When selling your home, you want the best of the best on your side. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why listing with a Lake Homes Agent is the number one option.
More Buyers: Most agents are well-versed in their local market, but our agents have access to buyers around the country. Having a larger pool of buyers makes selling your home all the easier.
Pricing Intel: Your competition doesn’t end with the home next door. Buyers are vetting lake locations across the nation, and our lake homes agents have the pricing intel to ensure your home has the advantage.
Become a Featured Property: Listing with a Lake Homes Realty Agent is the only way for your property to be featured on the Lakehomes.com website. Your home will be given priority exposure to our target audience.
National Network: Our real estate agents are an interconnected group that is committed to helping you buy/sell a home. If one agent cannot find a property for a buyer, they will refer them to another lake homes agent; one of which could be yours.
These are only a few advantages available to you when listing with a Lake Homes Realty Agent. When deciding to sell your lake home, it only makes sense to go with a lake expert!
As any gardener knows, keeping weeds away from your prized plants can be a hassle. Even in the most successful gardens, weeds will creep into the soil and sunlight that your plot provides. Luckily, there’s a myriad of options for weed killers. However, many of the store-bought options contain herbicide chemicals that you may choose to keep out of your garden. If you’re looking for an all-natural DIY option, we’ve got you covered!
For a safe and effective weed-killing recipe, a combination of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap will usually do the trick. The acetic acid in the vinegar and salt help to draw out moisture from the weeds, wilting them. To complete the concoction, dish soap serves as a surfactant which helps the plant to absorb this toxic mixture, instead of sitting topically on the leaves in beaded form. To create this mixture, just combine a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. If you want to add some extra potency, try squeezing some lemon juice too.
Don’t have vinegar or liquid soap handy at the lake house? As an alternate DIY weed-killing solution, you only need one ingredient — boiling water. Its high temperature can help by killing the invasive plants down to the roots, permanently killing the weeds. However, you just want to make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process! Be sure to stand far away from where you’re pouring, and exercise caution.
Let’s start with the pros. With just a few simple ingredients, this herbicide is super simple to create. It doesn’t require a trip to the store, and it doesn’t expose your backyard to harsh chemicals. A win-win! However, one downside of a DIY solution is that it doesn’t get to the root of the problem (no pun intended). Chemical herbicides directly target the plant’s root system, while the DIY solution may require multiple spray sessions to finally kill the weeds. Despite its limitations, this quick, low-cost homemade solution is perfectly effective in managing a lake house garden.
To make the mixture most effective, it’s best to apply it to a group of weeds on a bright, clear sunny day. In the sunlight, the effects of your handiwork would be evident within a few hours. When you see wilting leaves and browning stems, you know the herbicide is working. Usually, they’ll turn fully brown before finally withering away.
In addition to killing weeds once they’ve already sprouted, developing solutions for deterring weed growth in the first place is an excellent prevention strategy. Mulch is one easy solution that obstructs sunlight and prevents weed growth. It also retains moisture in the soil, carving out less watering time for you. Additionally, practicing good lawn care such as mowing at a taller height, regular watering, and checking on the health of your plants can be helpful.
When it comes to properly kill weeds, you might have all you need right in the kitchen of your lake home. For more gardening tips, continue to check out our blog!
When it comes to outdoor kitchens at the lake, wooden furniture is a classic. Besides being a timeless and eco-friendly building material with many diverse uses, wooden outdoor furniture is also a look that will never go out of style. It also matches the lake aesthetic, honoring biophilic design. Functionally, it’s simple to clean with a gentle soap and water wash at the season’s start.
However, if you’re designing your backyard living space from scratch, how do you know what woods to choose? First, it’s important to understand the two basic categories of wooden furniture: hardwood and softwood. Generally, the consensus is that hardwoods are top tier due to their extreme durability. But don’t discount softwoods either — materials like cedar and cypress are still excellent furniture choices due to their natural moisture. Within both subgroups, we have plenty of recommendations. Check out these seven highly regarded materials for wooden furniture!
The dark golden-brown color of acacia is an attractive addition to any lakeside retreat. This thick hardwood material is also very affordable because it grows in abundance. In fact, it grows so well that sometimes, the species is considered invasive. For outdoor furniture specifically, acacia’s high oil content makes it resistant to natural causes of decay such as extreme weather, rotting over time, and insect infestation. If correctly sealed, furniture made from acacia can hold up for years to come.
Cedar is most recognized for its lovely pinkish-red color — a distinctive hue that evokes a sense of warmth in your home (to prevent fading over time, you can stain cedar wood to protect this color). This lightweight softwood material is also known for its rot resistance, as well as its repellence to termites and insects such as pondered beetles. Its highly resistant properties have led to this wood’s popularity in fences and roofing, as well as outdoor furniture.
On the downside, cedar is more brittle than other types of wood, leading to poorer screw-holding capabilities. However, cedar’s moisture retention and resulting sturdiness make up for its lack of perfect durability.
Cypress is a relatively inexpensive, popular wood for outdoor furniture. Although its softwood status means limited hardiness, its natural moisture-wicking properties make up for this deficit. Since cypress releases a natural water repellant, it is an excellent choice for wet climates, especially a lake house environment. Plus, the silvery gray color that cypress achieves over time is a classic look.
You may associate redwood with the California forest, but this durable wood also has uses closer to home. Like cypress, redwood is a softwood that is often used in outdoor furniture due to its natural insect and moisture resistance. As a softwood, it is susceptible to dents and chips. However, its adaptability to a variety of climates, as well as its unique deep red coloring, compensates for this shortcoming. Because redwood takes a long time to grow, this wood comes with a higher price tag — however, it’s certainly worth the investment.
For many reasons, teak is considered the gold standard for outdoor furniture. This valuable wood from Southeast Asia is waterproof, durable, sunlight resistant, and aesthetically pleasing. It also doesn’t expand with changes in humidity, and it’s able to withstand all types of weather conditions. Given these advantages, it’s no wonder that teak wood is some of the most expensive. You’re paying for the best of the best.
For those living in wet climates, white oak is a great option because it tends to resist water damage. Because of this quality, oak is highly attractive to those who live in lake environments. It’s also versatile, resistant, and consistently available as oak is the most abundant type of hardwood in the U.S. As a downside to be aware of, white oak requires maintenance over time, including keeping your furniture in the shade to avoid fading color from direct sunlight.
This hardwood material imported from South America is known as the densest wood in the world. In fact, the density of ipe wood is so great that it barely floats — an attribute that showcases its water resistance. Additionally, the density allows it to resist cracking and decomposition. Overall, ipe is similar to teak in terms of wood type in durability. However, its price tag is lower than teak, making ipe a hardy, yet more budget-friendly, alternative high-end lumber.
No matter which material you choose, you can’t go wrong with wooden furniture at the lake. We wish you the best in designing your outdoor space! Keep an eye on Lake Homes Lifestyles for more indoor and outdoor design tips.
So, you’ve decided that a lake home is for you — congratulations! The decision to invest in lake property is one that you’ll never regret. Afternoons on boat rides, evenings watching the sunset, swimming in the summer — these elements of the lake lifestyle are undoubtedly worth it.
But when it comes to choosing your lake home, there are several factors to consider. In or out of state? An urban or rural lake? But beyond these basics, it’s important to think about how you envision your life on the lake. Is it essential for you to have a lakeside view outside your back door? Or are you content with close access to the lake, as long as you have convenient amenities around you?
The decision comes down to this: lakefront versus lake access. If you’re unsure which type of property is for you, check out our short quiz below:
A lakefront home essentially means that your property includes a lake shoreline. For most buyers, this option is appealing because there’s zero distance between you and the water. Especially if you’re a devoted angler or someone who enjoys watersports, it benefits you to come and go from the lake at your own leisure. Plus, being able to entertain guests on a boat dock while overlooking a scenic view is an excellent perk! Of course, a house on the lake also means additional responsibilities.
For instance, yard maintenance doubles with a lakefront home. For these lake homeowners, your curb appeal is important for both the front yard and the backyard. When thinking about your shoreline, you should also make note of whether your lake is owned by the U.S. Army Corps. If so, they have ownership over the space between your property and the lake itself, so you’ll want to learn what kind of personal use is allowed on Corps property. Another responsibility with lakefront property is the upkeep of your boat dock. However, if these additional duties don’t bother you, it may be in your best interest to pick a home with convenient proximity to the lake.
With a lake access home, you won’t have direct closeness to the lake via private property. Instead, your views of the lake vary greatly depending on how your property is designated. If it’s a “waterview” property, you’ll be able to see at least a portion of the lake from your home. In other cases, the view of the lake will be totally obscured. However, you would have access to the lake by route of a community dock or pathway. The downside to this option is obvious — your home is a further distance from the lake, and you lack a private shoreline.
However, for many lake homeowners, direct access isn’t so important. In fact, some find it nice to be free from responsibilities that come with a lakefront property such as shoreline and doc maintenance. Instead of tending to a dock’s upkeep, you can elect to rent a slip at a local marina for your boat. Another perk is that lake access properties are often less secluded, and you’re closer to a flourishing community of other lake lovers and closer to urban amenities like restaurants, shopping, and golf courses (depending on the lake area).
When deciding on lakefront vs lake access property, the main question to ask is: what does your desired lake lifestyle look like? For some, it’s a remote, private setting with constant access to the water, no matter the cost or the maintenance required. For others, it’s about having a nice vacation home near a community with the ability to access water when you want it. It doesn’t matter which you choose — there are so many different ways to experience life on the lake! Because these different types of properties can vary greatly based on the lake and the state, you’ll want to consult a lake-focused agent to find your dream home.
The market is difficult to navigate right now, but that doesn’t mean you should jump on just any home you see available. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, breaks down the risks of buying a home ‘sight unseen’.
Location Matters: Lake homes have specific qualities to look out for when it comes to location. You need to know things like the proximity to the lake and whether it’s a lake view, lakefront, or lake access property.
Photos Oversell: With the right photos, any home can look flawless. The only way to get a solid feel of what the home is like is to visit it in person.
Lake Access: Depending on angles and lighting, the ‘lakefront’ home you were expecting could actually be water access. Variables like the season and time of day can also make determining this more difficult without seeing it in person.
Contingency Games: Sellers are becoming more aware of the contingency games buyers may play because they are putting an offer on a home ‘sight unseen’. Participating in these games could lead to your offer being disregarded, or a home with problems you weren’t aware of.
It can seem impossible to secure a home when it feels like nothing stays on the market long enough for you to even consider it an option. However, the benefit of touring a home in person is worth the wait!
The war between Russia and Ukraine may be a good distance away, but it affects the American real estate market more than you think. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares how could affect your real estate transaction.
Crisis Fatigue: From the pandemic to inflation to the war, all of these back-to-back crises can start to weigh on everyone. This can encourage buyers to buy more lake homes as a way to relax and ‘get away’ for a while.
Life is Short: With everything going on, people are realizing now more than ever that life is short. Why push off buying your dream lake home when the future is not always promised?
Inflation: An overall rise in prices has been taking the country by storm, and the Russian/Ukraine war will only further expedite this. This could deter buyers from buying, and encourage sellers to sell in order to avoid unnecessary costs.
It can be jarring to know that something happening across the world can directly affect the lake real estate market right here in America. Staying informed will help you navigate the market as it adapts to fit in today’s world!
After everything we’ve been through these past couple of years, we could all use a fresh start—and so could our homes. Just as personal rejuvenation is therapeutic for mind, body, and soul, so is it for the dwellings we live in. If your lake home could use a little pick-me-up, here are some simple upkeep tips that pack a powerful punch and make your rooms look and feel renewed.
We all dread household chores but love the feeling and satisfaction we get from a clean home. After all, it makes no sense to spend a fortune on our homes and all the furnishings if we don’t keep them clean. The payoff is well worth it, so let’s face it—we can’t avoid this unpleasant task. But it doesn’t have to be as unbearable as you think if you plan ahead and implement some handy gadgets that make cleaning a breeze.
Consider investing in hi-tech housekeeping tools such as a robot vacuum, a carpet spot cleaner, and an electric mop to make tasks go quicker and seem virtually effortless. Keeping floors, furniture, baseboards, ceiling fans, and surfaces dirt and dust-free—and washing windows regularly—makes all the difference in the world in how you and others perceive the look and feel of your home. Plus, if you keep things clean regularly, you won’t have to put as much effort into it each time.
Also, make a schedule and stick to it. Break up chores in simple, easy-to-digest increments, so they won’t be such a pain and take up an entire day. If you’re not doing it all yourself, make it a family project and delegate jobs each week. For truly huge tasks, don’t be afraid to call in a professional.
Removing visual clutter from your life is a beautiful way to keep your home looking smart, stylish, and organized. Also, as many of us are downsizing to smaller places these days, it’s the perfect time to take inventory of our belongings and get rid of things we no longer want in our lives. The minimalist look continues to trend today—so less is more.
In the kitchen especially, keep countertop clutter to a minimum and arrange the daily objects you use efficiently and within easy reach. Group items on trays and in canisters to keep things looking clean and orderly. Don’t forget to edit and arrange your pantry, cabinets, and drawers neatly—even though their contents are hidden from sight. Most of us accumulate clutter in those very places, including our closets, and later dread the thought of clearing them out.
We all know how difficult it is to part with our personal possessions, so be mindful and practical about the process. Consider gifting or donating things you no longer need—or have a yard sale. Without all that baggage, we tend to feel lighter, freer, and more at peace in our surroundings.
Our lake homes are our sanctuaries, so make it a priority to maintain what you already have. Keep your beloved rugs and plush carpets clean and odor-free, replace any worn rugs, patch holes in the wall, polish bathroom and kitchen fixtures, replace cracked tiles, and regularly clean grout on all your tile surfaces. If your rooms look tired and outdated, give them a fresh facelift with new fixtures, hardware, and lighting.
Don’t forget to maintain your lake home’s exterior features as well. For example, clean your gutters to direct water away from your house, seal your driveway to prevent cracks and preserve your pavement, and touch up your home’s exterior paint if you notice any chipping or peeling.
By keeping up with these essential maintenance tips, you can avoid living in a house that looks and feels neglected and instead enjoy a well-dressed home that feels fresh, clean, and cared for.
There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint to change the complexion of any room. So don’t be afraid to introduce a splash of color to your kitchen with painted cabinetry, an island base, or even your wooden floors. Paint will instantly transform your rooms and dramatically change the mood with a simple color change.
If your bright white walls look sad and dull, there’s no better way to revive them than with a brilliant new coat of your favorite hue. To create an eye-catching focal point, consider painting an accent wall in a darker, more richly pigmented tone that will make a striking contrast to the adjacent walls while still complementing the style of your interior.
Let’s confess, we all have them—flattened pillows, ratty towels, and old worn-out sheets that are either stained or torn. And the sad truth is, nothing makes bedrooms and bathrooms look more unkempt than having these less-than-luxurious items in plain view. However, you can elevate your spaces instantly simply by replacing them with plush, luxurious bed linens, fluffy towels and bathmats, and plump new pillows—either down-filled or a down alternative. Also, consider using two duvets to get a more sumptuous plumped-up look. You can stuff two duvets into one duvet cover or simply layer them one on top of the other over your bed.
For more tips on how to freshen up and rejuvenate your home, click here. From all of us at Lake Homes Lifestyles—here’s to a beautifully renewed 2022!
Buying a foreclosed home may sound like a great idea in theory, but the process may not turn out the way you expected. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, busts three myths about lake home foreclosures to help settle your expectations.
You can “Get a Deal”: With the market at an all-time high, foreclosed homes won’t be selling as low as they would if the market was down. Banks may even turn a profit after listing a foreclosed home because of the demand for property.
Foreclosures are Up!: Foreclosures may be common in other real estate sectors, but it’s rare to see them at the lake. The general population that owns lake homes is older and more financially stable.
Banks Will Discount Foreclosures: Again the demand for lake property is so high right now, that banks don’t need to discount foreclosed homes. The home market is not crashing, and as we mentioned, banks could likely make a profit off the homes they have in their possession.
You know what they say: if it sounds too good to be true, it’s usually because it is. Before you begin your lake home foreclosure search, you need to know the truth about these properties!
Buying a lake home is a big commitment, so you have to be sure the timing is right. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares 4 reasons why you may want to postpone purchasing your dream lake home.
Peak-ish Prices: We are still at the peak of the real estate market. Because of the high demand/ low supply of homes and growing interest rates, now may not be the best time to invest in a home.
Patience Required: Competition for lake homes is at an all-time high which will make it difficult for you to get the home of your dreams. It may be best to avoid the hassle of waiting for the perfect property until demand starts to slow.
Time: Taking on a new lake home is exciting, but it doesn’t come without its maintenance. If you don’t have the time to go between two homes, travel to and from the lake, and do general upkeep, now may not be the time to take on the responsibility.
Chapter of Life: Before you buy, it’s important to assess what chapter of life you are in. Are you ready for a change in pace and to relax by the lake, or are you still heavily involved in your job and other time-consuming activities?
‘Not now’ doesn’t mean ‘Not ever’. Wait to buy your dream home until the market is right, and you feel ready to take on the long-term commitment of lake living. You’ll find that the perfect home is worth the wait!
