With high demand and low supply, selling your lake home might seem like the right move, but is it? Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives reasons why you may want to reconsider letting go of your lake property now.
Lake Life Matters: If you love the lake lifestyle, life is too short not to enjoy it. Spend time making memories on the lake of your dreams.
Where Do We Go?: When your lake home is your primary residence, it can be daunting to find a new place to live. It could mean it’s time to make your lake home, your permanent home.
Money Does Not Matter: Even though we are currently in a seller’s market, if you’re in a stable financial situation, the money may not matter. The value of life at the lake may overshine the money you’d make from your home now.
Don’t let the lake life you love pass you by if you’re not ready to let it go. Take some time to enjoy your lake home before you put it on the market!
You need to be sure that the home you choose is on a lake that allows you to have the lake lifestyle of your dreams. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why choosing a lake expert is so beneficial for a buyer.
Unlike Other Property: Lake real estate is a specialized market. Agents that only focus on primary residence homes lack critical lake knowledge that only a lake expert would have.
Regulations: To live your preferred lake lifestyle, you need an agent who can tell you the rules and regulations of the water. Owning a property doesn’t automatically give you the right to make changes or engage in certain lake activities. The rules also vary from lake to lake.
Lake Behavior: A lake’s water level can depend on the season or even the time of day. A lake expert can detail the behaviors of your preferred lake so that you aren’t surprised after you buy.
Zoning and Restrictions: While many lakes have regulations for residents to follow, there may be so parts of a lake that don’t have to follow the same rules. You’ll need an expert from that lake who can show you homes that follow or bypass these restrictions.
Don’t settle for a real estate agent who is unfamiliar with your lake of choice. Working with a lake expert will make all the difference to your buying experience!
If your lake home kitchen is begging for a refresh this year, read on and enjoy. Today, we’ve tapped into top talent Matthew Quinn, a leading expert in kitchen, bath, and product design, to get his take on what’s hot in 2022.
Author of Volumes One and Two of his book series, Quintessential Kitchens and Quintessential Kitchens and Spaces, Matthew is a principal of the Atlanta and Nashville-based Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio and founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a luxury kitchen, bath, and architectural hardware showroom that blends the best of today’s products with his own expanding lines of kitchen, bath, and closet product designs.
The recipient of numerous national design awards, Matthew’s designs have been published in magazines and books, including House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Décor, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Luxe, and Veranda.
Matthew is also a passionate lake homeowner who knows first-hand what it takes to create fresh, functional, and beautiful spaces that make lake living a breeze—especially in the kitchen. Here are his top 7 kitchen trends for 2022.
“A larger version of the walk-in pantry, these hardworking spaces feature deep countertops for all the small appliances that can be plugged in and used right there,” explains Matthew. “A sink, microwave, and sometimes an additional oven and refrigerator are popular add-ons for this highly functional and versatile kitchen space,” he adds. “These are especially perfect for lake houses, so your coffee maker, toaster, and other self-serve items are easily accessible and out of the way of the chef making pancakes in the main kitchen area.”
For this sleek working pantry, Matthew used dark ebony flooring against contrasting glossy white cabinetry and contemporary pendant lights overhead. Glass-front cabinets showcase beautiful dishware and serving pieces that connect to the overall color palette.
“When designing or renovating your kitchen, keep in mind that all the features of a traditional city kitchen can easily be translated to the comforts of your lake home,” notes Matthew.
Handmade Tile Backsplashes
Matthew Quinn’s lake house kitchen. Photo courtesy of Emily Followill
“I love the perfect-imperfect aesthetic of handmade tile,” says Matthew. “The more uneven edges and undulating surfaces, the better,” he adds. “This look is especially ideal if you’re wanting a relaxed yet sophisticated lake home vibe.”
Create unique looks to suit any taste using oversized rectangles or even 4-inch square tiles. Depending on your style, you can incorporate a wide range of complementary hues to design eye-catching patterns or simply select one color for harmonious continuity.
“I love using a honed countertop with a glossy handmade tile and letting candlelight reflect on the tile—similar to what you see when the moon reflects on the water,” sums Matthew.
“Antique finishes are warm, inviting, and casual,” says Matthew, “and they also represent a relaxed lifestyle. You can even mix them with more lustrous contemporary surfaces to introduce a charming vintage feel in your kitchen,” he notes.
Here, an otherwise modern kitchen gets a hint of antique-like patina via a brass-topped pub-style table that connects visually to an antique brass and stainless-steel hood over the stovetop. “Lake homes are all about entertaining with effortless ease,” says Matthew. “When you’re at the lake, having to maintain or worry about polished finishes should not be a priority or an item on your to-do list,” he laughs.
“Microwaves are becoming a thing of the past,” says Matthew. “These days, single-serve coffeemakers are the norm, so there is no reason to reheat coffee—and popcorn is mostly bought in bags in the chips aisle,” he adds. “Enter steam ovens. This innovative appliance will reheat your food as if you just made it fresh and cook just about anything else perfectly with healthier results,” he adds.
Steam ovens maintain more nutrients in your food, cook more evenly, and eliminate the need for oil. They look just as sleek as other built-ins, so no worries that your steam oven will appear cumbersome, even in a smaller lake home. And if you still insist on having a microwave, simply stack both for an elegant, uniform look that will bring more versatility to your kitchen.
“Vertical and horizontal wall planking has been the rage for many years—especially in lake houses,” says Matthew. “Now, designers are pushing the envelope with cabinetry, walls, and entire rooms outfitted in fluted, ribbed, and square-beaded facings. It looks amazing—like these high-gloss fluted butler’s pantry cabinets. But be careful with fluted or ribbed walls, as art can be difficult to hang,” he cautions.
“I have never before seen technology in lighting move so quickly,” says Matthew. “LED strips and accent lighting are becoming smaller and smaller, making the source of the light almost unnoticeable. We are installing them everywhere—under each stair tread, under the toe-kicks of bathroom cabinets, under beds for night lights with motion sensors that turn on when you get out of bed, and, of course, in ceilings, outdoor kitchens, and open shelves,” he sums.
These high-tech lights offer lake homeowners endless opportunities to install wherever you like—especially in the kitchen. Here, soft and subtle cabinet lighting illuminates wine bottles and barware, creating a dazzling focal point when entertaining family and guests.
“At no time in my career have I seen such enthusiasm to use lots of color in the kitchen—from cabinets to ranges to countertops,” says Matthew. “Although white will always be classic, it is now considered too safe. Clients are wanting to make this highly visible and most-used space all about their personalities and not about the marketability of selling the house later. And at the lake, there is no better inspiration for color than looking out the window to all the colors outside,” he adds.
For this kitchen, orange is the superstar, even though used sparingly. Just small pops of vibrant color—a La Cornue range, orange throw, and orange-trimmed upholstered banquette—are all it takes to create dynamic visual impact and personalize this most beloved space.
If you’re interested in working with Matthew on your own dream kitchen, click here. From all of us at Lake Homes, here’s wishing you a blissful 2022 at the lake—cheers!
The rules of real estate are difficult enough to grasp, but the rules of lake real estate can get even trickier. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares why you need a lake expert, and how to tell if your agent meets the criteria of one.
History: Having general real estate knowledge is valuable, but the lake real estate market is a specific market that only lake experts can successfully navigate.
Water knowledge: Water levels can be affected by a variety of causes such as seasonal conditions, flood preparations, and location. It’s imperative that your lake agent is able to break down the habits of your prospective lake.
Regulations Knowledge: Regulations vary by lake and can have specific restrictions regarding motor crafts, dock additions, and other water activities. Rules like these should be communicated thoroughly by your agent before you make the commitment to live on a lake.
Generic Out-of-Area Marketing: Question if an agent lumps in lake listings with other generic real estate properties when marketing homes. Lake real estate is a unique market, and true lake experts take the extra step to ensure lake properties are reaching a targeted demographic, similarly to the Lake Homes website.
Dismisses Differences: Again, the rules of the lake real estate market set it apart from other generic property transactions. If your agent dismisses fundamental differences within this market, it’s a clear sign they are not a lake expert.
There are so many moving parts when you enter the lake real estate market. The only way to make the most out of your investment, as a buyer or seller, is by ensuring your agent is a lake expert!
To understand lake real estate, you have to realize that it’s in a class of its own with rules specific to the market. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares why you need a lake expert to help you navigate the world of lake real estate.
Specialty Property: Your home is unique and requires an agent knowledgeable in the lake market to help you sell it.
Remote Buyers: Out-of-state buyers make up a large portion of potential prospects. With this in mind, it’s essential that your agent is comfortable engaging with and bringing in those remote buyers.
Thinks Long-Term: A lake home is a discretionary product, which can make purchasing one a lengthy process. To combat this, a good lake-expert agent will already have a pipeline of interested buyers with whom they have developed long-term relationships.
Local is Not Enough: Most of the time your buyer pool won’t include your neighbors on the lake. You need an agent who has experience marketing lake homes nationally.
Lake real estate varies from the typical commercial market in a lot of ways. To stay on top of the lake market, be sure to find a lake expert agent to help you sell your home!
Increasing mortgage rates are inevitable, and as a lake homeowner, you need to know what that means for the value of your property. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares four things to consider as interest rates rise.
Less DIRECTLY Important: The fluctuation in mortgage rates will influence the demand for your home. Selling before the rise in mortgage rates will ensure a larger pool of interested buyers.
Slow Price Appreciation: With inventory being so high and demand being so low, prices have skyrocketed in recent times. The increase in mortgage rates will contribute to slowing this down.
Influences Buyer Mindset: As interest rates go up, buyer demand goes down. Inflation can cause buyers to be more conscious of their spending habits.
Think About Timing: If you want to maximize the return on your investment, you have to time the sale of your home to the market’s peak.
Owning a lake home is an investment, and as a homeowner, you want to maximize this investment when you’re ready to sell. Be sure to research the current state of the market before you decide to list your home!
It’s easy to make costly mistakes when selling your lake home, especially if it’s your first time. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives four tips you should know before selling!
Pricing Too Far Above Market: Pricing too high initially will cause your house to sit on the market. Eventually, you’ll cut the price, and may even get lowballed in the end.
Agent-Only on Friendship: Your selection of real estate agents shouldn’t be limited to your friends. You shouldn’t feel pressure to hire your friend, especially if they are not the right fit.
Agent-Only LOCAL Visibility: You need an agent who isn’t limited to local reach. There are potential, quality buyers across the country, not just the surrounding area.
Not Thinking Nationally: Consider how the price of your lake home competes with other lake homes nationally. Plenty of buyers want the lake lifestyle, no matter the location.
You need to look at the bigger picture before selling your lake home. Choosing the right price, the right agent, and understanding your market will help prevent you from making those costly mistakes!
The incoming fall season inspires change in the current lake homes market. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives five keys to follow in order to keep up with this fall lake homes real estate market!
Price Growth Peaking: The acceleration in price growth is finally coming to a plateau now that the summer rush is over.
Mortgage Rates MIGHT Matter: Mortgage rates could be a hedge against inflation. Paying off a mortgage with a lower interest rate than inflation rate may be an option.
Inventory to Remain Low: Inventory will most likely remain in low supply, meaning there still won’t be many homes coming to the market.
“Less” Competition: The competitive edge of today’s market will begin to subside, especially because people are losing the extra time they gained in the midst of Covid.
Long Distance Buyers Remain: These buyers should be taken into account when selling, and it’s important to have an agent who can tap into this pool of buyers.
The change in season doesn’t stop the lake homes real estate market, but it does have an effect on it! It’s crucial to stay on top of this shifting market, whether you’re buying or selling a lake home.
Bringing the outdoors in has been one of the top trends among lake home design for years. Interior decor ideas like driftwood art, warm green tones, and woven materials can create a seamless transition between your lake property and your living spaces. However, more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend has now reversed. Instead of bringing the outdoors in, lake homeowners are looking to take the comfort of indoor living outside.
In this season of 2021, outdoor living projects are forecasted to be the “new norm,” according to outdoor contractor company Belgard. One new element of these living room spaces is outdoor rugs. Since these items are increasing in popularity, we at Lake Homes are here to address all your questions.
Usually, we’re always raving about natural materials. However, when it comes to outdoor rugs, synthetic materials are best because they’re less likely to be impacted by traffic and the elements. Andra DelMonico, the lead interior designer at Trendey, says that synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene that are both mold and mildew resistant are ideal for your outdoor rugs. If you prefer natural materials, jute, bamboo, hemp, and sisal are good options. However, these tend to last longer in covered spaces.
Unlike the rugs in your living room, outdoor rugs are subject to the elements — UV rays from sun exposure, wind, rain, and snow. Therefore, it’s essential to know what types of rugs can be used outdoors. The materials mentioned above are the most popular types of rugs that will withstand the unpredictability of the outdoors. But there are other features to consider as well. Andra says, “The rug should have a tight weave to make it impervious to spills and dirt.” She also adds that it’s best to choose a lightweight rug because “you’ll be able to roll them up and easily clean your patio.” This will help you keep your space clean from fallen leaves, pollen, and other factors that affect your outdoor area.
The way you care for an outdoor rug all depends on the season. When it’s a long winter, roll up the rug and keep it in storage. When it’s in use during the warmer months, spot clean stains as needed. “For larger cleaning tasks,” Andra notes, “use a mixture of dish soap and water with a nylon brush to clean the entire rug. Rinse the rug when done. Make sure your rug dries well to prevent mold growth.” Also, be sure to avoid harsh chemicals to keep the colors intact.
fWhen using an outdoor rug at your lake house, there’s a couple of considerations to keep in mind. First, using a pad under your rug isn’t necessary, but it’s a good idea to allow circulation underneath. “Apply the same principles that you would use when buying an indoor rug. This will help your outdoor space feel more like a living area. The right rug can make your patio feel larger, more welcoming, and professionally styled,” says Andra.
