Tag: lake lifestyle

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!

Cultivating Success: Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Raised garden beds and white arbor aginst a beautiful lake backdrop
Photo courtesy of Shiplap and Shells

Glorious gardening season has finally arrived at the lake. And even if you’re a green-thumb amateur, there’s nothing to fear about digging in the dirt. Gardening mistakes happen. Nevertheless, it can be a fascinating and fulfilling pursuit, offering numerous benefits, from fresh produce to alleviating stress in the fresh air and sunshine. It can improve your mental health and well-being, giving you a rewarding sense of accomplishment.

This hobby might not be for everyone, but dig in if it speaks to you. And remember, even seasoned planters make gardening mistakes that hinder their success. We’ve got you covered. By understanding and avoiding some common pitfalls, you can cultivate thriving and bountiful gardens like a pro. Today, we’ll delve into the top five gardening mistakes to avoid for a successful growing experience.

Failing to Plan Ahead

a haphazard garden in the dirt with cinder block planters, garden shovels, and a metal planter
Photo courtesy of Muddling Through Life

The thought of randomly digging up your backyard can be intimidating. Planning is essential to a successful garden, yet many gardeners dive in without a clear plan. Failing to plan ahead can lead to haphazard planting, mismatched varieties, and poor utilization of your garden space. By taking the time to design a garden layout, choose appropriate plant varieties, and create a planting schedule, gardeners can set themselves up for success and enjoy a more productive and manageable garden.

Before you dig, consult with a professional or garden center about your planting goals. They can guide you on the best plants and vegetables for your climate conditions and garden setting. Be patient and start slowly. Remember that even experienced gardeners have made blunders and killed a few plants in their day. These are valuable teaching moments, so honor them and learn from your mistakes. Just like anything else worth pursuing, practice makes perfect.

Neglecting Soil Health

pair of hands holding soil with a green newly sprouted plant
Photo courtesy of Sondercdem/Getty via Almanac

Soil is the foundation of any garden, and neglecting its health can profoundly affect plant growth. One of the most common mistakes is failing to test and amend the soil appropriately before planting. Poor soil quality can lead to nutrient deficiencies, drainage issues, and pest problems. By conducting a soil test and amending as necessary with organic matter, compost, or fertilizer, gardeners can create an optimal growing environment for their plants.

Home test kits are available at most gardening centers. However, they are less thorough and accurate than professional testing through your local county extension office. For more information on testing soil pH, soil health, and a list of cooperative extension services by state, visit Almanac.

Improper Plant Spacing

Sprouting plants in the soil with a ruler to show plant spacing and depth.
Photo courtesy of Gardening Know How

Proper plant placement and depth are crucial for maximizing growth and productivity. Planting too close together can lead to overcrowding, competition for water and sunshine, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. On the other hand, spacing plants too far apart can result in wasted space and inefficient use of your designated gardening area. Understanding the spacing requirements of different plants and providing adequate room for growth can help optimize yields and create a harmonious garden ecosystem.

Plant depth is also vital to gardening success. Plants that are too deep can potentially rot in damp soil, and planting seeds that are too shallow risks exposure to birds and other wildlife. Before starting your planting adventures, talk to a professional gardener or garden center for the best strategies. For tips on proper plant spacing for vegetables, herbs, and flowers, check out this handy, downloadable guide on Farmbrite.

Ignoring Pest and Disease Management

Two beetles infesting plant leaves in the garden.
Photo Courtesy of Rain Bird

Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on a garden if left unchecked. Many gardeners make the mistake of ignoring early signs of infestation or disease, allowing them to spread and cause significant damage. Implementing preventive measures such as crop rotation, companion planting, and maintaining good garden hygiene can help minimize the risk of pest and disease problems. Additionally, being vigilant and promptly addressing any issues can prevent minor problems from escalating into major catastrophes.

Talk to a local garden center professional or check out this helpful guide at Rain Bird for valuable tips and information on dealing with common garden pests and diseases.

Overwatering or Underwatering

pair of hands in gardening gloves watering a plant with a green watering can with other gardeners in the background
Photo courtesy of Getty Images via Southern Living

Water is essential for plant growth, but improper watering practices can spell disaster for a garden. Overwatering can lead to root rot, fungal diseases, and nutrient leaching, while underwatering can cause wilting, stunted growth, and even death. Understanding the water needs of different plants and monitoring soil moisture levels can help gardeners strike the right balance.

Remember that watering too much will most likely kill a plant quicker than not watering enough. Most plants thrive in moist soil, but soggy or improperly drained soil can keep the roots from functioning efficiently. To ensure your plants stay healthy, happy, and hydrated, follow this simple guide on “How to Water Your Plants.” Whether you’re an amateur or a master gardener, here’s wishing you an abundant growing season at the lake!

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.