[Hamilton County Herald] Inflation, tariffs chill market for lake homes

For those in the Tennessee Valley, summer often marks the start of lake season—relaxing weekends on the water, family cookouts, and for many, the hope of owning a second home on Chickamauga or Nickajack. But in 2025, that hope is running up against economic uncertainty.

Although there were early signs that lake home sales might bounce back this year, the national market has slowed—and Tennessee is no exception.

Lake Homes Realty Launches Mountain Homes Realty in 21 States

Lake Homes Realty, the country’s largest lakefront-focused real estate brokerage, has announced the newest addition to its waterfront niche market: Mountain Homes Realty. The stand-alone brokerage serves both buyers and sellers of mountain properties across 21 states. While the brand’s digital engine, MountainHomesRealty.com, currently features more than $100 billion in available mountain properties.

“Across all our specialty brands we’ve learned how to connect local and out-of-state buyers with unique lifestyle properties,” said Glenn S. Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Lake Homes Realty. “The purchaser of a mountain home may live hundreds of miles away and scan listings in several states at once. We make that search – and the seller’s exposure to those distant buyers – dramatically easier.”

Whiteboard Topics: What Lake Homes Sellers Expect That Rarely Helps

Expectations are a part of everything in life. Real estate is not exempt from having expectations either. When selling your home, you might have certain expectations from your real estate agent in order to get your home sold. Glenn Phillips, Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, discusses the different things a seller might expect that don’t always help.

  1. Open Houses: Typically, when it comes to lake real estate, the buyer is many miles away. They might even be in a completely different state. These buyers will schedule a showing to see that house if they are interested. An open house, on the other hand, typically attracts people who come by to view the house, usually without any intention to buy.
  2. “Just Listed” postcards: Who would you be sending these to? You don’t really need to send them to your neighbors because they already live at the lake. It doesn’t logically make sense to send these across the country, but it makes the seller feel good when sending them out. That doesn’t inherently mean anything will come from it.
  3. “Just Listed” social media: This is related to the “Just Listed” postcards. Not only that, but the algorithms don’t typically like these kinds of posts. If it shows up to an audience, it will more than likely show up on a family or friend’s feed.
  4. “For Sale” signs: Most lake homebuyers start their search online. Going back to the first point, many buyers might not even live in the state you’re in, having a for sale sign doesn’t really help as much as you think.

A lot of the time, an agent will do these things out of habit or to make their sellers happy. However, that doesn’t mean it will sell the home. If you’d like to discuss these topics or anything else with an agent, please contact one today at https://www.lakehomes.com/.

[265 Today] Lake real estate property prices grow over last spring

The lakefront real estate market in Alabama has shown substantial growth compared to the spring of 2024. According to the most recent market report from Lake Homes Realty, Alabama’s total market value has surged to $1.52 billion, up from $1.39 billion in the previous spring.

Stephanie Johnston of Lake Homes Realty points out that Wilson Lake and Pickwick Lake are standout markets in the state, ranking sixth and seventh, respectively. Wilson Lake currently boasts 170 lakefront properties on the market, priced between $24,000 and $8 million, with an average home price of $946,996. Pickwick Lake offers 90 properties ranging from $8,000 to $2.95 million, with an average home price of $431,801. This positive trajectory in property values and inventory indicates a strong and growing interest in Alabama’s lakefront real estate market.

“The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Alabama’s total market at $1.52 billion, up from $1.39 billion in the spring of 2024,” said Stephanie Johnston of Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Wilson Lake, Shoal Creek, Elk River, and Pickwick Lake. – 265 Today

[AL.com] See inside this stunning $2.5 million Alabama lake home with a glass bridge

Maison Roc, a stunning modern estate located on Smith Lake in Alabama, is currently listed for sale at $2.495 million. According to real estate agent Justin Dyar, this custom home designed by Shepard and Davis Architecture has been showcased in Veranda magazine and various other publications.

The home’s design of reclaimed limestone, steel, and concrete was built to stand the test of time. However, the home’s main attraction is its glass bridge connecting the home’s two living areas.

“Enjoy sunsets or vistas of the main channel while being tucked away in a private cove,” [Justin] Dyar said. “Maison Roc is a true destination home on Smith Lake.” – AL.com

Whiteboard Topics: Overpricing Your Lake Home Is Easy!

What comes to mind when you’re getting ready to sell your home? Pricing! Knowing how to and what to price your lake home is crucial in the selling process. If you go too high, more than likely, it will sit on the market longer than you’d like. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, delves into the importance of proper pricing and how easy it is to accidentally overprice.

  1. “What I have in it”: This is the concept of what you, as the owner, have financially put into the home. However, buyers do not care about this. The market is the market. When you were the buyer, you didn’t ask the seller what they had put into the home. The same goes for your potential buyers; they don’t care. The market sets the price.
  2. “What I ‘need’…”: At the end of the day, need has nothing to do with it. Need is market-independent and not relevant to any of the buyers.
  3. “I just ‘feel’ it is worth this”: There have been many studies that indicate we value our own possessions a lot more than other people’s possessions. This is something you need to be mindful of. It’s very easy to justify why you think your property is worth a certain amount.
  4. “The neighbor’s house sold for…”: That might be a true statement, or it might be a rumor someone has made up. If it is factual, there are many factors that could have been at play, such as selling when the market was hot. Having an agent who can pull a market analysis is more beneficial than basing pricing on the neighbor’s home.
  5. “The house nearby is listed for…”: “Listed for” is exactly what it sounds like, a listing. That house is still on the market.
  6. “If I can get this much, then I’ll sell”: This means you are not actively trying to sell the home. If something were to come along at a price you like, then you might. Something like this wastes time for all parties.

Having the correct pricing is truly the most important thing if you’re trying to sell. However, as mentioned above, it’s very easy to overprice a lake home. If you’re trying to figure out how to get accurate pricing, reach out to our lake experts at https://www.lakehomes.com/.

[Home Stratosphere] 5 of the Most Expensive Houses Currently on the Market in Alabama (April 2025)

Alabama’s real estate scene is a delightful fusion of Southern appeal and refined lakeside lifestyles. With a variety ranging from lavish plantations and oak-lined properties to contemporary residences with stunning views of Lake Martin and the Gulf Coast, the Heart of Dixie showcases a remarkable selection of high-end real estate. Rich with history, cities such as Birmingham and Montgomery offer charming neighborhoods while waterfront residences provide luxury living akin to resorts.

For those seeking opulence in unexpected places, Alabama doesn’t disappoint. Here are five of the most expensive houses that epitomize luxury living in Alabama at its finest.

[Realtor.com] Lake Property for Sale: How To Buy a Waterfront Home

Picture starting each day with the serenity of the water—owning a waterfront home can make that dream come true.

From retirees seeking a peaceful retreat to those chasing a personal paradise, lake homes offer a unique appeal. Even investors looking to expand their portfolio may find these properties a smart choice.

Learn what’s involved in buying a waterfront home and decide if it’s the right step for you.

“Spend time in the markets that interest you first. Visit several times and explore,” suggests Glenn Phillips, CEO at Lake Homes Realty & Beach Homes Realty. “Get a feel for the area, and a feel for the differences in these markets with the seasons.” – Realtor.com