Tag: lake homes

Recent Lake Real Estate Report Shows More Than $31.3 Million in Lake Area Properties Listed Around Lake Eufaula, AL

Posted on Linda Thach
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage shows listing prices in Alabama are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Alabama’s total market at $1.46 billion, up from $1.2 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Jan Oliver, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Eufaula in Alabama.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Eufaula to be the ninth largest market in the state of Alabama and the sixth largest in the land market,” said Oliver. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of June 28, 2023, Lake Eufaula has 85 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $12,500 lot to a $1.87 million lake home. “Two of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Oliver.

The average home price for listings around Lake Eufaula is $380,912, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. Current lot prices around the lake vary depending on location, lot terrain, and size. Available lots vary in size from less than half of an acre to development properties with hundreds of acres. The large variation in lot sizes brings the average lot price in the Lake Market Real Estate Report to $361,216.

“Boating is extremely popular on Lake Eufaula, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Oliver. “With just over 45,000 acres of pristine water, it ventures into Georgia. Lake Eufaula appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Eufaula in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Atlanta, Georgia, followed by Chicago and Dallas, Texas,” said Oliver.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Eufaula and the surrounding area,” said Oliver.  One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Jan offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Eufaula areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Jan Oliver

Susan, affectionately known as Jan among her family and close friends, is in the business of turning dreams into reality. With an in-depth knowledge of Lake Eufaula and Walter F. George Lake, Jan was seemingly destined to become a real estate expert in the very place she holds dear.

During her upbringing, Jan and her family frequently visited the lake for fishing and camping escapades. Their profound affection for Lake Eufaula prompted Jan and her husband to transition into full-time lake enthusiasts. In fact, Jan has been a property owner on Lake Eufaula since well before 2014. Her daily life immersed in the tranquil surroundings of Lake Eufaula has made her an unparalleled authority on the subject.

Jan enthusiastically explains, “In my role as a realtor, I have the privilege of fulfilling people’s aspirations. Depending on where my clients are in their life journey, it could mean assisting them in acquiring their first home, adding a second property on the lake, or facilitating the sale of a property to either expand or downsize. Whatever the dream may be, we work diligently to make it a reality.”

Jan shares her lakeside haven with her husband of 48 years, Greg. Together, they have been blessed with two children, three grandchildren, and a trio of beloved dogs. Their shared joys include boating, fishing, and the simple pleasure of observing life from their front porch. When at home, you’ll likely find Jan relishing her front porch, fully immersed in the serene lake lifestyle, occasionally pausing to marvel at the eagles as they gracefully dive for fish. That is, of course, when she’s not busy helping others discover the profound joys of lake living!

Whiteboard Topics: How A Lake Agent’s Number of Listings Could Fool You

Posted on Tia Williams

As you embark on the journey of finding your dream lakefront home, selecting a reputable realtor becomes paramount in the home-buying process. While searching for a realtor, it’s important to note that the quantity of listings a realtor manages may not always reflect their expertise. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, offers valuable insights into the realities of realtors with extensive listings.

  1. Listings Do NOT Equal Selling: The number of listings a realtor has doesn’t necessarily translate to successful home sales. Certain listings may linger on the market for extended periods, potentially resulting in price reductions.
  2. Using Listings for “Agent Marketing”: Maintaining an excessive number of listings is often employed as a marketing strategy by agents. The quantity of listings can serve as a sales tactic to generate more transactions in a specific area.
  3. Commission Games: It’s essential to take note of the commission percentage that agents offer to the buyer’s side and ensure that it aligns with your financial expectations.
  4. Days on Market: It’s crucial to pay attention to the number of days a home has been listed on the market. Some realtors may accumulate numerous listings without a sense of urgency to sell them. While this may boost their listing count, it doesn’t necessarily benefit either the seller or the buyer.
  5. Sale Price vs. Original List Price: It’s essential to inquire whether your realtor can provide information about the actual selling price compared to the listing price. Engaging in a commission-focused strategy and keeping the property on the market for an extended duration may lead to an overpriced home. It’s crucial to set the right price for your home based on the current market conditions.

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your lakefront property can be a daunting task, but a skilled realtor can guide you through the process and successfully sell your home. Don’t let the quantity of listings a realtor has to be the sole factor influencing your decision to become a homeowner. Instead, get in touch with a reputable realtor at lakehomes.com who has your best interests.

Whiteboard Topics: What to Ask When Selecting an Agent to Sell Your Lake Home

Posted on Zac Parnell

You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid. 

WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…

  1. Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
  2. Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
  3. Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
  4. Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line:  you should want to help yourself. 

CORRECT Questions to Ask:

  1. Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
  2. Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
  3. Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
  4. Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.

While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Secrets to Success as Lake Home Real Estate Agents

Posted on Kenya Spencer

The work of a Lake Homes real estate agent in the real estate industry presents its own set of obstacles and opportunities. These agents, nestled among the tranquil beauty of lakeside properties, are tasked with not only completing property transactions but also creating a smooth experience for their clients. Lake Homes real estate agents must discover the secrets to success that set them apart from the competition in order to fully flourish in this sector. Understanding the discretionary property sales cycle, developing systems for playing the long game, maintaining a laser focus on lakefront properties, and employing national marketing tactics to attract the right buyers are four essential strategies that can propel these agents to new heights.

1. Understanding the Discretionary Property Sales Cycle: Master the nuanced sales cycle of lakefront properties, aligning with seasonal trends and buyer emotions for effective and smart transactions.

2. Systems to “Play the Long Game”: Develop systems for enduring success, such as cultivating buyer databases, nurturing relationships, and consistent follow-ups.

3. Focused on the Lake: Focus expertise on lakefront living details, regulations, and lifestyle benefits to provide tailored guidance to each individual client.

4. National Marketing to the Right Buyers: Utilize marketing and tailored advertising to capture the attention of potential lakefront property buyers.

Success as a Lake Home real estate agent hinges on a combination of specialized knowledge, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of both the market and potential buyers’ desires and dreams of lake homes. By embracing the secrets, successes, and systems, agents can position themselves as trusted experts and elevate their careers in the competitive world of lake home real estate. This intentionally provides a platform for individuals acting as real estate agents, as well as those taking on the roles of buyers and sellers within any real estate market.

Lake Homes Realty Adds Liz McVeigh to the Team on Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Posted on Linda Thach

A recent lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Pennsylvania are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Pennsylvania’s total market at $564 million, up from $501 million in the summer of 2022,” said Liz McVeigh, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Wallenpaupack to be the largest market in the state of Pennsylvania,” said McVeigh. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of June 28, 2023, Lake Wallenpaupack has 172 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $3,000 lot to a $4.99 million lake home. “Eight of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said McVeigh.

According to the Lake Market Real Estate Report, the average home price for listings around Lake Wallenpaupack is $587,369. The average lot price is $44,591 for the 79 lake area lots currently listed. 

“Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania,” said McVeigh.  “With 5,700 acres of pristine water and proximity to Scranton, Pennsylvania, Lake Wallenpaupack appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Wallenpaupack in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was New York City, followed by Washington D.C. and Boston,” said McVeigh.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding area,” said McVeigh.  One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Liz offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Wallenpaupack areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Liz McVeigh

Bringing over nine years of real estate expertise and boasting more than two decades of lake living experience, Liz McVeigh has truly mastered the art of navigating lakefront properties. Despite growing up in New York City, she has spent the last 17 years in Pennsylvania, with the past 12 years being in close proximity to the picturesque Lake Wallenpaupack. The combination of her lifestyle and extensive industrial background renders her a true expert at Lake Homes Realty.

Some of Liz’s most cherished memories are the moments spent on the water with her children. Whether it’s kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or tubing, Liz and her family wholeheartedly embrace the fun and beauty of the water. Even when not on the water itself, they remain in its enchanting presence, exploring the scenic lake trails or savoring meals at local restaurants with waterfront views.

Liz’s genuine passion lies in assisting her clients in finding their perfect fit. “Whether it’s a vacation home or a full-time home, the joy a new home brings to my clients is the most fulfilling part of my job,” says Liz.

Whiteboard Topics: The Highest Offer For Your Lake Home May Cost You More Money

Posted on Kenya Spencer

Selling a lake house is an exciting but difficult undertaking, and your main goal as a homeowner is to secure the greatest offer possible. However, it is critical to exercise caution because the highest offer may not always be the most lucrative. Let’s look at some important points to consider when selling your lake house to prevent financial hazards.

1. Avoiding Selling Too Quickly: Resist the urge to accept early offers; instead, wait for perfect market circumstances to obtain the best price.

2. All Cash Transactions: Be wary of all-cash proposals since they may come with lesser bids and make it difficult to negotiate a fair bargain.

3. Limited (or no) Contingencies: Carefully evaluate proposals with fewer conditions to prevent any legal or financial problems.

4. Seasoned Real Estate Agents Who Understand Niche: Work with seasoned agents who specialize in lakefront properties for professional advice, effective marketing, and skilled negotiating.

A thoughtful and informed approach to selling a lake house may make it a rewarding experience. While a large offer may appear appealing, it is critical to consider all elements to prevent financial disasters. Take your time, investigate all-cash bids, evaluate conditions, and seek advice from experienced lakefront real estate brokers. With these safeguards, you may sell your cherished lake house with confidence and optimize your investment return.

Whiteboard Topics: What Lake Home Buyers Don’t Care About

Posted on Zac Parnell

If your lake home is currently on the market, or it will be soon, it’s important to know key things about buyers. As a seller, you may have certain home transaction qualifications that are important to you whereas these same priorities may not be important to a homebuyer. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has some insight into the top 5 things sellers may care about, but buyers don’t. 

  1. What the seller paid: Phrases such as “This is what we paid” usually don’t coincide with what the buyer thinks. They’re looking for the best price. The market will set the price that will sell.
  2. Listed price of nearby homes: What’s listed for and what sells are two different things. You should instead be aware of what the homes are selling for. The buyers are already aware of this. 
  3. Personal effort on customizations: The emotional value put into house might mean a lot to you, but for the buyer the same sentimental feeling isn’t there. You personal style isn’t the same as everyone else’s.
  4. Rumors of outlier high prices: Just because your neighbors sold their home as a high outlier doesn’t mean the circumstances will occur for you. You may have priced higher based off a rumor. 
  5. Taking low offers personally: No offers are worse than a low offer. Try countering the offer and negotiate during the transaction.

At the end of the day, buyers are ready to jump on some great options. You just have to make sure you go about it in the right way. If you’re ever looking for more help, contact an agent at lakehomes.com. They know how to get buyers and are more than willing to help!

Lake Real Estate Market Report Shows More Than $193 Million in Lake Homes and Lots Listed Around Lake Wylie

Posted on Linda Thach

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in North Carolina and South Carolina are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows South Carolina’s total market at $1.4 billion, up from $1.3 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Katie Pendleton and Matt Nielsen, new agents with Lake Homes Realty, who focus on Lake Wylie in North and South Carolina.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Wylie to be the second largest market in the state of North Carolina and the largest market in South Carolina,” said Pendleton. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of June 14, 2023, Lake Wylie across both North and South Carolina has a combined 529 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $39,000 lot in South Carolina to a $5.9 million lake home in North Carolina.  “Fifty-three of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Nielsen.

The average home price for listings around Lake Wylie is between $670,959 and $680,044, depending on which state you’re looking at, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price in North Carolina is $304,705 for the 87 lake area lots currently listed. The average lot price in South Carolina is $1.4 million for the 36 lake area lots currently listed, featuring a $39.5 million lot covering 395 acres.

“Boating is extremely popular on Lake Wylie, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Pendleton.  “With almost 13,500 acres of pristine water, it ventures into both North and South Carolina. Lake Wylie appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Wylie in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Atlanta, Georgia,  followed by Washington D.C., and New York City,” said Nielsen.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Martin and the surrounding area,” said Nielsen.  One in 37 American adults look at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO, and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Katie and Matt offer outstanding customer service in the Lake Wylie areas and are truly specialists in that area,” he said.

About Katie Pendleton and Matt Nielson

Matt and Katie, a dynamic couple who specialize in selling properties in the picturesque Lake Wylie area. With deep-rooted connections to the region, both Matt and Katie have cherished memories of growing up near Lake Wylie. Although originally from New York, Matt’s love for the lake life was sparked by his grandparents who resided there.

Katie’s connection with Lake Wylie dates back to 1983 when her uncle purchased a lot on its shores. She spent her formative years fishing, boating, and tubing on the very lake she now helps others explore. Drawing from their extensive personal experiences, Matt and Katie have become true authorities on all things related to Lake Wylie. Not only do they conduct business in the area, but they also reside there, actively participating in the local community.

Both Matt and Katie are driven by a simple yet powerful goal: to make their clients feel like VIPs. They go above and beyond to ensure that every transaction is seamless and stress-free. As residents of Lake Wylie, they understand firsthand the incredible joy and fulfillment that comes from embracing the lake lifestyle. Guided by this passion, they derive immense satisfaction from assisting others in realizing their dreams of living by the lake.

In addition to their thriving real estate business, Matt and Katie are loving parents to three energetic sons who constantly keep them on their toes. Family is of utmost importance to them, and they are deeply committed to serving their community, particularly through various nonprofit organizations. As passionate lake enthusiasts, they also collaborate with environmental groups, working diligently to preserve the pristine beauty of Lake Wylie for generations to come.

Whiteboard Topics: How Can I Get More Money For My Lake Home?

Posted on Zac Parnell

As you’re getting ready to put your lake house on the market, the topic of selling price will always come up. More than likely you will think “Can I get more money for my lake home?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains a few different ways to help push for that price you want to sell for. 

  1. Start with a Market Appropriate Price: Buyers don’t care how much money you have put into the home. Most of the time they will be looking at the current market conditions. When you start at a high price to test the market, it usually does not result in the way you would like.
  2. Be clearly the best VALUE in the area: Don’t automatically make your lake home the lowest price. However, check out surrounding homes and see what’s going on. Are there nicer or newer homes nearby? Are these homes your price or lower? New construction may also become a player in this.
  3. Picture Perfect/Move-In Ready: Whether you already have your home staged or simply have your own property in the house, make sure it appears move-in ready. Buyers typically lack imagining this aspect and this will help you stand out.
  4. Would you buy it today at your price? Each day the house doesn’t sell and remains on the market, you are effectively buying it again at your price. In reality, the only price is that of what someone will pay and what you’re willing to accept. Price accordingly and price from a buyer mindset.

At the end of the day, these 4 tips are useful in getting the best return and sell price for your lake home. , Connect with one of our lake agents today at lakehomes.com and see what they can do!