knife, barbecue scrub brush
  • Advanced tools: meat thermometer, gloves, bottle opener, meat tenderizer, meat shredder
  • Specialty tools: Shish kabob skewers, corn on the cob skewers, squirt bottle
  • Other equipment: Paper plates, disposable cups and silverware, outdoor garbage can, paper towels, tin foil, serving utensils, cooler

Turn up the Music (to a reasonable level)

Having some patriotic jams can make you the life of the party this Memorial Day.

If you don’t fancy yourself a DJ, online music services like Sirius, I Heart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora typically have all-American stations and playlists for Memorial Day.

When outdoors, remember to keep the volume down to a reasonable level as sound can carry great distances across the lake.

Just because you love rocking out to Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn’t mean the rest of the neighborhood wants to (even if they should.)

Have a “Worst Case Scenario” Plan for the Weather

No matter how much we plan, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our outdoor party schedule. Have a contingency plan in case it gets rainy, or worse.

If the sky opens up, don’t panic!

Most grilled dishes can be cooked inside, on your stove or in the oven. Make sure you have adequate seating for everyone, and put a movie on.

A little rain is no reason to cancel your celebration!

Remember the Reason for the Season

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the United States.

Don’t forget to honor them during your event. Be sure to thank any veterans or members of the military for their service to our country.

 

Lake Homes: More Than Just Waterfront

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When you hear “lake home,” those words can conjure various images. Contrary to popular belief, not all lake homes are waterfront homes.

As a matter of fact, many people who own lake houses aren’t even close to the waterfront! Because of this, many lake homes are more affordable than you might think.

There are three major types of lake property: lakefront, lake access, and lake community. Each has its pros and cons, both functionally and financially.

looking out at the lake through window

Waterfront Property

Lakefront, also known as “waterfront,” property extends to the shore of the lake itself.

It offers the most prestige, the most access, and a direct line to the lake right out your door.

Lakefront property can be incredibly beautiful, and there’s nothing like looking out your back patio directly onto the calm waters of the lake in the evening.

Naturally, such prestige comes with a high price tag. Waterfront property is significantly more expensive than similar property, even a block away from the water.

It also brings with it many more responsibilities.

Waterfront property is the most vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and inclement weather. There are often special insurance requirements, and upkeep can be a significant commitment of time and money.

If you plan to build or improve on waterfront property, make sure your plans fit with the local regulations. Many lakes have restrictions on docks, signage, and landscaping.

Since there is a limited amount of shoreline on each lake, property on the water’s edge often appreciates the fastest.

Waterfront is also very attractive to vacationers. This can pay dividends if you intend to rent it out.

Waterfront property is perfect for those who have their heart set on the water’s edge and have the time and money to maintain it.

Lake View Property

“Lake view” property, also known as “lake access,” is near the water but does not extend to the lake itself.

This property can be a literal stone’s throw away from the water and is often just as picturesque as the lakefront.

Prices vary from lake to lake, but lake view property is typically much less expensive than lakefront.

Lake view property isn’t as scarce, doesn’t have the same water access, and doesn’t have the convenience or prestige of being directly on the waterfront.

At the same time, a lake view can give many of the benefits of a waterfront at a fraction of the cost or the headaches.

Owners still typically have easy access to the lake without needing to maintain their own stretch of shoreline. Weatherproofing and maintenance costs aren’t as significant, either.

Most lake communities have options for those who live on the lake to enjoy its benefits. Marinas can store boats until you need it, and there are usually access points for swimming, fishing and water sports.

If you want a property close to the water’s edge but have a limited budget, a lake view property may be for you.

Lake Community

Most lakes have neighborhoods arrayed about them. Many of these homes aren’t within clear view of the water’s edge but are still very much part of the lake community.

Homes situated in a lake community a short distance from the water can cost a fraction of waterfront property.

Nicole Anderson Walters, a Lake Homes Realty agent specializing in real estate on Logan Martin Lake, Alabama, offered, “you can save money by being in a lake view or lake access neighborhood. Many have water views and community areas with boat launch.”

“Where a home may cost you $89 per square foot off the water, the same home could cost upwards of $168-$200+ per square foot directly on the water,” she added. “You can often find a much nicer home off the water with amenities in the neighborhood.”

Depending on the size of the lake, these neighborhoods can range from high-end gated communities to condos and cabins to retirement communities and everyday suburbs.

These lake communities are often a short drive to a short walk or drive to the lake itself but still have easy access to fishing, swimming, boating, and other lake activities.

As an added benefit, most avoid many of the upkeep costs and restrictions associated with lakefront property.

Many communities are also situated near state parks, landmarks, shopping centers, and other attractions. If these appeal to you more than living near the water, look for lake communities within a short distance of the lake.

Find what works for you!

Every lake is different.

In addition to those listed here, market prices can vary greatly between lakes. If you can’t find the kind of property you are looking for at one lake, look for others nearby.

You may find a hidden gem right under your nose!

Spring Cleaning at Your Lake Home

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small dog on porch sitting with cleaning suppliesAs the weather warms up, homeowners everywhere are throwing open the front doors, opening the windows, and pulling on the gloves for a little spring cleaning.

Here are some tips to help you tackle that task!

Kitchens and Bathrooms

Before vacuuming, replace your vacuum cleaner bag.

Clean the dust cup, and replace or wash the filters if you can.

Snip any threads or hair snarled in the roller brush with scissors or a seam ripper.

Clean out the fridge! Spring is the perfect time to get rid of any forgotten leftovers.

Check the expiration dates on any sauces or frozen goods, as well.

For a more thorough clean, remove all the food items and wipe down all the surfaces in the fridge with a cleaning solution.

Spills, crumbs and stains will all linger indefinitely if you don’t get them out.

You can also load up the dishwasher to handle things other than dishes – light fixture globes, plastic toys, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, oven control knobs and more.

Just use the gentle cycle – and skip the heated drying!

Here’s a tip to clean the gunk out of your microwave:

Put a large, microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange, or several tablespoons of vinegar inside.

Run it on high for several minutes, or until the mixture boils. Then let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping down all interior surfaces with a sponge.

Dust, wash and scrub

If your drapes are looking drab and dusty, remove the hooks and run them through the air fluff cycle in your dryer along with a wet hand towel for 15 minutes. This draws off the dust.

Hang them up immediately. For heavier curtains, vacuuming them with the wand from your vacuum cleaner can also work.

Banish the dust bunnies clinging to your ceiling fan blades by wiping the blades down with a coat of furniture polish.

Wipe off the excess and lightly buff them dry.

Canvas grocery bags are great alternatives to plastic, but they need cleaning like any other fabric. Run them through the washing machine to remove any lingering food bacteria.

Make sure you pay attention to the material if and when you put them in the dryer – many reusable grocery bags are a plastic composite, and could melt under high heat!

Change out your HVAC filters. Vacation homes or single occupant homes should have their air filters changed once a year.

If you live there, it should be changed every 90 days, and every 60 days if you have a pet. Your sinuses will thank you!

Spring is the perfect time to steam clean your rugs and carpets.

If a steam cleaner is unavailable, chances are your grocery store has a range of carpet cleaners. These will take care of those lingering cranberry sauce stains from last Thanksgiving.

Count it all up!

If your lake home is a vacation home, and you’ve had guests, this is the perfect time to make sure you are well stocked for the warmer months.

Inventory and wash your towels, bedsheets and other linens. Check to make sure your bathrooms are well-stocked with toiletries and other necessary items, as well.

Round up all your cookware, drinkware and silverware. Many guests leave these items behind until your cabinets are overflowing!

Contact the owners of any extras, if you know who they are. If not, you can always donate that fourth casserole dish or fifth corkscrew to the local thrift store.

Cleaning Outdoors

Wash your windows on a cloudy day. Direct sunlight can dry the cleaner before you wipe it off, leaving streaks.

Clean your barbecue grill to get ready for the cooking season.

Give the grill itself a good scrubbing with a cleaning brush and grill cleaner. If the undersides are greasy, make sure to wipe them off with a wet, soapy sponge first!

For gas grills, scrub and clean out the burners, making sure to unclog any ports. Be sure to scrub the walls of the cook box, as well.

If you have access to a pressure washer, spring is an excellent time to give any cement, stone or brick walkways a thorough cleaning.

Your exterior will not only look brighter, it will be safer and less slippery when the kids are scampering up from their dip in the lake.

Maintaining clean gutters is crucial to your home’s exterior. Clogged gutters are not only an eyesore, they can cause the fascia board underneath to rot.

Hardware stores now carry a wide selection of gutter cleaning tools to make this process much easier than it was in years past!

Many have telescoping poles that hook up to your water hose and spray down into the gutter, so you never have to leave the safety of the stable ground.

Spring cleaning is also a great time to replace any welcome mats that look worn out. These are the first thing many people see when they arrive at your home, especially if you rent it out.

If you winterized your home by turning the water off, carefully check your water pipes for leaks upon turning it back on. Remember to let your water heater fill completely before turning on the heat. Run all faucets and flush all toilets several times.

Check the Outdoor Equipment

Dig out and test any water equipment (kayaks, life preservers, inflatable rafts) for mold or leaks well before you plan to use them!

Pull them out of storage and make sure they are in good working order. Wipe them down with an appropriate cleaner, if need be.

Setting them out in the sun for a day will also help rid them of any musty smells.

If there are trees on your property, check to see that there aren’t any broken or damaged limbs hanging down.

Contact a professional to have them removed, if necessary.

When all is said and done, pull up a chair, and enjoy a well-deserved drink. You earned it!

 

And while you’re at it, take a look at these “7 DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home”

 

Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Lake Home

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five questions to ask before choosing a lake home

If you are shopping for your first lake home, there are several factors to consider. Between lake geography, utilities, property restrictions and hidden costs, buying lake property can be full of unexpected surprises. Be sure to ask these five questions before choosing a lake home.

1. What are you looking for in a lake home?

This is the simplest, most important and toughest question!

Lake homes can come in a surprising range of prices, conditions and access to amenities, even on the same lake.

Will this be your primary home, or a second home? Are you looking for an existing home, or a lot to build your dream house on?

man holding glass on wine next to door on lake beach - lake front access

What is most important to you – the view, the activities, boating or fishing, the local community, having fun with the grandkids or just getting away from it all?

Thinking about these things will help you find just the right kind of lake home, and narrow down the wide array of choices you have available.

For example, if this will just be a summer home, a large waterfront property that needs weekly upkeep may not be the best choice.

On the other hand, if you want a house big enough for the extended family to visit, a larger home a short distance from the water might be the best fit for your budget.

2. What kind of water access do you need?

When it comes to lake homes, there are three general kinds of water access: lakefront (also known as waterfront), lake access, and lake community.

Lakefront property goes right up to the water line, or within a few yards of it. This is the most expensive option, but also lets you enjoy the lake directly.

You have instant access to boating, swimming, fishing and other activities.

boat dock during sunset

“Lake access” is property that is close to the water, but not on the lakefront itself.

These properties often have a clear view of the lake and are a short walk to the water. These are often significantly less expensive than waterfront property.

“Lake community” property is part of the overall lake neighborhood, but without direct access to the water.

These can be anywhere from a few blocks to a mile or two from the lake. Owners still enjoy the lake lifestyle, even if they aren’t directly on the lake.

Homes in lake communities have more limited access, but are often much more affordable.

3. What restrictions does the lake have?

Many lakes have restrictions that you might not know about as a visitor.

They are often regulated by power companies, neighborhood associations, even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Each lake, has its own regulations.

These entities work to preserve the wildlife, culture and natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding neighborhood. Becoming familiar with them will give you a big head start on finding your ideal lake home.

Some common restrictions address factors such as: boat usage, docking, exterior fixtures (such as gardens and doghouses,) light fixtures, seawall maintenance and leasing or rental agreements.

4. How are the utilities set up?

Knowing about the area’s utilities can save you a world of stress when choosing a lake home.

In rural lake communities, modern conveniences like cell phone service and high-speed internet may be hard to come by.

Water access is something to be mindful of, too. Not lake access, though – the plumbing!

choosing a lake home - bills to watch out for HOA, water, internet, cell phone service

Some lake properties draw water from a well. Find out if the property uses a sewer system or a septic tank, too. Each of these can bring unexpected costs or upkeep.

If you intend to build, see what the cost is to set up utilities for the property – specif.

You want to know this before you purchase it, not after!

5. What conveniences are nearby?

Many who are choosing a lake home often just look at the property itself. Don’t make this mistake!

Marinas, golf courses, country clubs and campgrounds are all important parts of the lake lifestyle.

choosing a lake home - waterfront community

Take the time to learn about the off-lake community, too.

Nearby hospitals, restaurants, police departments, shops and grocery stores are all things to take into account, too.

Many lake communities have local websites where you can learn more about the area. These are often hidden gems, and from them you can learn a great deal.

Getting to know the local culture can turn a property from, “let’s think about it,” to, “this is the one!”

Home Gutter Maintenance

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Cleaning rain gutters is not normally at the top of a homeowner’s to do list, but it should be.

Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can overfill and crack. When damage like this is sustained, rain water spills in undesirable places causing unforeseen damage.

A single leak in the gutters can result in foundation cracking, mold and mildew growth, flooding in basements and crawl spaces, soil erosion under a home’s foundation and more.

Structural damage to homes can be costly to fix; while, mold and mildew can even increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and home deterioration.

Properly maintained gutters and downspouts are an important part of household maintenance that help to prevent costly renovations.

gutters

Install Some Downspout Extensions and Schedule Regular Maintenance

The first step in protecting your home from water damage is to schedule regular maintenance on gutters, downspouts and extensions.

At least twice a year, all areas need to be checked for clogs, leaks, holes, rust and any fungal growth. Any of the aforementioned issues in your gutter system need to be fixed as soon as they are discovered.

If your home does not already have them, installing downspout extensions will allow you to redirect rain water away from your home, landscaping and areas prone to erosion.

Water can be redirected up to 50 feet away from your property.

Think About Installing Gutter Guards

One way to cut down on clogs inside your gutters is to install gutter guards. These guards can be mesh, grated metal or thin metal sheets.

Installed over the open tops of the gutters, they keep leaves and other debris from clogging up the drainage system.

If you install gutter guards be sure they are easy to remove for occasional, but necessary, cleaning.

Seal All Leaks Using Gutter Seal

If a portion of the gutter is leaking, it is not necessary to replace the entire system. There are products available to seal such leaks and help to avoid potentially expensive repairs.

Products used for this purpose can be found at most hardware stores.

Take note that it will be necessary to completely clean the gutter system and allow it to dry prior to applying the product. Most include strips of plastic and adhesive to repair torn areas.

Inspect and Re-position the Splash Blocks Frequently

Splash blocks are plastic, ceramic or concrete ramps that are seen in many yards under the downspouts.

Occasionally these are pushed out of position by the water coming down from the gutters. When this happens, rain water could potentially flow under the foundation and into crawl spaces of your home.

Heavier splash guards are more stable. Decorative blocks are also available for homes. Click here to search your favorite on Amazon.

Gutter Cleaning Reminders

Always remember to keep on top of your gutter maintenance to protect your home from damage by setting quarterly reminders.

If you do not have the capability to do the maintenance yourself, there are professionals that you can hire to do the maintenance for you.

Communications / Marketing Internship Available

Posted on Staff

CEO Glenn Phillips at Lake Homes Fall Summit 2015Job Description 

Lake Homes Realty is a start-up multi-national real estate brokerage that focuses specifically on lake properties. Lake Homes is currently the largest lake-focused real estate brokerage in the U.S. and is expanding to new lakes almost daily!

Interns would be working in the marketing/communications department and would work on writing website/blog content, conducting data research, assisting with social media and would help with SEO/SEM strategy.

The position would work about 20-30 hours a week. 

“If you have strong writing skills, good critical thinking skills, meet deadlines and are interested in learning a new industry, then this is the perfect summer internship for you! It has been a great opportunity to hone my writing abilities, learn new skills and network within the professional Birmingham community. I highly recommend!” – Sarah Korta, current intern

If interested, contact the Director of Marketing and Engagement, Brian Cauble (bcauble@lakehomes.com) and attach your resume and cover letter. 

Protect Your Dog at the Lake Home with an Invisible Fence

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invisible fenceInstalling an invisible fence for your dog at your lake home is important.

It would be quite the shame if your loving, family pet ran away because you didn’t have a fence installed.

An even though most dogs are good swimmers, it will also give you peace of mind that Fido won’t take a plunge without your supervision!

In addition to these benefits, invisible fences are really easy to install.

All you have to do is line up the receivers with the area of the lake house where you don’t want your pet wandering, and it will emit a harmless shock to the dog’s collar.

Invisible Fences and How They Work

Installing an invisible fence has never been easier with electronic fences. And electronic pet containment is a dog-training system that uses a small charge to keep your dog in the yard.It uses a transmitter plug, the plug then emits a signal that travels along underground wires. And a hidden boundary is established between the dog and the fence.

Depending on the brand, the dog may receive a warning sound on the collar when the dog wanders near the boundary.

If the dog doesn’t listen, the collar will respond with a minor shock.

The shock is completely harmless but just uncomfortable enough to make your pet learn the new customized invisible boundaries—and then your dog can remain safe within your property.

An invisible fence is your answer to keeping your dog safe while at the lake home.

Why an Invisible Fence at Your Lake Home is Important

Having an invisible fence at your lake home is important because you don’t want your dog wandering off, especially, in terrain is potentially unsafe. And an invisible fence will teach your pet, exactly where it’s safe to wander.

The invisible fence installation will help keep your dog in the yard, giving you the confidence of knowing you can leave your pup out to play—without the worry of him disappearing.

What a great technique for teaching your dog the boundaries at your lake home?

Beware of Dog - invisible fenceHow Invisible Fences Help Keep Out Intruders

Invisible fences come with signs that you can hang on a wooden pole, letting passersby know that there is an invisible fence.

This can keep intruders out because they will assume that you have a dog, and the dog will be loose around the your lake home if they attempt to break in.

An invisible fence is a great way to keep intruders out of your lake home, not because of the fence itself, but because your dog is free to roam around the home and protect it.

In Summary

If you have an invisible fence then you can be confident in knowing that your dog will never disappear, will be safe from the lake, and can even help defend your home from intruders if trained properly!