When selling your lake home, it’s important to put yourself in the best position. This means understanding the market, or working with an agent who does. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips gives six pricing secrets for sellers.
Hot ≠ Stupid: Even though the market is hot, this does not mean buyers will pay crazy, overpriced houses. Start at the right price instead of receiving no offers and having to cut the listing price.
List $ ≠ Sold $: Comparing your listing price to neighbors’ listing prices will set you up for disappointment. Listing price does not mean the house sold for that price; knowing what homes are selling for is more valuable.
Local Comps ≠ Lake Market Comps: Buyers could be looking at multiple lakes or even in different states. Working with an agent who understands the entire lake house market will set you up for success.
Pretending ≠ Selling: Include an honest description of the home and make sure you are serious and committed to selling.
Time = Money: The longer a house is on the market because of a too high listing price, the more money it will cost you. Buyers will believe something may be wrong with the house or are simply unwilling to pay the listing price.
Start Too High ≠ Best $: Starting too high on your listing price means eventually having to cut that price. This leads buyers into believing you will cut the price further and therefore offer even lower.
Selling your lake home doesn’t have to be difficult. Set yourself up for success and work with an agent who knows not only your lake area but the lake house market!
When designing your lake house’s backyard, low-maintenance landscaping strategies can help you cut down on manual labor and reduce water waste. One often overlooked tip for a stress-free backyard is incorporating hardscapes. In particular, walkways are an excellent choice. Not only do they minimize your grass maintenance workload, but they’re also beautiful. The contrast between grass and a material like brick or stone adds an element of visual interest to your lakeside curb. If you’re thinking about installing a backyard walkway into your landscape, check out these ideas for inspiration.
For anyone who prefers DIY over hiring a professional, this backyard walkway idea is for you. To make a stone walkway at your lake house, all you need is several large stones. Just arrange them over grass to form a simple yet beautiful pathway through your backyard. To create a more interesting, rustic look, pick stones of all different shapes. The DIY Network walks you through this easy process with their tutorial.
Gravel is an easy, inexpensive way to create a stunning walkway. These small stones come in all different colors and sizes so that you can customize the path to your liking. You can even add stone material alongside the path to evoke a more structured look. To ensure the gravel doesn’t wash away in bad weather, The Gardener of Good and Evil has instructions on creating a foolproof DIY gravel walkway.
At a lake house, a rustic pathway through your lakeside garden is certainly fitting. If you want to lean into the natural look, use pallet wood to create your backyard walkway. Plus, if you incorporate space between the wide wooden boards, it allows room for plants to grow. Laura from Garden Answer demonstrates a budget-friendly way to create one of these charming pathways. For this DIY project, all you need are wooden planks and some basic power tools.
A brick walkway is perfect if you prefer a more upscale, polished look. This design also allows for customization, so you can arrange these bricks however you’d like. While a herringbone pattern is classic, you could also organize these stones in many patterns, alternating between vertical and horizontal to create visual interest. As brick pathways are a bit harder to DIY, installing this yourself is possible, as demonstrated in this HGTV tutorial. Just be sure to take the time to level out the ground first.
With a backyard walkway made from mulch, you’ll immediately make your guests feel like they’re entering a botanical wonderland. DIY friendly, this material evokes a strong sense of natural beauty. It’s a perfect combination of rugged and sophisticated. Mulch is also easy to combine with other materials such as stone. The blog Pretty Handy Girl details instructions for creating mulch and stone walkway combinations.
Want to invoke the same aesthetic as the Ancient Romans? Installing a mosaic walkway is a great way to impress all your guests. It immediately gives off an elegant, stately essence. Due to its complexity, many lake homeowners would have a mosaic walkway installed by a professional. However, if you’re interested in the DIY route, follow these instructions from This Old House. By creating a mosaic pathway yourself, you can incorporate your own creative designs into the mix.
Concrete is one of the most popular choices because of its versatility. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can stick to a beige industrial look or opt for a darker gray tone for a faux-stone aesthetic. Concrete also gives off a striking impression when contrasted with grass, as its smooth surface stands out against textured greenery. If you want to use concrete for your backyard walkway, The Family Handyman has tips on how to DIY.
No matter what material you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your backyard walkway DIY project!
Those of us who love lake life know that water is a precious natural resource. We also know that enjoying a laidback lake lifestyle is far more appealing than spending hours on excessive watering and lawn maintenance. Now, more than ever, water conservation has become vital due to global warming, unpredictable droughts, and daily consumption by millions of people.
Experts estimate that American households use nearly 107,000 gallons of water per year, with about 50 to 70 percent to water their lawns and gardens. According to the EPA, “As much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.” The good news? Creating a water-wise xeriscape (zer-i-skape) for your lake home can reduce your water usage by as much as 50 percent.
So, what exactly is xeriscaping? Originating from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry, combined with the word landscape, it is an eco-friendly sustainable method of landscaping that will ultimately conserve water, help protect the environment, and require less maintenance overall—a win-win for all of us. Coined in the early eighties by a team of landscape and water industry professionals in Colorado, xeriscaping has become increasingly popular in all areas of the country—not just drier climates.
If you’re ready to embrace the idea of xeriscaping on your lake property, start with the basics. Developed by Ken Ball, ASLA LLA, a landscape architect who was part of the original xeriscaping team in Denver in the 1980s, the Seven Principles of Xeriscaping are a great guide to follow:
Planning & Design
First, sketch out a basic landscape plan on paper. Map out plant materials and hardscaped areas appropriate for your regional climate and include any water-saving solutions. For instance, plot out areas where you could replace turf with drought-resistant plants or mulching. Add stone walkways, a fire pit or barbecue pit, and any other desired seating and entertaining areas that may replace water-thirsty landscaping.
Limiting turf areas that require a lot of water and maintenance is an essential part of xeriscaping. Check with your local garden and lawn care center to learn more about native and low-water grasses suitable to your region and landscape aesthetic. There is no need to replace all your grass with mulch or gravel. Instead, think through how you use your yard and what best appeals to you visually. Consider using Bella bluegrass, a dwarf vegetative grass that thrives in warm and cool climates and most any soil type. It also requires less water and mowing than other typical turf lawns. Consider putting in low-growing ground cover, brick or stepping-stone pathways, or other more durable options that won’t look trampled down for heavy traffic areas.
Choose your plants carefully. Consider the location and grouping of your plant materials and make sure they are drought tolerant and don’t require excessive watering. Remember that plants needing more sunlight will be happier on the western side of your landscape. Also, consider the slope of your lake landscape, as plants requiring little water are best placed at higher elevations, and thirstier plants will catch excess water if they are set lower. When xeriscaping, native plants perform best, but you can check with a garden center for a list of plants appropriate for your climate, soil conditions, and available resources. For more ideas, visit Epic Gardening.
Soil Improvement
Remember that good soil equals healthy plants. Most soil contains a combination of silt, sand, and clay, but silt ultimately performs best for xeriscaping. Clay can sometimes retain moisture too long, and sand can allow too much drainage. Rich, organic soils encourage deeper roots, absorb water better, and reduce water runoff.
Mulching
Adding mulch to your lake landscape is a relatively easy way to help your soil retain moisture, keep your plants—and the ground—cool, and minimize water evaporation. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also keeps weeds at bay. Choose from organic wood-based mulches like cedar, pine, and bark for sunny areas and stone-based inorganic mulches such as lava rock and cobblestone for shady spots.
Efficient Irrigation
Make sure you know the water requirements for all your plants and group them accordingly. Some can thrive in drier climates, and others will require more water, especially when newly planted and establishing their root systems. Without enough water, roots will lose their foundation and become weaker. Save watering instructions from your garden center and monitor your plants closely. Automatic sprinkler systems and hose-end sprinklers can provide efficient irrigation for your xeriscape. Keep any irrigation systems low to the ground to avoid excessive evaporation and prevent water from reaching unwanted areas. Micro-spray, drip, and bubbler irrigation systems are ideal for shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Always check with a professional to keep up to date on the most current irrigation technology.
When it comes to xeriscaping, maintaining your lake landscape is surprisingly easy. As pioneer Ken Ball once said, “The further you take a design from the natural environment, the more maintenance you have to apply forever. If you don’t, Mother Nature will reclaim the site.” Think of xeriscaping as a more natural approach to gardening and landscaping. Its very intent is to create an eco-friendly environment, improve sustainability, and cut down on overall maintenance, mowing, and watering. Of course, you’ll want to groom your plants as needed and promote growth by keeping your yard clear of debris, leaves, and branches.
If you’re ready to embrace all the beautiful benefits of xeriscaping on your lake property, talk to a local landscape professional or visit Love Your Landscape for more information.
Did you know that many lake homes are built on leased lots? In this video, we demystify what misconceptions you may have in regards to leased lake lots.
Shoreline Ownership. Oftentimes, lakes are owned by public or private utility companies, the Corp. of Engineers, the Tennessee Valley Authority, etc. Because of this, lots on these lakes are leased.
Lease Duration. Leased lots typically have long terms. It’s not uncommon to see durations range anywhere from 25 to 99 years. Because most homeowners don’t own their lake homes for more than 20 years, these long-term lease durations are factors that lake home buyers must consider when purchasing or building a home on a leased lot.
Mortgage Impact. Getting a mortgage on a leased lot is not unusual and happens quite often with lake homes. But one of the concerns that potential lake homeowners could encounter is how the mortgage term could impact the lease term duration. For instance, a lender may not approve a 30-year mortgage for a lake home that is on a 25-year lease.
Are you thinking of buying your first lake home? Buying a lake home is unlike buying any other home so here are 5 important questions to ask when you know you are ready to buy.
Dock Regulations? The rules and regulations on what you can and cannot do to a dock will vary from lake to lake. Some might not allow the existing docks to be modified. Before you decide to build one or fix up an existing dock, be sure you understand the regulations.
Internet Access? Most people often think that the internet is widely accessible, but this is not always the case with lake homes. Sometimes houses on the lake are located in secluded, rural areas where internet access is not always readily available.
Water Levels? Water levels vary on different lakes. Some lakes could have water levels that vary from day to day while some are seasonal. For instance, a lake might be at full capacity in the summertime and be completely dry in the winter.
Boat Traffic? You might not realize that your ideal lake home is situated on an area of the lake that has high traffic. The buzzing of passersby might be appealing for some but if you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, an area with high boat traffic might not be a good fit for you.
Grocery Store DRIVE Time? How long does it take to get to the nearest grocery store? Always calculate the time and not the distance because the shortest distance does not always equate to the fastest time and vice versa.
If you’re ready to make your very first lake home purchase, be sure to contact our lake experts to help guide you on this special journey.
During the pandemic, the number of people buying a lake house has drastically increased. It’s easy to see why. Surrounded by more trees than people, lake homes are the perfect locations for social distancing. However, when looking to buy a lake house, there are several factors to consider.
Of course, there are the obvious deliberations — how much money to spend and which state you want to live in. But one of the most important factors is which type of lake community you’re seeking.
Some of us want to channel our inner Henry David Thoreau in a remote location, surrounded by undisturbed wilderness, a la Moosehead Lake.
Others of us (likely extroverts) prefer a community of other lake dwellers. This group is seeking a lively, close-knit group of neighbors full of potluck invitations and shopping trips. If this is you, it’s worth looking into buying a home on a community or suburban lake. These lakes are typically smaller and more removed from the hype (nothing like Lake of the Ozarks’ infamous Party Cove) with plenty of charm. If you’re considering suburban lakes in your buying decisions, check out these pros and cons first.
The most practical benefit is the cost. Since community and suburban lake homes are primarily located away from the waterfront, they cost a fraction of what a lakefront property would. According to Homelight.com, waterfront homes consistently cost more than those away from the water. In 2017, the difference was $50 more per square foot, which can certainly add up.
Aside from the savings, buyers are attracted to the neighborhood vibes of suburban lakes. Unlike remotely located lakes, the focus is on the community more so than nature (although nature is undoubtedly an added benefit — for instance, Great Falls Lake, Tennessee, is known for the amazing waterfalls and white water rapids).
In addition to friendly neighbors who live a 30-second walk away, lake communities often have a unique culture that makes the neighborhood special.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (located on Geneva Lake) is renowned as a summer paradise. This lake town is known for shopping, an award-winning magic show, and colorful mansions along its shores.
Lake Lure, North Carolina, has a similar reputation. Close to Greenville and Spartanburg, this community lake offers a vibrant, lively culture and all the perks of lake living. This dynamic feel is emblematic of suburban lakes more broadly.
Another benefit is the proximity to amenities such as state parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. These resources and attractions are usually not available in rural lake areas.
Community lakes in the Liberty Park area of Birmingham, Alabama, are close to Vulcan Park, the Summit shopping center, and other attractive features.Similarly, Lake Anne in Virginia is located in Reston’s charming suburban community with an exciting restaurant scene, public parkland, and proximity to Washington D.C.
For those seeking a lakeside retirement community, suburban lakes often come with even more amenities. For instance, residents in communities such as White Bluff Resort, Texas, and Tellico Village, Tennessee, can join clubs, golfing groups, and countless other organizations.
Another feature that is often helpful is for those who want to be near a hospital. For instance, Lake Tansi offers proximity to the high-quality University of Tennessee medical center.
This List of Cons
Clearly, there are more pros than cons — what can we say? We love lakes! However, depending on how you envision your lake lifestyle, there are some cons to consider.
Although there is a lower cost to living on a community or suburban lake, you are typically sacrificing a waterfront view. As such, there’s a good chance you can’t look at the lake from your back porch or hop on the boat at a moment’s notice. You might also lack a boat dock for this reason, although it’s typically possible to find rental spaces at a nearby marina.
Additionally, if you’re seeking a more active environment, these lake areas may not be suitable for you. For instance, if you’re someone who wants to roll out of bed, run to the lake, and hop on a jet ski, a smaller lake may not allow for these water sports or easy access to the lake. Ultimately, if living directly on the lake is more important to you than access to surrounding amenities, a suburban or community lake may not be a great match.
Remember — the search for a lake house is all about figuring out what’s most important to you. For help on this process, reach out to a Lake Homes Realty agent with market expertise on both local and national levels.
Security cameras are one of the most necessary tools for your home. Especially for lake properties, which are typically second homes, it’s even more crucial to make your house less vulnerable to break-ins. Plus, security systems provide a significant advantage to deterring robbers. According to High Security Home, not having a home security system increases your chances of being robbed by 300%. Thankfully, with modern technology, keeping your home safe is easier than ever. Primarily with Wi-Fi access, you can check on your lake house’s safety from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re new to home safety systems or looking to upgrade your technology, check out the best security cameras for your lake house from top brands.
The newest Wi-Fi security camera from Lorex is perfect for any lake homeowner. With two outdoor cameras and one indoor camera, you can keep a close eye on both curbs of your home — your home front and lakefront. The stand-out feature of this product is the ability to control the cameras with the sound of your voice. Commands like “Lorex, show me all outdoor cameras” and “Lorex, turn on all warning lights on outdoor cameras” utilize the same technology as an Alexa to help you keep tabs on your home from anywhere. In response, sensors can be linked to a nearby Wi-Fi camera to start recording. After the sun has set, color night vision helps provide maximum security.
New from Piper, this all-in-one security camera is a simple yet effective way to equip your lake house for maximum protection. It has all the features of the best security cameras, complete with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities to view all parts of the room. You can set this device on one of three different modes: home, security, and vacation. If ever security mode is breached, an intruder deterrent siren will immediately go off. The two-way audio system allows you to use Piper as a video intercom to check in with family or pets. This way, it feels like you never left your home! No matter where you are in the world — whether you’re at your permanent residence or on vacation — you can watch live or recorded videos of your lake home from your phone or tablet.
Ranked by Security.org as the most affordable outdoor camera (starting at $99.99), the Blink XT is undoubtedly one of the best security cameras out there. New from this Amazon-owned company, this product can run for an impressive two years with only two AA batteries. The simple set up makes this a perfect product if you’re just getting started in home security. Plus, its waterproof capabilities make it ideal for screening your lakefront property. So you can monitor your lake home while you’re away, the Blink XT comes with an easy-to-use app that can work with your Alexa. At a low price, you can have peace of mind about your home’s safety.
Ring’s products consistently rank among the best security cameras for a reason. The wire-free and waterproof features, combined with a simple installation, makes it very attractive to homeowners. The new spotlight cam is specifically known for its integrated spotlight, siren, and motion detection. With instant motion-activated alerts and a high-quality night vision camera, you can quickly determine whether it’s your mom or a total stranger at the door. The ability to hear, see, and speak to anyone on your property from a phone or tablet offers an additional stand-out feature.
Nest, a product of Google, is another well-known contender among the best security cameras. The Nest Outdoor Cam has every important feature of a high-quality outdoor camera — two-way audio, HD vision, face detection, night vision, and 24-hour recording. If you’re a new lake homeowner, you might be attracted to Nest’s simple installation process, using only a magnet. With push notifications for any activity in your front and backyard, you’ll be able to monitor your home’s safety easily — even if it’s been a month since you’ve made the trek to the lake house.
Security cameras with remote access provide the best solution for most lake homeowners. These security cameras are worth investing in, especially if you don’t live on the lake full time. Which one is your top pick?
Are you thinking of selling your home this year? You might think that spring would be the ideal time to sell your home, but we think otherwise. Here are 5 reasons why you should list your lake home before spring.
Lake buyers schedule. Lake home buyers have a different schedule. Because lake homes are not considered a discretionary purchase, the average lake home buyer is not affected by decision-making drivers such as school year cycles, job relocations, etc.
Hot for selling. The lake real estate market is hot right now. There are buyers wanting to buy now and have their home ready for spring.
Economy. The economy is strong right now but during these unprecedented times, the state of the economy is unpredictable. Therefore, buyers are less likely to pay an optimal price or might opt to wait on purchasing their lake home.
Reduced inventory. Lake home buyers are wanting to make a purchase now. If you wait until spring to list your lake home, you’ll be faced with increased competition as more home sellers will be listing their homes as well.
Time Value of Money. Expenses such as a mortgage, utilities, and home maintenance costs could be reduced if you list and sell your home now instead of waiting until spring.
We hope you find these tips valuable as you venture out on your journey to selling your home. Please feel free to reach out to our lake experts for guidance.
There are three particularly important aspects you must give extra consideration when you’re thinking of buying or selling a lake home.
In this video, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn S. Phillips goes over why the points are more important when it comes to lake real estate.
Water. How deep is the water? How far is it from the main body of water? How is the boat traffic? Does the water level vary by season? Every lake has its own water characteristic, in fact, different areas of the same lake may vary so these factors can affect the price of a home when buying or selling.
Sun. Which way the home faces relative to the sun is important to the value of a lake home. Some might prefer sunrise or sunset views. If a lake home is situated due north, or in a cove with hills and trees, it views of sunrises or sunsets may even be fully obstructed.
Earth. The terrain on which the home is situated is important to consider. Is it waterfront or water access? Did you know some property is waterfront without water access? What kind of septic system will this property support (as many locations are rural)?
Because lake real estate is unique with many factors to consider when buying or selling, it’s important that you have a lake expert by your side.
Here at Lake Homes Realty, we’ve got our own licensed agents who are highly specialized in all facets of the lake and the lake lifestyle. If you need help with lake real estate questions or are looking for an expert to help you buy or sell your lake home, be sure to contact us!
