Now is the time when you have decided to either buy a lake home or sell the one you currently have. However, you have to make a pretty big decision, which real estate agent to work with? Before you decide to choose one randomly, check out what Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has to say when it comes to mistakes made when hiring an agent.
Generalist Instead Of Specialist: The biggest mistake people usually make is hiring an agent who doesn’t specialize in lake real estate. A general real estate agent might know the nuances of transactions and other facets of the real estate world but not necessarily the ins and outs of the lake market. There are many different rules and regulations when it comes to buying and selling within the realm of lake real estate.
Family As A Favor: Everyone would love to help out family, especially if they are new to the world of real estate. There are other ways to help out your family without negatively affecting your transactions. This is where working with a specialist really benefits you.
Just Picking A Friend: Similarly to the family aspect, working alongside someone who knows what it really takes to work within this market is always going to be better than simply just someone you know. That friend might not know the exact questions that need to be asked and a plethora of other things that a seasoned lake agent will know.
Only Think Local: This is particularly a mistake when selling. There are ways to target buyers in various parts of the country. This will help directly target lake buyers within many different states. A lake agent knows how to go about this and the ways you can truly target dedicated lake buyers.
These 4 mistakes are common in selling lake properties. However, they don’t have to be. A great way to avoid these is by working alongside a seasoned lake real estate expert. There are many different agents who would love to help you navigate the process of buying or selling lake property. Check them out at https://www.lakehomes.com/ and ask any other questions you might have.
A survey conducted recently has pinpointed the leading vacation home markets for 2025, showcasing locations that have become increasingly popular among buyers in search of secondary residences. This trend mirrors larger changes in consumer tastes and economic factors impacting the real estate market.
“Across all lake properties listed on LakeHomes.com, the average price is more accessible at $539,739. In Oklahoma, the total market value for lake homes and lots is $857,348,690, up 5% from spring 2024. The total number of listings is 2,587, up from 2,319 last spring.” – The Journal Record
Although vacation home markets are thriving, it is crucial for potential buyers to conscientiously evaluate financial and market conditions before delving into such investments.
An Alabama home on Smith Lake fetched a staggering $43.45 million, shattering the previous record for the priciest property sold in the area. With breathtaking lakefront vistas, exquisite custom details, and top-notch amenities, this luxury estate turned heads among affluent buyers. The transaction represents a major achievement in the local real estate sector, underscoring a rising demand for premium lakeside residences. In a significant real estate development, a residence located on Smith Lake in Alabama was recently sold for a remarkable $43.45 million, surpassing the previous record for the highest-priced property ever sold in that region. This luxurious estate boasts stunning views of the lakefront, intricate bespoke details, and exceptional amenities that captured the attention of wealthy potential buyers. The sale of this opulent property signifies a notable milestone in the local real estate industry and highlights an increasing desire for high-end lakeside homes among discerning individuals.
“Justin Dyar with Lake Homes Realty represented the sellers and J.W. Hightower with Lake Homes Realty represented the buyers in the transaction.” – BBJ
A Smith Lake home in Alabama was sold for $43.45 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a property in the region. The luxury estate, known for its expansive lakefront views, custom design, and impressive amenities, attracted significant attention from high-end buyers. This sale marks a significant milestone in the area’s real estate market, reflecting growing interest in exclusive lake properties.
“The seven-bedroom, seven-and-a-half bath house in the Pointe Sixteen Development, bested the previous record price of $3.6 million, according to Lake Homes Realty.” – AL.com
In the Pointe Sixteen community on Smith Lake, a prestigious waterfront estate has been sold for $4.345 million, setting a new record as the most expensive home ever sold in the area. Previously, the highest price recorded was $3.6 million. This Craftsman-style residence, crafted by luxury home builder Casey Wheeler of Wheeler Homes in 2023, sprawls across 9,470 square feet on a generous 1.82-acre lot. Boasting seven bedrooms and seven and a half bathrooms, along with a spacious 3,146-square-foot basement and a five-stall garage, this property is truly impressive. Its address is situated at 351 County Rd 2014 in Crane Hill, Alabama. The sellers were represented by Justin Dyar from Lake Homes Realty while J.W. Hightower from the same agency assisted the buyers – who were already proud owners of real estate on Smith Lake.
“Smith Lake continues to be one of our most popular lakes nationwide. We congratulate Justin and Casey on this incredible achievement, which stands as a testament to their dedication and vision in shaping the luxury market on Lewis Smith Lake. – Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty from Bama Buzz
When you are buying or selling, there may be terms thrown around, such as ” Highest” or “Best” when referring to offers. In reality, it’s not an auction. It’s actually the furthest thing from it. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, breaks down the different meaning meanings behind these terms.
Not An Auction!
Highest $ May Not Win: The highest is strictly just a number. This does not ensure whoever offers the highest amount will be the one purchasing the property. The seller is the one who decides who they want to do a transaction with.
Seller Selects Their Buyer: When it comes down to the transaction, it is fully up to the seller to decide how and if they want to proceed.
Look To “De-risk The Deal”– Remove the probability the seller might become uncomfortable with the offer.
Cash Versus Mortgage: Over half of the transactions done at Lake Homes Realty are made in cash. That doesn’t mean mortgages don’t happen. In the instances when a mortgage is in play, there is always the chance it won’t go through. There could even be an appraisal gap. Using cash is one less risk.
Timeframe Might Be Important: A seller could want to move very quickly or they might not have a time constraint. Utilizing the time frame and the nuances that come with it can help to make your offer the best.
Size Of Earnest Money: As a seller, seeing someone with a bigger size of earnest money can lead the seller to think they have more intent on wanting to purchase the home.
Fewer Contingencies: It’s not just the mortgage aspect. There could be home inspections, HOA fees, and a whole list of other things. If you are able to eliminate any of those extra contingencies, that can remove the possibility that the seller is uncomfortable.
Simplicity: If things become too complex, it can lead to the seller becoming confused, which, in turn, leads to the seller saying no.
When it really comes down to it, the “Highest and Best” offer can be great but can also hold a lot more nuance than people might realize. If you still have questions regarding which ways to navigate offers, talk with an agent at https://www.lakehomes.com/. They would be more than happy to help you along your real estate journey.
For lakefront property owners, maintaining a beautiful landscape often means battling excessive water consumption, frequent mowing, and constant upkeep. But what if you could have a lush, thriving outdoor space that enhances biodiversity, conserves water, and requires minimal maintenance? Wild landscaping, often called native or meadow landscaping, is an eco-friendly alternative that replaces traditional grass lawns with native plants, wildflowers, and ground covers suited to the local environment. Whether you swap small lawn patches for pollinator-friendly flowers or fully convert your property into a natural oasis, wild landscaping provides a sustainable way to enjoy a scenic and thriving lakeside retreat. Here are six regionally tailored landscaping alternatives to consider for your lakefront property.
A wildflower meadow offers a vibrant, low-maintenance solution for property owners in the Eastern lake regions, such as the Finger Lakes or Adirondacks. Native flowers like black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and milkweed attract bees and butterflies while thriving in the region’s moderate rainfall. When establishing a meadow, planting a mix of seeds in the fall or early spring is best to ensure they receive full sun and well-drained soil. Once the plants establish strong roots, minimal watering is needed, making this option water-efficient and visually stunning.
Photo courtesy of James Scott – The Garden Company via Homes & Gardens
Woodland Ground Covers
Lake properties in the Mid-Atlantic, including Deep Creek Lake and Smith Mountain Lake, often feature partially wooded areas ideal for native ground covers. Instead of maintaining grass in shady spots, consider planting ferns, wild ginger, and foamflower, which flourish with minimal care. These plants reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and provide a lush, green understory. To establish a ground cover, plant in early spring and use natural mulch to retain moisture while reducing the need for irrigation.
Southeastern lakes like those in Georgia and the Carolinas experience hot summers, making drought-resistant landscaping essential. Native prairie grasses like switchgrass, little bluestem, and muhly grass offer a hardy, ornamental alternative to traditional lawns. Once established, these grasses require little to no watering and add movement and texture to the landscape. For best results, plant in late spring and trim back in early winter to encourage new growth.
The Northern Great Lakes region, encompassing areas like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, is home to a cooler climate with naturally occurring boreal forests. Native ferns, blueberry bushes, and wild columbine thrive here with minimal intervention. These plants provide seasonal interest, from spring blooms to fall foliage, while supporting local wildlife. To create a boreal-inspired landscape, plant in early summer and allow natural leaf litter to act as mulch, reducing watering needs and enhancing soil health.
A rain garden is a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for lakefront homes in the Pacific Northwest, such as those near Washington’s Lake Chelan or Oregon’s Crater Lake. Rain gardens use native plants like sedges, Pacific bleeding heart, and Douglas aster to absorb excess water and prevent runoff. Planted in a shallow depression, these gardens filter pollutants and enhance local biodiversity. To establish one, choose a location where water naturally collects, amend the soil for good drainage, and plant in early fall for strong root development before winter rains.
Lakefront properties in Texas, including those around Lake Travis and Possum Kingdom Lake, face intense heat and drought conditions. Xeriscaping—landscaping that relies on drought-tolerant plants—provides a resilient alternative. Native succulents like agave and yucca and hardy shrubs such as Texas sage and mountain laurel create a stunning, low-water landscape. To maximize efficiency, use gravel or decomposed granite as mulch and group plants with similar water needs. Watering should be minimal to occasional deep soaking during prolonged dry periods.
By embracing wild landscaping tailored to your lake region, you can create a low-maintenance, water-conscious outdoor space that enhances the natural beauty of your property. Whether incorporating a wildflower meadow in the East, a rain garden in the Pacific Northwest, or drought-resistant xeriscaping in Texas, each approach fosters biodiversity while reducing environmental impact. Making the shift away from traditional lawns conserves water and encourages a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem that enhances your lakefront retreat for years to come. For more gardening and landscaping inspiration, visit Lake Home Lifestyles.
Selling a lake home comes with several questions, but some are better than others. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses 5 questions to avoid when selling a lake home.
“How many views did my listing get online?” The truth is that there’s no right answer to this question. If you get plenty of views, you start to think the websites aren’t good or the buyers aren’t serious. However, if you aren’t getting any, you’re still upset since there’s no traffic. The right amount of views is the one that leads to a transaction. The real reason sellers ask this is to know why they aren’t getting a transaction. Most of the time, if the property is marketed well, the home isn’t properly priced.
“Should we counter-offer?” In negotiation, you always counter-offer. Not giving a counteroffer eliminates any chance of a negotiation. Counter-offers aren’t always about price; they can include extra property or furniture. Work through the negotiation to keep the discussion going until you reach a transaction.
“Can you co-list with my relative?” What this question really means is that you want to hire an agent to do the work and split the check with your relative. If you don’t feel your agent is worth the money, don’t hire them.
“Where is your office?” Office location for lake agents isn’t important. Most lake home buyers come from cities or states away and don’t want to come into town to look at an office. Lake home buyers would rather look at the house than go to an office.
“Does your brokerage have a lot of agents?” This is more of a filler question when interviewing agents. Instead, ask them how they differentiate themselves from the other agents to be successful.
Asking your agent the right questions can make a world of difference when selling lake homes. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents who are ready to guide you to a successful transaction.
Lake home sellers use some common phrases that may end up costing them money. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses 4 things lake home sellers say that could backfire.
“Let’s leave room for negotiations.” No matter what price you set for your house, the buyer will always try to meet you somewhere between your price and their price. Additionally, appropriately priced homes sell quickly and don’t sit on the market. Intentionally overpricing causes frustration and costs you money by having your home sit on the market.
“We can reduce the price later.” Lake Homes Realty data suggests that overpriced homes don’t get offers and sit on the market. Overpriced homes also cause contention with your agent, as you believe they aren’t doing their job well. Once you start reducing your price, you’re training buyers to offer lower than the list price.
“This is the price I need so I can…” Often, sellers price their home with the intention of paying for a trip, debt, or some other expense. However, this has nothing to do with what the market says. Buyers don’t care about what you want to buy with the transaction money. Your home will only sell for what the market says it’s worth, not what you need to pay for something else.
“I really don’t have to sell.” Listing a home costs everyone involved time and money. If you don’t have to sell, then don’t. Playing around with the market costs you and other people a lot of time and money.
These common phrases often cost sellers extra time and money. Selling a lake home is a business transaction, so you should treat it like one. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to guide you through lake real estate.
![[The Journal Record] Survey reveals top vacation home markets in 2025](https://www.lakehomes.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pexels-max-vakhtbovych-6527069-1240x550.jpg)
![[Birmingham Business Journal] Smith Lake mansion sells for record-breaking, multimillion-dollar price](https://www.lakehomes.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6UONFE3XBVCL5AMV7GXACCU4II-800x550.jpg)
![[Bama Buzz] Record-breaking $4.3M home sold at Smith Lake](https://www.lakehomes.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/351-County-Rd-2014-Crane-Hill-1122x550.png)
