If your lake home is currently on the market, or it will be soon, it’s important to know key things about buyers. As a seller, you may have certain home transaction qualifications that are important to you whereas these same priorities may not be important to a homebuyer. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has some insight into the top 5 things sellers may care about, but buyers don’t.
What the seller paid: Phrases such as “This is what we paid” usually don’t coincide with what the buyer thinks. They’re looking for the best price. The market will set the price that will sell.
Listed price of nearby homes: What’s listed for and what sells are two different things. You should instead be aware of what the homes are selling for. The buyers are already aware of this.
Personal effort on customizations: The emotional value put into house might mean a lot to you, but for the buyer the same sentimental feeling isn’t there. You personal style isn’t the same as everyone else’s.
Rumors of outlier high prices: Just because your neighbors sold their home as a high outlier doesn’t mean the circumstances will occur for you. You may have priced higher based off a rumor.
Taking low offers personally: No offers are worse than a low offer. Try countering the offer and negotiate during the transaction.
At the end of the day, buyers are ready to jump on some great options. You just have to make sure you go about it in the right way. If you’re ever looking for more help, contact an agent at lakehomes.com. They know how to get buyers and are more than willing to help!
Summer is in full swing, and for lake lovers, that means boating and barbecues. And these days, you can do both simultaneously, even if your boat is not equipped with an onboard grill. Like the recent boom in outdoor kitchens, exceptional boat grills are available in endless innovative options, from built-in electric and gas grills to attachable charcoal grills and portable styles. To get your boat in ship shape for an on-the-water barbecue, here’s a list of top-notch marine grills for every captain, chef, and capacity. So, drop anchor, fire up the grill, and savor the lake life!
Streamlined and convenient, this built-in electric grill from Kenyon features marine-grade stainless steel and waterproof construction. It is available in three sizes with customization options and comes equipped with user controls, multiple lids, and mounting or free-standing capabilities. This grill boasts a performance level that surpasses charcoal and gas grills if you want to eliminate the danger of open-flame grills. This model also offers insulated lids and automatic shut-off timers.
This reputable company also offers marine-grade radiant and induction cooktops in many configurations, sizes, and user controls. All are fabricated with top-notch ceramic glass and innovative cooking technology.
Believe it or not, there are charcoal grills available for your boat. However, before you commit to one, please check with your lake region’s rules and regulations. For many grilling purists, nothing beats the flavors produced by a charcoal barbecue. This Party-Size Marine Kettle® Charcoal Grill from MAGMA is time-tested and features a hinged lid for added safety. Crafted of mirror-polished stainless steel, this grill gives you maximum resistance against corrosion. The unique rotating design lets you determine which direction your grill lid opens when cooking in windy weather. The kettle design offers an oven-like baking experience that seals in the natural juices of your food and enhances the grill flavors you love. You can safely and efficiently extinguish the coals by closing the draft door. Choose from a selection of mounting options for both on-board and onshore customization.
If you have limited storage space, this compact Kuuma Stow N’ Go Profile 150 Gas Grill from Camco Marine offers a perfect option for you and the chef. This one mounts to any Kuuma rail, rod, or pedestal mount and can be portable if desired. The durable stainless-steel construction features a latching lid, a stay-cool handle, and integral folding legs. This sleek and simple design is ideal for small boating get-togethers on the water.
Designed for boat grilling and built to withstand harsh marine environments, this Kuuma Stow N’ Go 160 Stainless-Steel Portable Charcoal Grill from Camco Marine is also perfect for onshore grilling, camping, and tailgating. Constructed of premium-quality stainless steel, this transportable grill comes fully assembled with enough grilling space to cook for up to four or five people. The grill features integrated fold-away legs, a removable liner, a latching lid, and a stay-cool handle. The Stow N’ Go can be easily transported and weighs only 17 pounds.
If you’re looking for an alternative portable grill to bring onshore without charcoal or gas, the Ranger Pellet Grill from Traeger offers an innovative option that travels anywhere you go. Using ignited wood pellets and a system of fans to heat your food, this grill functions much like a convection oven. The Ranger’s Digital Arc Controller gives you precise temperature control with an added Keep Warm Mode to ensure your food is ready to eat whenever you are. This top-rated model comes with porcelain-coated grill grates, a griddle, a meat probe, and a latched lid.
Don’t forget your grilling essentials when hopping aboard. This handy Cuisinart® 20-Piece Grill Set from Crate and Barrel carries everything you need in a portable aluminum storage case. The set includes a spatula/bottle opener, grill tongs, eight corn holders, five skewers, a silicone basting brush, a cleaning brush with a replacement brush head, and a digital temperature fork with an LED light.
As you’re getting ready to put your lake house on the market, the topic of selling price will always come up. More than likely you will think “Can I get more money for my lake home?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains a few different ways to help push for that price you want to sell for.
Start with a Market Appropriate Price: Buyers don’t care how much money you have put into the home. Most of the time they will be looking at the current market conditions. When you start at a high price to test the market, it usually does not result in the way you would like.
Be clearly the best VALUE in the area: Don’t automatically make your lake home the lowest price. However, check out surrounding homes and see what’s going on. Are there nicer or newer homes nearby? Are these homes your price or lower? New construction may also become a player in this.
Picture Perfect/Move-In Ready: Whether you already have your home staged or simply have your own property in the house, make sure it appears move-in ready. Buyers typically lack imagining this aspect and this will help you stand out.
Would you buy it today at your price? Each day the house doesn’t sell and remains on the market, you are effectively buying it again at your price. In reality, the only price is that of what someone will pay and what you’re willing to accept. Price accordingly and price from a buyer mindset.
At the end of the day, these 4 tips are useful in getting the best return and sell price for your lake home. , Connect with one of our lake agents today at lakehomes.com and see what they can do!
It was a grandmother’s dream to create a family lake getaway for her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and everyone’s friends. Their previous retreat on Wisconsin’s Green Lake was proving to be too long of a weekend drive—four hours from the young family’s home in Chicago. So, the grandparents decided to search for a closer place to build their forever lake home. As luck would have it, they found a lot on Lake Nagawicka, the most desired lake in Delafield, Wisconsin, just two hours from Chicago. Fast forward to the completion of their idyllic waterfront home—a blissful place where the family gathers nearly every weekend, and the grandmother lives all summer long.
But long before this house became a reality, the grandmother—and her entire family—worked meticulously with interior designer Kelly Guinaugh, owner of the award-winning full-service studio Interior Enhancement Group, to build her dream lake home piece by piece.
“This lake home was created to be a warm, inviting place for three generations to gather year-round and make memories,” says Kelly. “So, the windows are large and placed to maximize the beauty of the lake and the beach where the grandchildren play in the summer.” Case in point: This beautiful three-season screened-in porch offers alfresco time in the evenings—without mosquitoes—and can be enjoyed from early spring until the late fall.
Four-Season Splendor
To honor the property’s scenic setting, it was important to build a home that blends into the landscape and does not detract from the nature surrounding it. The white brick-and-board exterior radiates a clean aesthetic and a stately presence that is impactful yet understated, given its sprawling dimensions of more than 8,000 square feet. In addition, the dwelling features soft traditional elements juxtaposed with modern details, such as dark window frames that create a bold and dynamic contrast.
“One thing that stands out is how open Kelly and her team were to all of us wanting to be involved in making selections and creating the feel of the space,” remembers the daughter. “Also, this was a meaningful project for our family—it was my dad’s dream home, but he passed away unexpectedly before construction began. So, we were emotionally invested in realizing his vision.”
Soaring Heights
The home’s uncluttered appeal begins in the sunlight-drenched foyer, where a sweeping staircase amplifies the grand scale of the two-story ceiling height. An elegant wrought-iron chandelier, chosen for its massive size and graceful lines, befits the proportions of the space. A round and nubby wool rug echoes the circular shape of the concrete pedestal table. Plus, a single keepsake vase and a whimsical dog figurine make decorative accents spare yet substantial enough to complement a large space.
“Interior millwork details were important,” says Kelly. “We worked alongside the architect to create a batten-board wall design that blends with the two-story ceilings and the lower ceilings in other areas. We used gorgeous five-inch-wide hickory floors with character marks that feel great under your feet in all seasons—even in the Midwest.”
Center Stage
On top of the grandmother’s wish list was a big, open kitchen where she could cook to her heart’s content and still be part of the action. Hence, the open and airy design provides plenty of countertop/prep space, seating for guests, and, of course, glorious views of the lake from every angle. “The kitchen backsplash tile is rustic in design but highly polished,” notes Kelly, “This seemed counterintuitive at first but ended up being the perfect complement to the stone countertops.”
An Easy Flow
Because the grandchildren are a big part of the family dynamic, the design team kept areas open and free of furnishings so they could play between the kitchen island and the great room. “We always adhere to the space plan, so we know what works in terms of traffic flow and furniture dimensions,” Kelly explains. “The architect had planned the home so all rooms would have the best views, and we wanted to ensure the interior selections played to this as well. So, we didn’t select any especially tall pieces because we wanted to keep the windows unencumbered, and we used minimal window treatments for the same reason.”
In addition, the lake home’s color scheme was carefully considered regarding what hues would blend best with the natural environment. A soft palette of coastal blues and greens mixes with caramels and browns for an earthy touch of warmth. “We kept to quiet patterns as well,” notes Kelly, and again, our focus was always on the amazing property this home was built upon. Plus, we also were very aware that a home is only inviting when you feel like you can really live in it.”
So, with that sentiment in mind, and without sacrificing her design selections, Kelly used stain-resistant, durable fabrics almost everywhere to take the worry out of family fun. “Now everyone says it is their favorite escape,” she adds, “a place where they feel welcome and pampered. Mission accomplished!”
Great Room Grandeur
In the great room, Kelly and her team introduced texture with a magnificent Wisconsin stone fireplace and richly patinaed wood floors anchored with a plush wool area rug. In addition, the ceiling beams and flooring have character markings to bring a well-worn aged feeling to the home, and a smooth level-five drywall finish creates a striking contrast to the wood’s warm walnut stain. She then layered in textural accents, such as the tall tree trunk flanking the window, a branch-like chandelier, and a mix of soft upholstery fabrics, supple leathers, and sumptuous throws and pillows. “Because of the room’s enormous size, we needed a large cocktail table,” Kelly adds. “Also, to make it even more useful, we tucked small ottomans underneath for the grandchildren to sit on while coloring and playing.”
Throughout the home, Kelly incorporated essential furnishings from the owners’ previous lake home and heirloom pieces that had special meaning. Here, a duck collection on the built-in shelves and an old grape press placed under the console table continue her theme of mixing the old with the new.
Warm Family Gatherings
The dining room’s relaxing effect is largely due to its walnut-stained recessed ceiling treatment that gives the space a warm and inviting feel. In addition, a colorful landscape painting emulates the home’s color palette and the waterside environment. Overhead, a pair of rattan chandeliers lend texture to this traditional dining space.
Quiet Time
Bathed in soothing shades of brown, this home office makes a cozy spot for reading or playing chess on rainy afternoons. A vintage-style rug grounds the space with bold patterns and colors while complementing neutral-hued upholstered seating and an ornately carved antique desk—an heirloom from a great grandfather. In addition, meaningful pieces of nautical-themed artwork from the owner’s collection mirror their scenic lakeside setting.
Naturally Neutral
In the primary bedroom, beautiful beiges, creams, and blues blend with the landscape, making an almost seamless indoor/outdoor transition. Plus, the soft palette makes a restful oasis from which the owner can enjoy the splendid lake views.
Spa Retreat
Even the primary bathroom connects with the outdoors via a wide expanse of windows that backdrop a luxurious soaking tub. In addition, dark-stained cabinetry provides a rich contrast to the white marble flooring and vanity surface, and a beaded crystal chandelier creates a refined spa-like ambiance.
Memories in the Making
With endless lake activities and nearby hiking trails, the idyllic property offers plenty to do outside in all seasons. Plus, Lake Nagawicka is as beautiful in summer as in winter, when snow gathers on the tree branches and the lake landscape is blanketed in white. Delivering spectacular shoreline appeal, this meaningful getaway has proven to offer more than enough space for the entire family and extended family members to gather for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all holidays and weekends in between.
“In the end, Kelly and her team’s job could have been a lot easier with clients who just gave them free rein,” says the daughter. “Instead, they got me, my mom, and my husband—with all our emotional investment in the project, our varying design ideas and needs, and a lot of sentimental family treasures to incorporate into the space. Amazingly, they were able to weave all of that into a design that gives us a family home filled with meaning and memories. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”
You work all year tending your garden, only for all your gorgeous blooms to dwindle in the winter. You begin to grow tired of all your hard work and dedication going to waste. But fear not, as today we’re going over 12 flowering shrubs to keep your lake home landscape filled with big beautiful blooms all year-round.
This pretty but poisonous flower blooms beautifully in early summer to mid-fall. Although well-loved because of its fast-growing nature and drought resistance, be careful growing around pets and small children. Oleander can is tremendously poisonous if eaten.
Blooming season: early summer to mid-fall
Color: orange, yellow, red, and pink with dark green foliage
A beginner-friendly plant, this low-maintenance shrub embodies the spirit of summer. Abelias boast many benefits as they resist drought when planted, repel deer, and their pest-free nature ensures longevity — and your garden’s overall health. This flowery shrub blooms through summer and into fall in shades of white, yellow, and pink.
Blooming Season: summer and into fall
Color: shades of white, yellow, and pink with glossy green foliage
Requirements to help the plant grow:
Soil: fertile, moist, and well-drained
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: once or twice weekly; best to water once soil is dry
You will capture the attention of all your neighbors and guests during the summer and throughout fall with the alluring colorful blooms of French Hydrangeas. The pH level of the soil affects the color of the flower. The more acidic the soil (pH below 6), the more blue the flower. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), the flower will turn shades of pink and red.
Blooming season: early summer and lasts until early fall
Add a tropical look to your lake home when you plant this low-maintenance flowering shrub. Its blooms begin in midsummer and last through fall with petals infused with blue, purple, pink, and white.
You will definitely add sunshine to your garden when you plant this low-maintenance, fast-growing bright yellow flower. Not only will they bring instant joy to your lake home, but they are also deer-resistant and become drought-tolerant when established. Although these blooms may start in the early spring and last for about two weeks, the color and sight of these beauties are unforgettable.
Blooming season: early spring
Color: yellow
Requirements to help the plant grow:
Soil: moderately moist, well-drained
Light: at least 6 hours of direct sun
Water: regularly water until established, then give a good soak once a week if there is an extended period with no rainfall
When you think of spring, azaleas instantly come to mind. These colorful flowering shrubs are the epitome of spring. Bursting with colors of white, purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow, their blooms start in early spring and last through fall.
Blooming season: early spring to fall
Color: white to purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow
Why settle to see your lilacs bloom once when you can plant a shrub that will bloom multiple times during the year? Bloomerang Lilacs, unlike other lilacs, bloom in the spring, takes a break, and rebloom again from July to early winter— hence the name “bloomerang.” This delicate pale purple flower can repel deer as well.
Blooming season: first bloom is in spring, takes a break, and reblooms again from July to early winter
You will receive a two-for-one when planting Flowering Quince in your lake home garden. With a blooming season of early spring, this multicolor plant of red, pink, orange, and white not only brings life to your vegetation — but also produces crabapple-like fruit that tastes similar to a cross between an apple and a pear!
Blooming season: early spring
Color: red, pink, orange, and white with dark green foliage
The stunning visuals of this graceful flora will leave you breathless with its shades of pink, red, white, and glossy green foliage. This evergreen shrub typically blooms in late fall and is drought-tolerant which can help it survive extreme wintry conditions.
Blooming season: late October and lasts through winter
Color: shades of pink, red, and white with glossy green foliage
Chrysanthemums typically bloom in early fall and are popular options for autumn and Thanksgiving holiday decor. Coming in beautiful hues of white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, and red, this perennial flowering shrub can be placed in outdoor gardens as well as planted in containers.
Blooming season: early fall depending on zones (could be spring/fall or fall only)
Color: white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, red
With vibrant hues of pink, yellow, peach, white, red, and coral, this low-maintenance plant can catch your eye from anywhere. Their vibrant fall blooms start in October/November and last until the first frost.
Blooming season: fall blooms start in October/November and last until the first frost
Your garden will be filled with the enticing scent of a sweet tea rose fragrance when you plant this shrub. Its delicate beauty comes in a deep yellow color with the outer petals fading to a pale yellow. This hardy plant’s blooms begin in spring and will continue throughout the fall season.
A must-have in your garden for the winter, this low-maintenance evergreen bursts with white and shades of pink and purple. Keeping the deer away is a primary perk — adding to the overall health of your lake home garden.
Blooming season: winter and last until early spring
If you are looking to keep those bloodthirsty mosquitos away, planting rosemary is the way to go. Said to repel mosquitos, their blooms last all winter in shades of pale blue, pink, and white. They also become relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Blooming season: winter
Color: pale blue, pink, white
Requirements to help the plant grow:
Soil: well-drained
Light: full sun
Water: frequently; once established, water when soil is dried out
Just like the name implies, this pale pink plant blooms in mid-to-late winter. The sweet fragrance from these beauties will fill you with warmth all winter long.
Only seeing white during winter can be a bore. Pop some color into your garden this winter with this bold and beautiful golden bloom. Blooming from midwinter until spring, this flowering shrub keeps its color even in the cold.
Blooming season: mid-winter
Color: yellow
Requirements to help the plant grow:
Soil: well-drained
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: at least twice a week
Zones: 6-9
We hope you consider these flowering shrubs as potential options to plant in your lake home garden. Now you can finally enjoy beautiful blooms all year long!
The pH level of the soil affects the color of the flower. The more acidic the soil (pH below 6), the more blue the flower. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), the flower will turn shades of pink and red.
Yes! Bloomerang Lilacs, unlike other lilacs, bloom in the spring, takes a break, and rebloom again from July to early winter— hence the name “bloomerang.”
A foreclosed home on the lake is a rare find. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips shares why your search for one is coming up short.
LakeHomes.com, MLSs, & Other Websites: While homes like these are available on sites like LakeHomes.com, you may have trouble finding them because of how few there are.
Why So Few?
Not the 2008 Market: While inventory spiked during the recession, this was not the case for lake properties. This is because lake homeowners are more financially sound than the average buyer.
Interest Rates Affecting Sellers: Lake homeowners that have a mortgage don’t want to battle with increasing interest rates when buying a new home.
Lenders are Well Positioned: Due to past real estate crises, lenders have policies in place to ensure they work with stable buyers.
Majority Do Not Have a Mortgage: More lake home buyers paying in cash means fewer mortgages and fewer foreclosures.
If you still have your heart set on a foreclosed home, LakeHomes.com will have the few left available!
Purchasing a lake home is not something to take likely. Before you commit to a property, consider these factors from Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips.
Bridges?: The location of bridges will impact how convenient it will be to travel around the area. However, the closer you are to one, the closer you’ll be to traffic.
Water Levels?: The water level can vary by lake, season, and time of day. It’s important to know the behavior of your preferred lake, as the changing levels can affect lake activities.
Shoreline Restrictions?: Research the restrictions surrounding the shoreline, as they tend to fluctuate throughout the area.
Land Restriction?: Most lakes are owned by an organization, which means you’ll run into leased-land properties. You’ll have to follow their guidelines when buying these types of homes.
Water Restrictions?: Living by the lake doesn’t guarantee you have free range on the water within it. Check out the rules around water activities, water addition/removal, etc.
When buying a lake home, the property itself isn’t the only thing to consider. Be sure you can live the lake lifestyle you want before you buy!
Have you been wondering if buying a lake home is the best financial move for you? Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, gives 4 reasons why lake properties are a good investment.
Discretionary Asset: People in this market don’t feel pressure to make rash decisions around a home, making lake real estate more stable than others.
Little Impact from Mortgage Rates: The majority of transactions are cash and those who choose to finance through other means almost never have issues. Because of these reasons, mortgage rates don’t play a major role in their decision-making process.
Foreclosures are Rare: When you’re in competition with cheaper, foreclosed homes, it’s harder to sell your home for what it’s actually worth. In the lake market, this issue rarely happens to this demographic.
Somewhat Economy Independent: Even in economic uncertainty, lake homes tend to hold their value, making them a great placeholder for your money.
Nothing is completely risk-free, but purchasing a lake home is one of the safer ways to invest your money!
When listing your lake home with an agent, working with an agent that specializes in your lake will make all the difference. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares 5 reasons a lake home seller needs a lake expert.
Pricing is Different: The price of a lake home isn’t just determined by traditional factors. You have to consider its position on the lake to know its actual value.
Timing is Different: Many lake home buyers come from across the nation, and selling a lake home too quickly will limit the owner’s potential profit.
Urgency is Different: The lake real estate market moves at a much slower pace because it involves discretionary purchases. Most buyers can afford to wait when searching for their dream lake home.
Exposure is Different: Your home has to be seen to be sold. Working with an agent that has the ability to list your home with LakeHomes.com means all the right buyers will see your property.
Buyers are Different: A lake home buyer has different buying habits than your typical residential buyer. A lake-focused agent will have expertise working with this demographic.
The needs of a lake home seller and a primary residential real estate are inherently different. To ensure the best outcome, work with a lake real estate expert!
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/how-to-grow-and-care-for-bloomerang-lilac-5078948-hero-5130c956c8be4dc4acb3417046a0a48c.JPG)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/winter-jasmine-vines-2132894-02-dd5a0ea873814647b4c4cd3a8d97ee3d.JPG)
