Tag: lake life

Fishing Beyond Limits: Top Apps for an Enhanced Experience

Posted on Oscar Gipson
Photo Courtesy of Gink and Gasoline

Fishing has evolved far beyond a simple rod and bait. Gone are the days of relying solely on instinct and experience; now, anglers can leverage the power of smartphone apps to track weather conditions, map out the best fishing spots, log their catches, and connect with other fishermen. These apps are essential companions; whether for seasoned anglers or novices, they help maximize fishing experiences.

FishBrain

Photo Courtesy of Bass Fishing Blog

Fishbrain is a social networking app designed specifically for anglers. With over 15 million catches logged in its database, Fishbrain allows users to log their catches, share photos and tips, and connect with other fishermen in their area. The app also provides detailed fishing forecasts, including water temperature, wind speed, and barometric pressure information.

ANGLR

Photo Courtesy of ANGLR

Are you longing for a solution to plan, track, and analyze your fishing adventures? Look no further than ANGLR! This innovative app enables users to log detailed trip information, such as catch locations, weather conditions, and tackle used. Moreover, ANGLR’s mapping features empower anglers to create custom spots, track routes, and seamlessly share their experiences with others. Additionally, ANGLR offers advanced analytics tools that allow users to identify trends in their fishing data, enabling them to fine-tune their strategies and enhance their success rates over time. With its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, ANGLR emerges as the ultimate companion for both weekend warriors and seasoned pros looking to elevate their fishing game.

Fishidy

Photo Courtesy of Apple App Store

With access to detailed maps of over 20,000 waterways across the United States, Fishidy provides users with invaluable insights into underwater structures, fishing hotspots, and local fishing reports. Its interactive maps empower anglers to plan their trips with precision, ensuring they target the most promising fishing locations. Moreover, Fishidy’s premium subscription offers advanced mapping and personalized fishing recommendations, maximizing users’ time on the water. By seamlessly combining cutting-edge technology with a vast database of fishing knowledge, Fishidy emerges as an indispensable tool for all anglers.

Navionics

Photo Courtesy of Navionics

Empowering users with detailed maps of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas worldwide, Navionics stands as an essential navigation app for anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. Its features, like depth contours and navigation aids, ensure users navigate unfamiliar waters confidently. Moreover, Navionics encourages community interaction, enabling anglers to share experiences and tips. This app becomes an invaluable companion, providing navigation assistance and creating a collaborative space for users to enhance their maritime expertise.


As the art of fishing embraces the digital age, these innovative apps have become essential companions for anglers, transforming how fishing experiences are planned and executed. From FishBrain’s social networking prowess to ANGLR’s comprehensive trip tracking and analytics tools, each app caters to the diverse needs of anglers, be they seasoned pros or eager novices. Fishidy’s detailed maps and Navionics’ global navigation features further underscore technology’s transformative impact on the fishing landscape. In this interconnected realm of apps, anglers are not just tracking catches or planning routes; they’re fostering a community and enhancing their overall maritime experience. These apps have ushered in a new era where angling isn’t just a pastime but a collaborative and tech-driven adventure.

Whiteboard Topics: 5 Questions Lake Home Buyers Should Answer

Posted on Zac Parnell

Buying a home means asking and answering questions. Before you start the buying process, know that you should be prepared to answer specific questions. Knowing specific things about what you’re looking for will tremendously help your real estate agent and improve the experience. Today, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, explains a few questions you should be ready to answer.

  1. Sunrise or Sunset? If you are looking for a lake home with views, specifically one of these views, you need to know which you prefer. Narrowing down if you’d prefer a sunrise or sunset view can help pinpoint areas of the lake to look at. 
  2. Convenience or Solitude? This is one to really keep in mind. If you want the most privacy you can get, you have to be aware that you may be giving up convenience. This is something to thoroughly think about before making any type of decision. 
  3. People Traffic: Let’s say you do want a lake home with more solitude; you still need to think of the location. You might not have many neighbors, but if the road your home is on leads to even more private properties, there could be more traffic. This can also play into boat traffic. Solitude on land doesn’t always mean the same for the lake.
  4. Waterfront, Water View, or Water Access? Price points can change drastically depending on which of these 3 you’re looking into. Not only that, but what you might think is waterfront could very well just be water access. This is something to keep in mind.
  5. Full-Service or DIY (Do It Yourself)? Are you looking more for a home where you take care of everything or something where people in the community can come and help? Some communities take care of the trash, mow the lawn, and many other things. If you want more responsibility for your lake home, then DIY is where you should be looking.

Being able to answer these 5 questions is important if you’re thinking of buying a lake home. If you’re not sure where to begin with these, check out https://www.lakehomes.com/ for more information. You can also contact one of our lake experts for guidance through the buying process!

Whiteboard Topics: Do Lake Markets Match Reach Estate Headlines?

Posted on Zac Parnell

If you’ve looked for real estate in your life, you’ve seen the different headlines about real estate markets. Now, if you happen to be looking for a lake home, you may think to yourself, “Do those headlines pertain to lake markets, too?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, dives into why these don’t typically match up.

  1. Location, Location, Location: This is a big contributing factor for lake real estate. Oftentimes, the headlines revolve around residential properties. The location of a lake changes the property value of a home. In fact, demand, popularity, and price can all be determined by the location of lake homes.
  2. “Phantom” Inventory: Because there is a big demand for lake properties, some homes are selling and some simply aren’t. This can be attributed to what is priced right and what isn’t. This leads the market to look inflated when it’s actually due to this “phantom” inventory. 
  3. Discretionary Homes: Some people who are looking to sell their lake home might be sitting on it due to a lack of urgency. This differs from residential real estate, where many homeowners are trying to sell as soon as possible.
  4. More Second Homes: If the lake property isn’t your main home, you’re not under a time constraint trying to get out and into your next. This leads to longer transaction periods. 
  5. More Investment Properties: Regardless of whether you use it as your second home or as a rental property, you’re putting money into it. What this means is that you’re creating new buyer demand.
  6. Mortgage Rates Not as Influential: It would surprise you how many lake property transactions are made with cash. Having more cash transactions means mortgages aren’t as impactful. 

In other words, these tips should give more insight into the reasoning behind lake market headlines not matching with other real estate. Another great way to gain more information is to reach out to a lake expert. If that’s something you’re thinking about, check out LakeHomes.com/agents to connect with one of our agents today!

Whiteboard Topics: How Weak Real Estate Agents Fool Consumers

Posted on Zac Parnell

Buying or selling a home typically means you’re going to be working with a real estate agent. You might look and look, trying to find the best one. You also might decide to use somebody that you know in the business. When it all boils down, the best thing to do is to choose someone who knows what they’re doing. These strong real estate agents know how to keep on top of everything and not lead you astray. Today, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses how a weaker agent might not be the best fit. 

  1. Years in Real Estate: Someone who has many years in this business might boast about it. While this doesn’t inherently mean they’re not good, it means you need to look at what took place during those years. Were they effective with the market in those years? Or changed things up to ensure success? All these points take precedence over a certain number of years.
  2. High Number of Listings: If they have a high number, that can mean that they are moving transactions. However, some agents have a ton of listings that end up not going anywhere; they simply stay stagnant. 
  3. Number of Certifications: Certifications can play a huge part in becoming a great agent. But those certifications alone aren’t that meaningful if transactions and experiences aren’t there along with them. Being able to apply the certification knowledge comes into play in distinguishing between two types of agents.
  4. Number of Websites: You can have your home listed on many different sites. What it really comes down to, however, is if the website is getting a lot of traffic. More people see your listing on a website like LakeHomes.com as opposed to your home being listed on 10 low-traffic sites.
  5. Office Location: A buyer would much rather see a property as opposed to an office. The typical buyer is much more likely to find a property online and not need to come into an office. At the end of the day, having a physical location doesn’t really move the needle.
  6. Number of Brokerage Agents: Your listing will be put on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Agents within that market who have buyers interested will want to bring them to view that property. Having agents at the same brokerage doesn’t really matter when it comes down to it.
  7. Commission % Versus Net $: The biggest thing you need to know is how much you will net in cash when it comes down to selling it. 

These 7 tips can be intersectional in the way that a great agent can have them but still perform well. The thing you need to watch out for is if the agent is using these things to cover lower execution. If you’re looking for a great agent that can help you sell or buy a property, check out LakeHomes.com. There are many agents who would love to help out!

Whiteboard Topics: Is It A Good Time To Buy Or Sell A Lake Home In 2024?

Posted on Zac Parnell

Have you been pondering the idea of buying a lake home? Maybe you’re considering selling the one you currently have. You also might be thinking to yourself, is it even a good time to do either of these things? Lucky for you, Glenn Phillips, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, discusses whether it’s the right time to buy or sell. 

  1. “Hot”… but Not Exactly: The demand for a lake home is still there. Buyers are continually on the hunt for the property they’ve been dreaming of. On the other end of things, not many transactions are taking place. However, the transaction flow is on the rise. 
  2. FOR SALE Inventory Increasing: There are plenty of properties for sale at the current time. The issue with it is phantom inventory
  3. “Phantom” Inventory: This essentially means there is a property where the seller has overpriced it. Not only is it overpriced, but the buyer can realize the property’s pricing isn’t what it should be. This leads to properties just sitting there and not having a transaction happen. When the property is set at a reasonable price, it moves through the market quickly.
  4. Seller Tip: Do Not Overprice: From a selling point of view, it is a good time to sell. The caveat to that is making sure you know how to properly price your lake home. A good way to ensure this is by contacting one of our lake experts at LakeHomes.com.
  5. Buyer Tip: Patience and Diligence: Making sure you take your time and pay attention to everything going on can help with the buying process. Don’t check in every 2 months or give up after one search. 

If you’re planning to sell, there are always buyers looking, and vice versa. The thing you have to remember is that it is dependent on what your goal is. If you’re selling, remember to not overprice your home, which can ultimately lead to making less in the long run. When it comes to buying, you have to stay on top of it and have patience; it will get you a long way.

Whiteboard Topics: 5 Ways Overpricing A Lake Home Costs Sellers

Posted on Zac Parnell

If you’re thinking about selling your lake home or already have it on the market, the last thing you want is unnecessary costs. One of the ways these costs can arise is actually from overpricing your home. Luckily, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, has the reasoning why something you might think is beneficial to you might actually hurt you in the long run. 

  1. Knowledgeable Buyers: In today’s day and age, buyers have become more knowledgeable than ever before. The access of information that surrounds real estate is more accessible than in years prior. Being able to study the data from real estate and having Lake Homes Realty provide more insight into the market is something buyers use to their advantage. This can lead to price cuts if nobody comes to see your home because they know that it is overpriced.
  2. Failure to Appraise: In 2020, during the Covid-19 frenzy of real estate, there were failures to appraise. However, this was due to buyers willing to cover an appraisal gap. Now there is a standard of the current market.
  3. Increased Days on Market “What’s Wrong With It?”: Having a property on the market for a while, whether it’s because of overpricing or something falls through, ultimately causes a groupthink scenario. Many buyers will start formulating their own idea of something being wrong.
  4. Price Cuts Lead to Low Offers: From a seller’s perspective, you might think to set your own price. From here, you’ll evaluate and drop it accordingly. This can help you find the range in market terms of where it works, but the buyer still might think it’s not at the right price. 
  5. Marketing Cannot Overcome Price: The idea of having a real estate agent “Market my house better” isn’t the full solution. If your home isn’t receiving any offers, it’s more than likely not a marketing issue. Fixing the price is the main way to fix these issues of not having any offers. 

When it comes down to it, pricing matters way more than you might expect. It is key to make sure that you haven’t overpriced your lake home. In today’s market, this overpricing is something you won’t get away with if you’re truly wanting to get your home sold. If this is something you think you are struggling with, reach out to one of our lake agents. They would be able to help and guide you through the selling process. 

Weekend Warrior DIYs: Doable Home Improvement Projects for Your Lake Home

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Boat House in lake with bright kayaks up against building, beautiful lake landscape
Photo courtesy of Helen Norman via Southern Living

For lake homeowners, spring means getting back outside to experience the joys of lake living. It also means tackling those home improvement projects you’ve been putting off until the weather warms up. But almost every DIYer knows the feeling of diving headfirst into a project before realizing it’s going to take a lot more time than you planned. It can leave you feeling deflated without the sense of accomplishment you had hoped for.

No worries. We’ll ease you into this slowly with a few quick yet high-impact projects you can accomplish over a weekend. Some of these ideas are more labor-intensive than others, so take your pick and choose one you know you can complete. Who knows? You might even be game to try another one next weekend. Happy home improvement!

Warm Welcome

front facade with bright red door, window flower boxes, landscaping, stones, little white dog
Photo courtesy of Kevin Miyazaki Photography via Better Homes & Gardens

Start with the obvious and spruce up your curb appeal with an eye-catching front door. This bright cherry-red hue pops against a fresh green landscape adorned with potted plants and flowers. Window boxes brimming with white and red blooms complement the vibrant color palette while enhancing the exterior façade. You can easily do a complete makeover of the entrance to your lake home over a weekend. Don’t forget to include exterior lighting and updated hardware for your new door. A small stone walkway or a new welcome mat can also make a big impression, creating an inviting ambiance for your guests.

Self-Watering Veggie Garden

self-watering vegetable garden in raised wooden bed with basket of tomatoes
Photo courtesy of Family Handyman

If you’re feeling ambitious, you won’t mind the extra time and effort required for this weekend home improvement project. And if you love fresh vegetables, you will reap the benefits this garden delivers for many months to come. This raised garden bed is made of beautiful cedar and incorporates a perforated drainpipe that stores and distributes water as needed. With this ingenious design, you will save water while growing your favorite vegetables—or flowers. Once the work is done, the fruits of your labor will be well worth it! For a list of required tools and instructions, visit Family Handyman.

Paver Pathway

white stone pavers over green grass
Interior design and photo courtesy of Jacob Fox via Better Homes & Gardens

This multi-functional stone walkway provides a beautiful accent for your outdoor living space while still allowing rainwater to seep into the soil. But the best part is that you can complete this home improvement project in about two hours. These easy-to-install pavers protect your grass from foot traffic and provide a dry, stable surface you can walk on when entertaining outside. They are also flat enough to the ground that your lawn mower can roll right over them. Create your own look with a random pattern of square and rectangular pavers for a crisp, modern aesthetic. Visit Better Homes & Gardens for tips and instructions.

Fishing Finesse

fishing rod garage storage system
Photo Courtesy of Family Handyman

If you live at the lake, chances are you or someone in your family loves to fish. But fishing rods can be awkward to store and easily get tangled if you stash them haphazardly. Why not create a designated place in your garage or storage area to organize your fishing gear and get it off the floor? This brilliant garage storage system requires just a few household tools, a foam swimming pool noodle, and some 3-inch PVC pipe. Just follow these simple instructions—and voila!

  • Drill 1-inch holes spaced every 4 inches in the PVC pipe.
  • Use a utility knife to cut slits in the foam noodle, spacing them 4 inches apart.
  • Line up the pool noodle on the wall so that at least two of the slits sit over studs.
  • Pull slits apart, slide in a fender washer, and screw the noodle to the wall with 2-inch screws.
  • Screw the PVC pipe to the wall beneath it at a comfortable height and insert your fishing rods.

Fired Up!

stacked stone outdoor fireplace
Photo courtesy of HGTV

This outdoor stacked stone fireplace requires a bit more patience, time, and grit, but if you have some experience with concrete and mortar—and some extra help—you can conquer this project over a long weekend. Once you’re finished, you’ll enjoy crackling fires by the lake for years. This eight-step project takes you from creating a design and a concrete foundation to installing the stacked stone and attaching the chimney cap. Visit HGTV for instructions, a list of the materials, and a helpful two-minute video offering tips and inspiration.

From organizing your garage and building a workbench to resurfacing your driveway and installing an outdoor deck, here’s wishing you success in all your DIY weekend projects at the lake!



Whiteboard Topics: What Are 5 Pricing Mistakes Made By Lake Home Sellers?

Posted on Zac Parnell

When selling a lake property, you always need to be aware of possible mistakes that can happen. Luckily, Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, gives insight into 5 common pricing mistakes. Not only does he mention what they are, but he also explains ways to ensure you avoid them. 

  1. Trusting Websites Offering AVMs: Automated Valuation Models are essentially websites where you can input data and “find out” how much your home is worth. These are not real people and are simply automation algorithms. A lot of times, these websites are flawed. These tools are typically better suited for evaluating homes in subdivisions as opposed to lake homes spread around a lake.
  2. Using Prices of Currently Listed Properties: Just because you have a neighbor or friend listing at a specific price doesn’t mean you should use the same one. At the end of the day, these properties will still likely sit on the market, which typically means the prices didn’t work. The longer a property sits, the less money the seller will get.
  3. “I Need to Get…”: Oftentimes, a seller will have unrealistic goals for what their home is worth and will ask for too much money. Before putting your home on the market, you will need to understand what the market value of the property is. 
  4. Emotional Reasoning: Being aware of what the market is saying about what a property like yours is worth vs. how you might feel emotionally. Just because you added certain features or made modifications to the home doesn’t necessarily mean it increases its value. Always see what the market says. 
  5. Failing to Consult a Lake Expert Agent: This is one of the best ways to avoid any of these mistakes. Consulting someone who is an expert in this area will be beneficial to you in the long run. It might be tempting to use somebody who is a friend, but someone who specializes in this area is ideal. Lake agents have a better understanding of what it takes to sell in this market.

When it comes time to sell, there are plenty of ways to avoid these mistakes. It will ultimately help you in the long run and avoid a lot of stress. If you still have any questions or need guidance, check out LakeHomes.com. There are plenty of lake agents who would be thrilled to help you through your real estate process. 

2024 Outdoor Furnishings Trends: Lake Home Designer Kelly Guinaugh Shares Her Trade Secrets

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Text by Kelly Guinaugh, ASID
Produced by Jeanne Delathouder

Covered patio with sofa, chairs, and round metal cocktail table with lake setting in background
Photo courtesy of West of Main Design

Here in the Midwest, we start dreaming about the summer months in spring and the warm weather coming our way soon. Like many lake lovers, we relish this season because it allows us to revamp our outdoor furnishings and return to our blissful outdoor living spaces once again. My Chicago-area design firm, Interior Enhancement Group, embraces this opportunity every year to create unique spaces through our bespoke designs that speak to our clients’ lifestyles. Spring is a special time for us—when we get to stretch our creative wings and plan your perfect outdoor living scenario, so when the sun shines again, and temps begin to soar, these spaces are ready for you to enjoy.

This year, we are seeing an emphasis on a few new trends as well as the continuation of those we have seen over the past few years. Lake homeowners especially want to connect with nature via their outdoor living spaces, and maximizing the splendid water views remains a priority. Light-filled sunrooms, lavish patios, and party-ready outdoor kitchens continue to trend, blurring the lines between inside and out. Additionally, mixing textures, materials, and organic shapes is still going strong and brings a soothing aesthetic to any space.

Comfort and functionality are also essential to enjoying life at the lake. And this year, we’re bringing on double-duty lounge pieces, bold colors, and patterns like never before. There is also a focus on layered lighting—think firelight, ambient light, and task lighting—to create (and control) your desired vibe. So, join me as I walk you through some of my favorite outdoor furnishings trends for 2024. 

Seamless Living

When our indoor spaces flow gracefully into our outdoor living areas, the result is a seamless design that creates lovely continuity. The first step to accomplishing this starts with flooring. Simply by using the same porcelain or stone both inside and out, your spaces suddenly feel like one large room, expanding the living areas visually. The same effect can be achieved if we use different materials but keep them in the same color family.

Beyond the foundation of the floor material, we always get great results when using the same color scheme in our fabrics and finishes, as well as similar furniture styles. And don’t forget to include comfy cushions and soft pillows, just like in your interior rooms. This will further create an equally inviting outdoor space—just like what you’re accustomed to in your family room. More and more, people continue to blur the boundaries between inside and out.

Bold Beauty

Outdoor patio with dog and outdoor furniture with vibrant red stripes
Interior design and photo courtesy of Summer Classics

In both interior and exterior living spaces, our clients are ready to add more patterns and bolder colors than in recent years. We are seeing vibrant colors—emeralds, saturated blues, and bright oranges—and a fearless mix of patterns. Bold stripes, graphic prints, and large and small-scale florals are all happy together outside.

A bold approach with textures is trending as well. Outdoor furnishings are blending industrial metals with concrete accent pieces. Finishes range from smooth to rugged and unfinished—all working together to bring interest, drama, and organic appeal to your outdoor living space.

Pattern Play

covered outdoor patio with graphic tile flooring, a fire pit, sofa, and lanterns
Photo Courtesy of Lucas Interior

This playful patio comes to life in a dance of patterns and lively colors. Stripes harmonize with graphic floor tile with this vivid primary palette anchored with black accents. Woven lanterns and glossy ceramic stools bring a balance of refined textures that complement the rustic wood ceiling beams. The black-and-white tile floor bordered in solid black defines the seating area, much like an area rug. A circular fire pit with cushions provides extra seating for guests while creating a dynamic focal point. Simply put, these fun outdoor furnishings welcome a party!

Light It Up!

Covered and uncovered outdoor area with dining, comfy seating, TV, and outdoor fire pit seating area
Design by Pamela Pennington Studios courtesy of Eric Zepeda Photography

Outdoor lighting is essential to creating an alluring atmosphere. It generates a sense of warmth and invites guests to linger around the dining table or cozy up to a soothing fire pit. Lighting can create drama, but it also enhances our security while adding a positive element to our curb appeal. As our clients expand their living spaces outside, lighting follows suit with the same concepts we apply to our interiors.

Here, a lavish covered patio includes a luminous halo chandelier, dimmable pendants over the dining table, and recessed lighting around the ceiling perimeter. String lights guide the transition to the alfresco area, with an intimate seating area surrounding a fire table for roasting marshmallows or enjoying cocktails after dark.

Set the Mood

covered patio with dining table illuminated by candles and overhead pendant light
Interior design by Interior Enhancement Group courtesy of Cole Horcher Photos

Here, a softly lit woven pendant mingles with candlelight in this elegant outdoor setting. With the right lighting, you can create your perfect ambiance for an outdoor gathering. So, when the sun goes down and evening sets in, the magic of the moment takes over with pure enchantment.

Luxe Alfresco Dining

outdoor dining area with pergola and built-in fireplace
Interior design by Tammy Randall Wood, Interior Archaeology courtesy of Joe Schmelzer Photographs

This glorious outdoor setting emanates garden elegance with climbing vines covering a pergola overhead. A linear chandelier illuminates the long rectangular dining table, along with a built-in outdoor fireplace glowing in the background. This lavish setting captures the essence of luxurious outdoor living while maintaining a casual and carefree vibe.  

Double Duty Seating

Outdoor seating area with pierced stone privacy screen, sofa, bench, chairs, and coffee table
Photo courtesy of Lance Gerber Studio

So many of our clients are looking for ways to maximize their outdoor spaces. A few key tips to accomplish this is to use accent chairs that can also function as overflow seating around your dining table. And simple things like selecting a cocktail ottoman, bench, or side table that includes storage give you a place to tuck away blankets you’ll want handy when the sun goes down.

Here, these lightweight pieces are easily movable to suit almost any outdoor occasion. The extra chairs can be pulled in where you need them—poolside or lakeside.

Modular Lounging

Modular sectional seating by a p ool

Photo courtesy of Lane Venture

Modular seating pieces can be a game changer for outdoor entertaining because they can be reconfigured to suit your needs. Here, this generous sofa sectional from Lane Venture’s Oasis Collection virtually creates a living room outdoors. Sumptuous cushions upholstered in a high-performance fabric welcome wet bathing suits without fuss. Pull the sectional apart, and you can arrange the seating pieces any way you like.

I hope these inspirational ideas and tips can guide you in creating your perfect outdoor setting. If you’re planning a project of your own, my team at Interior Enhancement Group is eager to assist you with all your interior design needs. Here’s wishing you and yours a blissfully beautiful season by the lake!