Tag: lake homes

Five Ways You Know You Are From Smith Lake, Alabama

Posted on Staff

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 toes 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

Posted on Staff

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

Posted on Staff
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

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

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

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

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

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.

It 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.

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

This 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

Besides 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

5 Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

This article was updated on August 15, 2019.

When you choose to sell your home, you will need to pick the best real estate agent available so that your house does not sit on the market for longer than it should. Choosing a real estate agent can be difficult, but these are five qualities you should look for in a real estate agent.

1. Expertise

Selling lake homes is very different from selling off-lake properties. Make sure the agent you choose to work with is a lake expert who knows the lake, shoreline restrictions, water levels, and nearby attractions.

2. Communication

You’d be surprised to hear of how many bad experiences buyers have had with agents who could not communicate. In addition to being knowledgeable, your agent should be an excellent communicator who keeps you up-to-date with each step of your transaction’s process.

3. Integrity

You can tell a lot about a real estate agent by reading testimonials from past clients. You may find that the agent you are interested in may not be as honest as they appear to be. So, you will also need to make sure the agent is honest with you.

You will need them to be honest and brave enough to tell you the truth about the property. You may want to sell your home for $400k, but the agent knows it will only sell for $300k you want them to be upfront with this information.

Remember, candor denotes trust.

4. Schedule

Real estate can be an extremely demanding business. The real estate agent you choose to work with should be able to manage their schedule efficiently.

If a buyer only has a specific window of time during which they can view a property, you need to be confident that your agent will be on time to the showing.

5. Industry Knowledge

Your agent should have extensive knowledge of the local market. The agent should be intimately familiar with state and local real estate laws, the home selling process, and every aspect of the real estate game.

Such knowledge is crucial to ensuring that there are no omitted details in contracts and other aspects of the sale of your home.

It is also important that you meet your agent in person and ask for a portfolio. Do not be shy to ask questions or vet multiple real estate agents.

It is your home and your money that they are responsible for in the end. Do plenty of online research and make sure you find a qualified lake expert agent to help you through the process.

Turn Your Lake Home Into a Smart Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Recently, as technology is developing rapidly and making our lives easier, it is being spread to all areas of our life. One such area that has become a trend for technology advancements is the home. Here are some ways to turn your lake home into a smart home:

Entry Security

New gadgets for your home access makes it easier than ever to gain entry to your home. These new smart locks can have different ways to verify your identity, from a door lock that reads and recognizes finger prints to ones that grant access using bluetooth on your smartphone.

Cooling and heating

 House cooling and heating accounts for a great part of energy consumption to keep everyone comfortable. New smart thermostats can implement a technology that will give you the ability to control and monitor energy usage and temperature settings with a simple app on your phone.

It will learn your family’s lifestyle and daily routine- when members leave and when they come back. It can also be controlled remotely with your phone. Turn the air conditioner on 20 minutes before coming home and you will have a cool welcome without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

Automation in every part of your house

This feature used to be part of science fiction movies decades ago. But, it is a part of reality in 21st century.

You can automate the interior shades and exterior ones, control the pool temperature, lights, and music choice as well before your friends arrive with a simple wireless device. Many of these devices can be controlled from your smartphone, no matter where you are in the world!

Smart TV

High definition, LED TV’s do more than just display images. Many TV’s today are Wifi enabled and have built in apps for your favorite entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.

The implementation of these smart home technologies is increasing daily. What was unrealistic and expensive yesterday, is present and affordable today.

4 Easy to Miss Items to Look for When Shopping for a Lake Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are lots of people in the world who would simply jump at the chance to purchase a lake home, but like purchasing any piece of property, it should never be rushed.

It is advised that you should consider a home inspection for your potential lake home, before you decide to splash the cash on your dream retreat. This will ensure that you will get the maximum value from your investment and will not live to regret the decision to purchase the lake home. So if you are considering purchasing a lake home, then you should look for the following things in a home inspection for a lake home:

The Water Counts

A lot of people don’t consider checking the actual lake when they are purchasing a lake home, which is probably one of the biggest mistakes that you can make. It may seem like only water to you at first, but there are certain water lots, which you don’t want at all with your lake home. Check to see how much waterfront footage you have on your lake, which should ideally be 100 feet or more.

Door Facing the Water

If you were living in the city, you would want to have curb appeal with your home. But, when you are living on a lake, all you should care about is pier appeal.

Check to see if there is a main door facing the lake, since you are going to want to see a whole lot of lake in your lake home. This means that every room in the house should provide you with a view of the lake, whether it is the kitchen, the dining room or the bedroom. A lake home without a great view of the lake from all rooms is less than ideal.

Topography is Essential

Not many people know this, but when you are living at a lake house, you have to consider the topography of the water lot as well. If you are going to go swimming and floating, then you should have a flat lot, which means that the water in the lake will not be deep.

If, however, you want to take your boat out every day, then you would need a steeper lot, which would mean deeper water. It may seem as a simple choice, but it all counts towards the appeal of your lake home.

Docks Are Important

It is also important to check the quality of the docks. Make sure that boards aren’t missing or loose and there are no jagged nails.

Living on the lake is a lifelong dream of most people and it is one of the best ways to spend your retirement days in comfort and relaxation as well.