The lake real estate market is a unique type of market. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses six things to know about this niche real estate market.
Unofficial Recession. Homes aren’t moving in the current market. Across the entire industry, it will be the lowest number of transactions in almost 30 years. This trend also applies to lake property.
Inventory Has Grown. More houses are on the market, so it looks like we aren’t in a recession. However, despite the strong demand for these houses, people won’t pay current prices.
“Phantom Inventory.” This is inventory listed at a price that buyers aren’t willing to make an offer on. Sellers set these aspirational prices to get their homes sold at their lottery ticket price.
Aspirational List Prices. You likely won’t get any engagement if you sell and list for an aspirational price. In fact, it damages how much money you’ll get over time. Once a home has been on the market for a long time, buyers begin to wonder if there’s something wrong with the house.
Prudent Buyers. Lake home buyers want what they want but aren’t willing to overpay for it. Prudent buyers and aspirational list prices create this unofficial recession.
Next: No Boom, No Bust. Lake real estate won’t experience more inventory to change pricing. Additionally, the lake market won’t bust with changing mortgage rates. So, lake real estate will be steady, with the same prices. Inventory will also loosen up a bit, with sellers becoming more practical and prudent buyers becoming impatient.
Lake real estate has several nuances that are not present in other real estate markets. With these tips, you can more successfully navigate this market. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to help you.
During winter at the lake, outdoor activities aren’t always in the cards. Sometimes, you just want to get cozy on your front porch with a nice, hot beverage. Whether you choose a simple cup of herbal tea or a flavorful peppermint mocha, nothing is better than a little wintertime warmth. Check out these best winter beverages to enjoy at the lake for some recipe inspiration. All you need is a mug!
Mochas are the delicious intersection between chocolate and coffee. With this sweet, caffeinated beverage from Taste of Home, you also get hints of cinnamon. The mix of flavors is the perfect drink to transition your palate from late fall to early winter. Since this recipe makes six servings, it’s perfect for a group gathering at your lake house.
Ingredients:
6 cups of hot coffee
¾ cup half and half cream
6 tablespoons chocolate syrup
7 teaspoons sugar
6 cinnamon sticks
Whipped cream
Directions: Combine coffee, cream, chocolate syrup, and sugar into a large saucepan and stir over medium heat. When sugar is dissolved, pour into six mugs and stir with a cinnamon stick.
Nothing says “winter holidays” like a mug filled with eggnog. As the name suggests, it consists of several egg yolks mixed with milk-based ingredients and warm flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. This classic recipe from Stay at Home Chef can be served both with or without alcohol — and it’s delicious either way.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups milk
4 cinnamon sticks
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
7 egg yolks
¾ cup white sugar
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions: Mix the milk, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla into a saucepan on the lowest heat for 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Then, turn the heat under the milk to medium high and remove the cinnamon. Whisk in ¼ of the hot milk into the egg and sugar mixture, then pour it all into the saucepan. Whisk for 3 minutes. Then pour eggnog into a large bowl and let it cool for one hour. Finally, stir in the remaining ingredients and cool for 4 hours.
For a warm alcoholic beverage that’s perfect for wintertime, look no further than mulled wine. This recipe from Cookie and Kate combines quintessential cold-weather seasonings such as cinnamon, anise, cloves, oranges, and cranberries and marinates them in warm wine on a stovetop. Serve fresh to a group of guests at cocktail hour.
Directions: Slice oranges and place into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Squeeze juice from remaining oranges into the pot. Pour wine, then brandy into the pot and add 1 tablespoon of sweetener. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Warm mixture over medium heat until steaming, then reduce heat when you see bubbles. Continue to add sweetener to taste, then serve with your desired garnishes!
Ditch the Swiss Miss instant packets in favor of this amazing hot chocolate recipe from Striped Spatula. From a health standpoint, the peppermint flavoring provides digestive benefits, while the chocolate and marshmallows bring out an extra element of sweetness.
Serving size is 1 large or 2 small mugs.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
¼ cup heavy cream
1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch kosher salt
3 ounces of finely chopped semisweet chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
Whipped cream, marshmallows, crushed candy canes
Directions: whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, peppermint extracts, and salt. Heat on the stove until bubbles form. Reduce to low heat, add chocolate and extracts, then whisk together until melted and thickened. Pour into a mug and top with marshmallows and candy canes.
If you’re looking for a less sweet, more citrus flavor, try out this spiced cider recipe from Tablespoon. The mixture of fruit flavors and autumnal spices makes for a flavorful afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
1 can of Mango Orange frozen juice concentrate
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
3 whole cinnamon sticks
1 sliced orange
1 tablespoon of whole cloves
1 vanilla bean
½ tablespoon almond extract
Directions: pour juice concentrate into a large pot, then add 60 ounces of water. Add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, vanilla bean, and almond extract. Heat over low heat and allow flavors to melt together for 20-30 minutes. Serve in big mugs with gingersnaps.
We hope these beverages help you stay warm and cozy at the lake!
If you love ice skating and the great outdoors but haven’t experienced skating on a lake, you’re missing out. There’s no better feeling than gliding freely on ice while taking in the cool, fresh air. But luckily for us who live on the lake, this is an experience we’re fortunate to be able to enjoy in our backyard.
In cold-climate regions, due to lake stratification patterns, a solid layer of ice on top of cold-weathered lakes makes this sport possible. At Lake Homes Lifestyles, we’re all about the lake life, whether fishing in the summer or ice skating in the winter. In honor of one of our favorite winter activities, check out these top ice-skating lakes across the globe.
Located in the province of Alberta, this gorgeous lake is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Due to these natural wonders, some have referred to it as “Banff’s best-kept secret.” However, as a heads up, Two Jack Lake is not an official skating area, and it does not have skate rentals or Zambonis. As such, you’ll need to bring your own skates and be more cautious approaching the lake. If you’re looking for a more formalized selection of ice-skating lakes, check out Lake Louise in this same province.
When deciding which of the many ice-skating lakes in Europe to visit, this great lake is certainly one to Czech out (pun intended). Located in the market town of Frymburk in the Czech Republic, this lake is situated right by a comfortable resort. But don’t underestimate its cozy vibes for lack of impressiveness. Lipno Lake is actually the longest natural ice-skating track in Europe, stretching six miles in length — enough for multiple skating days without redundancy. As you skate by, you can enjoy amazing views of cute towns and snowy mountains emblematic of central Europe.
As a country, Sweden is one of the most popular ice-skating destinations worldwide. And if you’re looking specifically for ice-skating lakes, look no further than Lake Vanern, the largest lake in Sweden and the third-largest in Europe. Its size stretches across three provinces: Vastergotland, Dalsland, and Varmland. Instead of overly manicured scenery, this lake boasts rustic, natural beauty and amazing sunsets. What could be more picturesque as you skate along this lake?
When it comes to ice-skating lakes, Shichahai Lake is probably the most fun-filled lake. There’s a reason this Beijing lake is so popular with children. Home to an 18-foot-long ice slide, ice bumper cars, ice boats, and ice chairs, there’s no limit to the excitement on this lake in the winter. If you decide to visit, the shorter days are no worry. Night skating is available, and there are plenty of surrounding lights for safety.
Located here in the U.S., Keystone Lake, Colorado, is the largest Zamboni polished outdoor rink in North America. And even better, it’s located on a natural lake. Suppose you visit without bringing your own ice-skating equipment, no worries. At this impressive, beautiful lake, you can rent skates for the day. If you’re into hockey, you can also rent pucks and hockey sticks for a game with friends. After a full day of enjoying the ice, you can check out the nearby Adventure Center for a cup of hot chocolate.
When selling your lake home, and especially when setting your price, you need to think like a buyer. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, shares a few questions to get you in the buyer mindset.
“Would I Rent This?” Think about whether or not you would rent your property for a week if you saw it on rental websites. Try to take emotion out of your thinking and act as if you’ve never seen it before.
“Would I Rent This Again?” After asking yourself if you would rent your property, ask if you would rent it again. Think about if your house has things that would make you come back over other lake properties.
“Would I Pay More Than List?” Before setting a price, ask yourself if you would pay more than the price you plan to list.
“Would I Buy at This Price?” You should also consider if you would pay the current list price of the property. The price you paid for the house a few years ago is probably relatively the same, if just slightly higher.
“Is it The Best Value In This Market?” The best value doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price. Working with an expert lake agent helps you determine if your property is the best value in your market. Additionally, you want your property to be the best value compared to other lakes.
When It Doesn’t Sell, You Won the Bidding! Every day your property doesn’t sell, you win the bidding by getting to keep it for another day. This can help you determine if you need to change your mindset to a buyer’s perspective.
Selling your home can be challenging if you don’t have the right mindset. Using these questions and guidelines helps you to think like a buyer and get your lake property sold. Connect with expert lake agents at lakehomes.com and sell your home faster.
With wintertime approaching and the holiday season in full swing, we’ll be spending a lot of time in our lake houses. As such, it’s bound to be a cozy few months filled with blankets, hot chocolate, and books by the fireplace. These activities evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation, which is better encapsulated by the Swedish word hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this concept is all about finding a state of contentment. To help you get into the spirit of coziness this winter, we’ve compiled this ultimate hygge playlist. Between classical music and instrumental covers of your favorite songs, we’ve got you covered!
Sweet Night Instrumental – V
Beautiful (Instrumental) – Crush
The Four Seasons – Violin Concerto in F – Antoni Vivaldi
Moonchild Ballad (Instrumental) – Lyn
Hygge – Lizlov
Strawberry Moon (Instrumental) – Lydia Luce
Please Forget Me Instrumental – Standing Egg
Give You My Heart (Instrumental) – IU
September Song – Agnes Obel
Copland: Appalachian Spring: VII – Aaron Copeland
Valse du caribou – Hannu Kella, Matit ja Maijat
Here Comes the Sun – Alan Jameson
Take My Hand (Instrumental) – JANNABI
Hygge – Miro
In Your Eyes – Leonardo Reyes
What a Wonderful World – Wayne Mack
Canarios – Gaspar Sanz, Rolf Lislevand
Visa vid vindens angar – Adrian Edblad
Thank You For the Music (Instrumental) – Benny Andersson
All Night Long – Car, the garden
How Far Will I Go – Tim Raymond
Circles – Mike Ilyas
Krivo polska – Hazelius Hedin, Esbjorn Hazelius
Intentions – Jean Cruiz
Photo of My Mind (Instrumental) – Song Ga In
Game of Thrones Theme (Piano & Cello) – Benny Martin, The Wong Janice
The Sound of Silence (Instrumental Guitar) – Guus Dielissen
Le Festin – Cao Son Nguyen
Northern Lights – Charles Avnik
Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major – Johann Sebastian Bach
Moon River – Gustav Lundgren
Colors of the Wind – Ned Michales
Hallelujah – Eddy Tyler
River Flows in You (Solo Cello Version) – Nikola Zolkiewska
Rainbow (Instrumental) – Allen & Bright, Lance Allen
Someone Else’s Story – Benny Andersson
Annie’s Song (Instrumental) – Lance Allen
Somewhere Only We Know – Jesse Brown
Moondance – Midnite String Quartet
Dawn from “Pride & Prejudice” Soundtrack – Jean-Yves Thibaudet
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out our other playlists!
Sellers often get confused when their lake home doesn’t sell. Asking questions helps to get rid of the confusion, but some questions are better than others. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, discusses questions to avoid asking when your lake home doesn’t sell.
“How Many Views?” Sellers ask how many views their property has, but this can be deceptive. There’s no good answer to this question for sellers. If a property has millions of views, they’ll wonder why it hasn’t sold. If it doesn’t have any views, they wonder why it’s not getting exposure. The only number of views that matters is the one that buys the property.
“Can We Promote It ‘Better’?” Some agents promote homes better than others, so this can be a valid question. However, if the property is populating in the MLS and other websites, the consumer knows it’s there; they just aren’t willing to buy it.
“Have an Open House?” Buyers for lake homes typically come from some distance away. This means they won’t arrange their weekend around your open house schedule. They know if your home is for sale and they’re coming into town, they can see it.
“Should I Change Agents?” Has your agent properly promoted and priced your home and given sound advice? If they’ve done all this, you probably already have a good agent. Once they bring the buyers, it’s on you to get the negotiating going.
After Exposure, Price Fixes Everything. When asking yourself why your house hasn’t sold, the answer is almost always the price. An appropriate price will answer all of these questions.
Be the Best VALUE. This doesn’t necessarily mean the lowest price, but being at a price that people are willing to invest in your home. Buyers are ready to buy lake homes but aren’t willing to overpay.
Talk with your agent when confused about why your lake house isn’t selling. Every agent would bring a buyer if they knew one that would get a transaction. An unsold home always boils down to price. Visit lakehomes.com to connect with expert lake agents ready to help get your home sold.
Take a trip down memory lane with this enchanting oldies Christmas playlist! Featuring timeless hits from the golden era, these songs bring the magic of the holidays to life with vintage charm and warmth. Whether you’re decorating the tree, enjoying a cup of cocoa, or reminiscing about treasured holiday moments, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack.
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Frank Sinatra
O Holy Night – Bing Crosby
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
Blue Winter – Connie Francis
Caroling, Caroling – Nat King Cole
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Bing Crosby
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Mary’s Boy Child – Harry Belafonte
The Happiest Christmas Tree – Nat King Cole
Silver Bells – Dean Marting
Merry Christmas Baby – Otis Redding
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Fran Sinatra
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Jingle Bell Rock – Brenda Lee
Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season – Andy Williams
The First Noel – Frank Sinatra
Winter Wonderland – Johnny Mathis
Deck The Halls – Bing Crosby
Ring Christmas Bells – Ray Conniff
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry
Someday At Christmas – Stevie Wonder
We Wish You The Merriest – Frank Sinatra
A Marshmallow World – Dean Martin
Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) – Bing Crosby
Frosty The Snowman – The Ronettes
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Jolly Old St. Nicholas/The Little Drummer Boy – Ray Conniff
If Every Day Was Like Christmas – Elvis Presley
Did you enjoy this playlist? Be sure to check out our other playlists!
If you’re looking for unique and thoughtful gifts that capture the beauty and serenity of lake life, Etsy is a treasure trove of lake-inspired finds. From handcrafted home décor to personalized accessories, there’s something for everyone who cherishes time spent by the water. Whether you’re shopping for a lake lover, a cabin owner, or someone who simply enjoys nature, these Etsy gift ideas will bring the peaceful, refreshing spirit of the lake right into their home. Let’s dive into some of the best lake-inspired gifts available!
A custom lake map is not only a personalized gift but also a meaningful way to celebrate a love for the water. In fact, these beautifully crafted maps, by GebraCrafters, capture the unique shape and intricate details of your favorite lake. Whether it’s a cherished family vacation spot or your own lake property, each map is meticulously designed. Additionally, these maps showcase the lake’s contours and surrounding landmarks, often available in various styles and sizes to match any décor. With customizable options for text, coordinates, and framing, a custom lake map adds a personal, meaningful touch to any home, making it a standout piece for any lake enthusiast.
This set of six leatherette coasters by CompanyTwentySix is perfect for celebrating the lake lifestyle. Crafted from durable faux leather, these coasters provide easy cleaning and maintenance and the sueded fabric backing on each coaster protects your tabletops from scratches and spills. Each set is laser engraved with lake-themed designs. You can choose between six assorted designs or six of any one design. Whether you prefer round or square, each coaster measures approximately 4 inches. The set includes a coordinating leatherette holder for easy storage.
Transform your lake home’s entrance with these stunning custom UV printed doormats from creativeintheclouds! Crafted from 100% coir, these doormats offer a perfect blend of style and functionality, providing a natural aesthetic while effectively trapping dirt and debris. With an anti-slip backing, you can step confidently into your home, knowing safety is a priority. The vibrant, long-lasting UV-printed designs add a personalized, lake living touch, making these doormats a standout addition to any home decor.
This personalized, 100% cotton, Lake Life Woven Blanket from TripleHug effortlessly brings the beauty of the outdoors into your home. It features detailed lake-inspired images like a boat, acorns, wild berries, a goose, and a deer and allows for personalization with your family name, lake name, or a special date. With its timeless design and intricate weaves, this blanket is the perfect gift for any lake enthusiast. Whether used as lake wall decor, a cozy throw, or a thoughtful gift, this blanket adds warmth and charm to any space, making it a versatile and cherished item.
Enhance your lake house décor or gift-giving experience with a custom engraved bourbon decanter set from Glass Lake Engraving. Featuring the lake of your choice etched into both the decanter and glasses, this timeless set adds a unique, personalized touch. Furthermore, it’s perfect for creating a memorable housewarming or holiday gift for lake enthusiasts. With high-quality laser engraving that’s both permanent and dishwasher-safe, the design will remain vivid for years. In addition, the decanter holds a standard 750ml bottle of whiskey, scotch, or bourbon, and you have the option to include two or four engraved glasses for a complete set.
Incorporating personalized lake-themed gifts into your holiday shopping list is a great way to celebrate the lake lover in your life. Each thoughtfully crafted piece will not only enhance their lake home décor but will also be cherished for years to come.
Are you in the process of selling your lake home? If so, one thing you want to avoid is the stress and suffering that can follow by not taking proper steps for a smooth process. Two main reasons lake homes typically don’t sell are lack of exposure and price. Lake Homes Realty CEO Glenn Phillips explains how to maximize this suffering; that way, you can hopefully avoid these mistakes when pricing your home!
After Exposure, Price Fixes Everything – This refers to the price at which the house is sold.
Overprice: If you think of pricing the house because of things you put into it or anything along those lines, think again. That has nothing to do with the market; these are simply wants due to emotional attachment.
Planning “The Haggle”: If you plan to go high so the buyer offers lower, resulting in a middle-ground number you’d still be happy with, you should reconsider it. Our data tells us that homes that are appropriately priced come in at the list price or slightly above. If it’s overpriced, they tend to drop significantly over time.
“Test the Market”: Generally when people test the market, they never figure out how they are going to score it. What is the test? Is it one week? Two weeks? Testing the market usually ends up being an excuse to overprice, and the test almost always fails.
DOM (Days on Market): The longer the home sits on the market, the longer it becomes a problem for consumers.
“Death Spiral”: Consumers are more informed now than at any other time in history. The more things you use, the more likely you are to be caught in this death spiral that is hard to escape.
Nobody wants to maximize their suffering when it comes to selling. If you stick with these different steps, it’ll definitely happen. One of the best ways to avoid this is to price appropriately. If you aren’t sure the best way to go about that, reach out to a lake agent at LakeHomes.com. They would love to be involved in the process with you.
