Tag: lake homes

Low-Cost Home Security Measures for Lake Homes

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According to the FBI, property crimes are decreasing – possibly due to better home security. The rate of burglaries in an area drop when people take certain low cost home security precautions.

To ensure that your home security is top-notch, follow these low-cost tricks.

Light Up Your Home

brightly lit home exterirorA home that is well lit is harder to maneuver around unseen. Areas with fewer dark hiding spots are less likely be a target for burglars.

Installing motion detectors on the outside of your home deters thieves by giving the idea that someone is home. Additionally, indoor lights can be used as a deterrent when on a timer.

Indoor lights simply plug in to the timers to add an easy, low-cost home security feature.

Keep Your Yard Nice

While you are gone it is important to give an appearance that people are home.

Consider hiring a friend, family member, or company to ensure that your yard is taken care of while you are gone.

Overgrown bushes provide thieves with a place to hide during a burglary. Keeping bushes properly trimmed eliminates such opportunities.

Think About Your Doors

A door that has a handle lock is a very easy mark for a thief with a credit card. They are able to use simple flat objects to break into your home.

Installing a deadbolt lock increases the difficulty of breaking in through the doors. Most deadbolts ensure the use of a key to unlock a door.

Secure the Keys

hands dropping a key into open hand

When going out of town, make sure that you do not leave an emergency key in any obvious location such as fake rocks or under door mats.

For the best homes security do not leave a key hidden outside.

Provide a trusted person with a key while you are gone to check mail and take care of other household chores.

Also consider investing in an electric door lock. These are equipped with keypads on which those wishing to gain entrance to a home must input a code.

Watch the Windows

Windows are the weakest of security points in a home, especially when left open or unlocked. Ensure that all of the windows are closed and locked before you leave.

Covering the windows with curtains keeps others from being able to see inside. When intruders cannot see inventory in the house, they are deterred from breaking in.

Window coverings will also keep them from knowing if someone is really in the home or not.

Hide Expensive Inventory

Put your jewelry box in the closest and hide anything else that is light and valuable. This will decrease the risk of thieves breaking in and finding your valuables.

While these tips decrease your risk of having a break in, it is also necessary to avoid posting your vacation location on social media platforms.

For more information regarding lake home security, check our this previous story, “6 Home Security Tips for Your Lake Home.” 

Top 50 Over 50 Recognizes Lake Homes Realty Management Team

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Top 50

What do Auburn football coach Gus Malzhan and sportscaster Eli Gold have in common with Lake Homes Realty’s Doris Phillips and Glenn S. Phillips?

They are all among the recently announced 2016 honorees of the Positive Maturity’s Top 50 Over 50.

Past award winners include Alabama football coach Nick Saban, civil rights leader and marketing entrepreneur Shelley Stewart,  meteorologist James Spann and two-time NFL Super Bowl MVP Bart Starr.

Doris Phillips is Lake Homes Realty’s Chief Operating Officer, as well as Director of National Brokerage Operations.

She founded and manages the children-focused non-profit organization The Circle of Love Foundation, which serves thousands of children living in local shelters and rural areas. Doris has been featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, MyBusiness Magazine, and MSN.com.

Glenn S. Phillips is Lake Homes Realty’s CEO. Glenn is also an adviser to the Auburn University College of Engineering, a board member for Camp ASCCA, speaker and author.

His projects and teams have been nationally recognized for innovation by Harvard University, Auburn University, Microsoft and Dell.

Positive Maturity is an Alabama-based non-profit organization that serves the senior community.

The organization presents this annual award to recognize individuals exhibiting inspiring success in their careers, community involvement or personal lives.

Community impact is important in selection of honorees.

All of the honorees will be recognized at an awards banquet on July 28, 2016 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Alabama. Each honoree is also featured in the July 2016 edition of B-Metro magazine and by the Birmingham Business Journal.

A complete list of all 2016 Top 50 Over 50 honorees can be found at http://www.top50over50.com/2016-recipients

You Might Be a Lake LBJ Local When

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Lake LBJ colorful during sunset

Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) is a 6,200-acre, constant-level reservoir located on the Colorado River in the famous Texas Hill Country.

Originally named Lake Granite Shoals, Lake LBJ is just an hour’s drive from Austin, Texas, and is the perfect combination of rural, relaxed lake living and big-city accessibility.

Whether you grew up visiting the lake during the summers, or grew up on the water, you’ll recognize Lake LBJ by these amazing qualities:

At Lake LBJ, Wildlife Lives Next Door 

Father and son fishing at Lake LBJ

In the Texas Hill Country, wildlife is abundant.

Fishing, of course, is one of the more popular past times during the spring and summer months. Amateur and skilled anglers from all over the country flock to Lake LBJ for a chance at record-breaking bass and crappie.

Along with its impressive variety of fish species, the area surrounding the lake is populated by a myriad of wildlife including foxes, coyotes, rabbits, and deer.

Because the areas surrounding the lake are made up of incorporated subdivisions, hunting is strictly prohibited, so a wide variety of beautiful wild animals will be among your neighbors.

Celebrity Sightings Are Routine

lake aerial view

While it may not be Los Angeles or New York City, Lake LBJ holds its own when it comes to attracting the best and brightest.

Influential businessmen and women from several of the largest cities in the state (and the country) flock to the lake for weekend getaways or for retirement.

In fact, the lake is one of the top three choices for retirement in the United States!

Celebrity actors like Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey as well as a number of professional athletes also love calling Lake LBJ their home.

If you’re lucky, you may see Matthew and his kids driving the boat around Horseshoe Bay.

The Beauty of the Highland Lakes is Unparalleled

Whether the blue from the sparkling expanse of water or a rainbow of Texas wildflowers, you know that stepping outside and gazing at the lake is all the color you will need some days.

Throughout April and May, people travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the amazing assortment of wildflowers scattered along the shoreline and surrounding fields.

Every year, visitors are drawn to the vivid colors and unrivaled charm of the Lake LBJ  area, however, you are lucky enough to call it home.

There is No Shortage of Things to Do

person boating on still waters

Whether a regatta, boat race or the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display, there is always something going on at Lake LBJ.

Aside from the usual lake activities like boating, swimming, sailing, and skiing, Lake LBJ offers a wide array of other opportunities to get outdoors.

During the day, you like to visit Lake LBJ State Park for its top-notch hiking trails. And if you’re feeling adventurous? The state park offers archery clinics, fishing days, conservation workshops and celebrations.

Rich, Texan Culture

Texas flag and USA flag

One of the most popular lakes in Texas, Lake LBJ is visited by thousands of Texans from all over the state.

Named after the 36th U.S. president, who spent a great deal of his downtime on the lake, this lake brings a touch of Texan (and national) pride to the area.

The lake’s beauty, rich history, and lively atmosphere make a great day at the lake inevitable!

Interested in making Lake LBJ your home? Residents, lake experts, and real estate agents would tell you you’d be surprised at the variety of homes found on Lake LBJ’s 30 miles of shoreline.

Homes on the Lake LBJ market range anywhere from $80,000 to $7,000,000. To get a taste of the real estate diversity on Lake LBJ or browse our 468 listings, visit lakehomes.com or contact lake expert Bruce Jones.

Five Ways You Know You Are From Smith Lake, Alabama

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Lewis Smith Lake, or simply Smith Lake as it is known to locals, is located only one short hour from both Birmingham and Huntsville.

It’s convenient location near Bankhead National Forest gives the body of water a particularly secluded, heavily wooded feel.

A popular, yet peaceful lake, Smith Lake rivals the nation’s most beautiful lakes, thanks to it’s water clarity, stunning shoreline and diverse topography.

While every lake might claim pretty water and scenic views, you know few can compare to Smith.

1. You’ve never been anywhere more beautiful

clear water lewis smith lake, alabama

With many homes perched on picturesque bluffs or nestled among tall trees, Smith Lake is any outdoor photographer’s fantasy.

The lake, fed by the Black Warrior River, is also one of the deepest bodies of water in Alabama, and the western side of the lake borders the 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest.

So here is a question you always ask your friends: why travel across the country to visit a national park when you can just walk a few steps to one?

2. You drop off mail at William’s Grocery in Arley

william's grocery arley alabama
Photo courtesy of Lakes Online.

The closest post office is located in a tiny grocery store, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

At Smith Lake, knowing everyone’s name isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

You love the lake for its tight-knit community and small-town feel.

You delight in walking into any convenience store and finding the ice cream right next to the fishing bait.

Everyone knows each other, and the area has a country charm you wouldn’t trade for the world!

3.You know exactly where Three Fingers and The Smith Lake Castle are

One of the best parts about Smith Lake? Its many quirky landmarks and characteristics you won’t find any where else.

Three Fingers Rock, a popular rock formation, dares only the bravest jumpers to plunge 35 or 40 feet into the deep water below.

lewis smith lake castle home lake house for sale mr. smith lake justin dyar

Lewis Smith Lake is also home to “The Smith Lake Castle,” a 5,500-square-foot mansion resembling a centuries-old country estate in England.

When your friends climb on the boat, you’re always excited to showcase the personality and character of the lake.

4. You can see your toenails in the water

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Smith Lake is known to be the second-cleanest lake in the United States, behind only Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada.

Lose something in the shallow water? No problem.

What better feeling than to know the water in your lake is always pristine?

5. Holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back, relax and spend time with loved ones.

You know you’re a local when you’ve gathered with your loved ones in Smith Lake Park to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

At the lake, you know that whether it’s National Pancake Day or Memorial Day, you have the perfect excuse to take the day off and spend it on the water.

enjoy the view perfect vacation spot 4th of july

Ask any local and they will tell you that the best part about living on Smith Lake is the stunning, natural beauty of the area.

There is nothing quite like waking up and looking out your window to 21,200 acres of sparkling water.

With 958 listings around the lake, Lake Homes Realty is the best source for lake information and diverse listings for BOTH buyers and sellers.

For more information, visit http://www.lakehomes.com/ or contact Mr. Smith Lake, Justin Dyar.

7 Remarkable Lake Homes You Can Buy Today

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Some of the remarkable lake homes on this list are giant and luxurious while others are tiny (No really, we have a “tiny” lake house for sale), but all of them have unique qualities that make them stand-out properties for buyers.

1.    Have Your Own Peninsula on Lake Murray

Lake Murray Lake Home

Lake Murray Peninsula Home Master Bath
Lake Murray Peninsula Home Master Bath

A lake house on its own peninsula that has a huge rock staircase that goes right into the lake?

Lake Murray lake home water view
Lake Murray lake home water view

Believe it or not, this Lake Murray lake home with six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half-baths, has water on three sides.

It also features a master bath that

Lake Murray Elysium Front View
Lake Murray Elysium Front View

extends the full width of the house, as well as a Gunite pool.

Check out the photos and see all the crazy stuff this house has to offer for only $1,900,000.

 

 

 

 

 

Tiny House on Center Hill Lake
Tiny House on Center Hill Lake

2.    Tiny Lake Home For Under $200,000 In Tennessee

Think you can’t afford a lake house? This tiny lake home on Center Hill Lake might prove you wrong. For under $200,000, you can have this 1-bedroom, 1-bath Tennessee lake home with a humongous deck and gorgeous lake views.

3.    Elysium at Lake Murray

This home lives up to its fascinating name. Elysium has five bedrooms, four baths, and almost 5,000 square feet of luxurious living space. One thing that makes this South Carolina lake house particularly desirable is its construction. According to Doug Geisler of Lake Homes Realty, “[Elysium] is the most solidly constructed home I have ever put my feet in. You won’t hear a single squeak as you walk its floors or up its stairs. It is quite amazing.”

Lake Home

4.    Log Cabin Paradise on Cherokee Lake

Cherokee Lake real estate doesn’t get better than this! For only $695,000, this gorgeous lake home has five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, five garages, and a unique elevated tower with two levels of windows.  Four balconies and decks all face the lake and the 400 feet of dockable waterfront shoreline on this 2-acre lot. There are also multiple fireplaces, custom carvings, and stained glass windows in this amazing house.

Video of Cherokee Lake Home

Log Cabin at Cherokee Hill
Log Cabin at Cherokee Hill

Living Room in Cherokee Lake Log Cabin
Living Room in Cherokee Lake Log Cabin

5.    “The Castle” at Lewis Smith Lake

With its impressive size and high rock walls, this Smith Lake lake home is affectionately known as “Smith Lake Castle.” Located on 18 acres overlooking the main channel, this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is one of the most interesting properties you will ever see anywhere.

For starters, the master suite covers an entire floor. There is extensive custom tile work, a gourmet kitchen, a beautiful solarium, and dozens of windows. If that’s not enough, there is also a workshop with a five-car garage.

Water View of Smith Lake Castle
Water View of Smith Lake Castle

Aerial View of the Smith Lake Castle
Aerial View of the Smith Lake Castle

Smith Lake Castle Workshop and Garage

 6.    Off the Grid on Norris Lake

This romantic lakefront home is located on Norris Lake about 50 miles from Knoxville, Tenn. What makes this three-bedroom, three-bath lake home special is the state-of-the-art wood stove that delivers high-efficiency heat, and its unique lake-drawn water system. A wonderful bonus is the home’s convenient proximity to a 24,000-acre wildlife management area.

Norris Lake Front View of Lake Home
Norris Lake Front View of Lake Home

Norris Lake Dinning View Over the Lake
Norris Lake Dinning View Over the Lake

7.    Stunning Lake Sinclair Lake Home for Under $600,000

This property stands out in almost every way. Landscaped grounds will make you feel like you are in Augusta, Georgia, instead of at Lake Sinclair. A gazebo-style screened dining room, and full-size lakefront deck that spans the main level, will give you perfect waterfront views whether your family is enjoying a leisure dinner or afternoon drinks. An outdoor kitchen, outdoor stacked-stone fireplace, in-ground saltwater heated spa, and surround-sound speakers inside and out will make sure you never want to leave! This gorgeous home has everything you could ask for in a lake house.

Lakeside Lawn

Screened in Dining Room

Lake Sinclair Outdoor Fireplace
Lake Sinclair Outdoor Fireplace

6 Reasons We Prefer a Lake Home to a Beach House

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Lake House VS Beach house what is the best for me | Lake Homes Realty

There are cat people and there are dog people. Chocolate or vanilla? Lake home or beach house? When it comes down to it, there is no right or wrong answer, but here are six reasons why we prefer a lake home to a beach house!

Reason #1: Sand

Little girl playing in sand at beach

Sand. Sand everywhere.

If you spend time out on the beach, prepare to bring pounds of it back home with you.

You can rest assured that the hard-to-clean-up substance will end up in your shoes, your car, all around the house, and even in the bed.

Oh, and that’s without even mentioning sand spurs or sand gnats/flies!

Reason #2: Salt Water

Some may prefer the saltwater to the freshwater, but it’s nice to be able to look around underwater unaided by goggles and without burning your eyes.

Reason #3: Sharks

No swimming sharks sign

While not a completely rational fear, there is a percentage of the population who is afraid of sharks.

If that’s the case, come on over to the lake.

There are no freshwater sharks, with the exception of the bull shark, which can travel up rivers but generally stays near the coast.

Not to mention, there is no way for a bull shark to get over a man-made dam which almost all lakes of size are created by.

Reason #4: Rope Swings/Cliff Faces

Man swinging on rope swing at lake with dog

Beaches do not offer trees, nor does it offer a “deep area” where someone can just jump in the water from some height.

You are forced to wade into the shallow water until it gradually gets deeper.

On the other hand, lakes can be hundreds of feet deep right at the edge of the shoreline. This provides ample opportunity for cliff jumping, launching from a rope swing, or perfecting your dive!

Reason #5: Docks

Older retired man relaxing on dock at lake

A large portion of lakeside properties includes a private dock or the ability to construct one, whereas many beach homes do not.

Similar to reason 4, this can provide a platform to dive into the water, even from as high as 25 feet if you have a double-decker dock.

In addition to diving, the dock provides an excellent platform to fish from, and many species of fish will naturally take cover in the water under the dock.

It’s also the perfect place to relax or hang out.

You can grill out, sunbathe, read a book, or whatever you’d like, all the while enjoying the sounds and scenery of being right on the lake.

Reason #6: Cost/Availability

Historic Charleston lake community on Colonial Lake

While both freshwater and coastal shorelines can only provide a finite amount of real estate, there are actually many more miles of lake shoreline than coastal.

In fact, there are more lake shoreline miles in the state of Alabama than there are coastline miles on the entire Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico (in the U.S.) combined.

What does this boil down to? Supply and demand.

Both properties are more costly than your average primary home, but there is a much larger supply of lake property, making it a lower price point in many instances.

At the end of the day, both lake and beach properties make for fantastic getaways. And though we may be a little bit biased, there are pros and cons to each location.

We just choose to head to the lake.

Do you prefer the lake? If so let us know why in the comments below!

Tiny Home Living, Is it For You?

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

One of the latest ways of alternative living is residing in a tiny home. This movement has started a few short years ago and does not seem to be slowing down.

tiny home living at the lakeIt doesn’t seem like a fad, but a popular alternative way of life. Thousands of people are opting for a mortgage free life to ease the pain of the current economy.

Why are tiny houses so popular?

Can you imagine living free of rent, with no mortgage, and tiny utility bills? Those who seek out tiny houses are searching for just that. They offer a way to live limited monthly bills.

Economic and the environmental changes can force us to re-evaluate our way of life. As it turns out, there are many people who have opted for this cheap way of life in order to sustain their family or themselves.

What are tiny homes?

Tiny homes offer a simple way of life with a beautiful small home, yet has everything that you need to live. Traditionally, these small homes are measured to be around 8 X 16 feet. They normally contain a sleeping loft, living area, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

They can be constructed to fit a trailer so that they are able to be moved very easily. They offer individuals the chance at homeownership without having to purchase large lots of land for them to reside on. For some, tiny living allows them to live off the grid, since the tiny homes are able to generate their own electricity, as well as water.

Some aspects of living in a tiny home are very different than a normal home. Storage is very limited and belongings are restricted to almost the bare minimum.

How do you purchase a tiny home?

There are different companies that will offer you custom built tiny homes or you can build your own with typical construction materials or with a kit.

There are other companies that offer you a shell, which comes ready to travel on the trailer, with a roof, windows, and the door. You are responsible for building the inside how you would like it.

Where can you park your tiny home?

Parking will ultimately be dependent on how your home is registered. Most tiny homes are registered as RVs. This means that you can park your tiny home on RV lots and other places that are RV friendly.

However, there are some tiny homes that are classified as a mobile home. In this case you will be able to park your tiny home wherever mobile homes are welcome.

Tiny homes can be a perfect fit for someone who wants to spend all their time at the lake out on the lake. They provide a place to clean up, sleep and eat to recharge then head back out on the water.

Tiny homes may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t look like this movement is going anywhere anytime soon!

 

Quick DIY Home Repairs to Increase Your Home Value

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you are looking for cheap and easy ways to enhance your home, then you will love the information listed here. There are some DIY home repairs listed that will increase the speed that your home sells.

Kitchen

Kitchen designThis is one of the rooms in the home that can make or break the sell. Even if it is a smaller kitchen, it can be perceived as “comfortable” and not small. You can redo the kitchen very cheaply.

Make sure that you offer a fresh coat of paint. It is best to use light colors to brighten the kitchen up. When it comes to your pantry or cabinets, organize them to show that it can be spacious. You can even change out the kitchen faucet to make it look fresh for a minimum price.

Appliances

Although it may not be a big deal for you, appliances that do not match can put a buyer off. You can order new doors or panels. You can make the appliances match each other to offer an improved appeal.

This includes appliances like the microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances that are included in the kitchen.

Bathroom

Bathroom designBesides the kitchen, the bathroom is another focus point when a homebuyer is inspecting a potential home. You can upgrade the bathroom or make it look fresh with very little money, so do not worry too much about cost.

If the flooring is not fresh looking, it can be fairly cheap to retile the floors. Bleach the tub, the toilet, and the sinks. Get rid of any orders or stains. Maybe even consider re-grouting them.

Flooring

Sure, you may have installed that carpet a few short years ago; however, it never hurts to give it a deep clean! Rent a carpet cleaner and clean it well. It will rid them of smells and it will bring new life to them.

If you have hardwoods underneath your carpet it may serve you well to rip up the carpet and refinish the wood underneath for an updated look.

Storage

Typically, older homes do not offer a lot of storage space. However, you can remedy this by installing shelving or building a closet for a small price.

Fixes are easy to do when you are determined to sell your home. Small things like fresh paint and getting rid of a hole in the wall can spruce up the home enough to sell it fast.

7 Reasons People Love Lake Living

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are two kinds of people: one that wants to live on a lake and the second is those who do. If you are wondering why lake living is so wonderful, then keep on reading. By the end of this list, you’ll wish your home was located next to a lake too.

1. Lake Fun

Lake Fun: Swimming

You will never run out of things to do! Lake living has its perks, and water activities are definitely on the top of the list. The lake will provide you with an avenue to have fun or to entertain the best events throughout the year. Here are just some of the activities you can do when owning a lake property:

  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Fishing
  • Boating

2. Relaxation

Woman relaxing on boat enjoying the view

There are studies that support the claim that water provides relaxation. Of course, it is quite obvious that it does. Remember those days when you visited the lake, all those comforting feelings and how you felt so happy?

The lake can provide this on a daily basis when you actually live on the lake. After a long day’s work, coming home to see the peaceful and serene visuals the lake offers instantly relaxes the homeowner. Imagine sitting on the patio and just soaking in the sun peering at peacefulness.

3. Privacy

Homes that are located on lots by the lake are typically more isolated from the public. If you are further from or have greenery blocking your neighbors; this means that you have more privacy.

You also have matured trees and nature surrounding your home that acts as a natural privacy “fence” that offers shielding from roads, neighbors, and people passing by.

4. Traffic

Autumnal road with colorful trees

Traffic can be annoying, especially when you live on a busy road or near a highway.

The traffic noises are intrusive and if you have animals or children, it can be quite dangerous. Say goodbye to all those semi-trucks, construction vehicles, and public buses.

5. Wildlife

Duck with baby ducklings following

All life needs water to sustain themselves. You live on a lake, so all of those beautiful and majestic animals share in your home.

You will see geese, ducks, deer, and so many other creatures of the wild.

6. Entertaining

Fourth of July at the lake party

You can host cookouts, birthday parties, annual summer parties, and so much more at your lake house.

You can even throw a bonfire party when the seasons begin to change that involves an overnight get-together where your guests can swim, fish, and roast marshmallows.

7. Community

Community of lake homeowners paddleboarding together

In this area, people tend to build very strong bonds with each other. You have a common bond: the love for the outdoors. It is extremely easy to get to know your neighbors when you spend time on your dock. You will pass by each other on your boats or go paddleboarding together. It is not like a typical neighborhood where you will just wave to each other whenever you get your mail.

Living on the lake is an amazing lifestyle. It is not just a home location. You will love your community and everything a lake has to offer. Choosing to live on a lake is a choice that is easy to make, and there are lakes to fit every desired lifestyle. If you think living on a lake may be the right choice for you, take a look at our homes for sale across the nation.