Lewis Smith Lake Archives

Lake Homes Realty Agent Reaches Half-Billion in Sales

Posted on November 7, 2018November 26, 2018 Staff

Lake Homes Realty agent Justin Dyar received national recognition for reaching $500 million in lifetime sales during the brokerage’s Sixth Annual National Agent Summit, held October 16-19 in Hoover, Alabama.

In addition to maintaining his “Premier Agent” status for a fifth year in a row, the Smith Lake agent was presented with an exclusive “Rainmaker Award” for unparalleled effort, passion and dedication exhibited throughout his career.

“Since he began his career in real estate, Justin has been one of the most forward-thinking and savvy agents in the entire country,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO of Birmingham-based Lake Homes Realty, the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company.

About Justin Dyar

A graduate of the University of Alabama, where he studied consumer and industrial marketing and computer science, Dyar became a real estate agent in 2003.

Immediately, he moved to Lewis Smith Lake to begin what has become a 15-year career in real estate.

“I chose to go into real estate because I enjoy the ability to control your own schedule, and you are unlimited as far as income and potential growth,” Dyar shared.

In 2013, he joined Lake Homes Realty, becoming the then start-up hybrid web/brokerage’s first boots-on-the-ground agent. Today, Dyar is a Realtor® and Associate Broker for the company.

“Lake Homes Realty is ONLY focused on waterfront properties,” Dyar said on his decision to join the nation’s largest lake real estate brokerage and two-time Inc. 5000 company. “No other company is laser-focused like that.”

Since then, “Mr. Smith Lake,” as he is known to locals, has made appearances on HGTV’s Lakefront Bargain Hunt and in in Top Agent Magazine and has been named the top-producing agent for his local Board of Realtors 12 years in a row, closing more than $90,000,000 last year, alone.

“Justin is the embodiment of our Lake Homes Realty brand,” said Phillips. “His joining our team was one of the first steps in setting this company up for success, and it’s been an honor having him excel right alongside us.”

“No matter the size of the deal, Justin gives every client the same personal attention, ” said Lake Homes Realty COO Doris Phillips. “What makes him a true winner is that he realizes all dreams are equal, and he works his hardest to make them all come true.”

Dyar attributes his achievements to his professional philosophy, which he believes is the key to success in real estate over time.

“Do as you say, and live right,” he said. “You will succeed. And with that in mind, I am looking forward to hitting the $1 billion mark!”

For more information about Justin Dyar, visit him at: https://www.lakehomes.com/alabama/lewis-smith-lake/justin-dyar.

Lake Homes Realty

Lake Homes Realty (www.LakeHomes.com) is a full-service, multi-state real estate company focused on lake homes and land. The two-time Inc. 5000 company is a licensed real estate brokerage in 23 states, including its home state of Alabama, and is expanding rapidly into additional states.

Five Ways You Know You Are From Smith Lake, Alabama

Posted on April 27, 2016March 23, 2020 Staff

Lewis Smith Lake, or simply Smith Lake as it is known to locals, is located only one short hour from both Birmingham and Huntsville.

It’s convenient location near Bankhead National Forest gives the body of water a particularly secluded, heavily wooded feel.

A popular, yet peaceful lake, Smith Lake rivals the nation’s most beautiful lakes, thanks to it’s water clarity, stunning shoreline and diverse topography.

While every lake might claim pretty water and scenic views, you know few can compare to Smith.

1. You’ve never been anywhere more beautiful

With many homes perched on picturesque bluffs or nestled among tall trees, Smith Lake is any outdoor photographer’s fantasy.

The lake, fed by the Black Warrior River, is also one of the deepest bodies of water in Alabama, and the western side of the lake borders the 180,000-acre Bankhead National Forest.

So here is a question you always ask your friends: why travel across the country to visit a national park when you can just walk a few steps to one?

2. You drop off mail at William’s Grocery in Arley

william's grocery arley alabama — Photo courtesy of Lakes Online.

The closest post office is located in a tiny grocery store, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

At Smith Lake, knowing everyone’s name isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

You love the lake for its tight-knit community and small-town feel.

You delight in walking into any convenience store and finding the ice cream right next to the fishing bait.

Everyone knows each other, and the area has a country charm you wouldn’t trade for the world!

3.You know exactly where Three Fingers and The Smith Lake Castle are

One of the best parts about Smith Lake? Its many quirky landmarks and characteristics you won’t find any where else.

Three Fingers Rock, a popular rock formation, dares only the bravest jumpers to plunge 35 or 40 feet into the deep water below.

lewis smith lake castle home lake house for sale mr. smith lake justin dyar

Lewis Smith Lake is also home to “The Smith Lake Castle,” a 5,500-square-foot mansion resembling a centuries-old country estate in England.

When your friends climb on the boat, you’re always excited to showcase the personality and character of the lake.

4. You can see your toenails in the water

crystal clear water smith lake, al — Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor.

Smith Lake is known to be the second-cleanest lake in the United States, behind only Lake Tahoe in Sierra Nevada.

Lose something in the shallow water? No problem.

What better feeling than to know the water in your lake is always pristine?

5. Holidays are the perfect excuse to kick back, relax and spend time with loved ones.

You know you’re a local when you’ve gathered with your loved ones in Smith Lake Park to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

At the lake, you know that whether it’s National Pancake Day or Memorial Day, you have the perfect excuse to take the day off and spend it on the water.

enjoy the view perfect vacation spot 4th of july

Ask any local and they will tell you that the best part about living on Smith Lake is the stunning, natural beauty of the area.

There is nothing quite like waking up and looking out your window to 21,200 acres of sparkling water.

With 958 listings around the lake, Lake Homes Realty is the best source for lake information and diverse listings for BOTH buyers and sellers.

For more information, visit http://www.lakehomes.com/ or contact Mr. Smith Lake, Justin Dyar.

7 Remarkable Lake Homes You Can Buy Today

Posted on April 18, 2016June 6, 2019 Staff

Some of the remarkable lake homes on this list are giant and luxurious while others are tiny (No really, we have a “tiny” lake house for sale), but all of them have unique qualities that make them stand-out properties for buyers.

1. Have Your Own Peninsula on Lake Murray

A lake house on its own peninsula that has a huge rock staircase that goes right into the lake?

Believe it or not, this Lake Murray lake home with six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half-baths, has water on three sides.

It also features a master bath that

extends the full width of the house, as well as a Gunite pool.

Check out the photos and see all the crazy stuff this house has to offer for only $1,900,000.

2. Tiny Lake Home For Under $200,000 In Tennessee

Think you can’t afford a lake house? This tiny lake home on Center Hill Lake might prove you wrong. For under $200,000, you can have this 1-bedroom, 1-bath Tennessee lake home with a humongous deck and gorgeous lake views.

3. Elysium at Lake Murray

This home lives up to its fascinating name. Elysium has five bedrooms, four baths, and almost 5,000 square feet of luxurious living space. One thing that makes this South Carolina lake house particularly desirable is its construction. According to Doug Geisler of Lake Homes Realty, “[Elysium] is the most solidly constructed home I have ever put my feet in. You won’t hear a single squeak as you walk its floors or up its stairs. It is quite amazing.”

4. Log Cabin Paradise on Cherokee Lake

Cherokee Lake real estate doesn’t get better than this! For only $695,000, this gorgeous lake home has five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, five garages, and a unique elevated tower with two levels of windows. Four balconies and decks all face the lake and the 400 feet of dockable waterfront shoreline on this 2-acre lot. There are also multiple fireplaces, custom carvings, and stained glass windows in this amazing house.

Video of Cherokee Lake Home

5. “The Castle” at Lewis Smith Lake

With its impressive size and high rock walls, this Smith Lake lake home is affectionately known as “Smith Lake Castle.” Located on 18 acres overlooking the main channel, this four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is one of the most interesting properties you will ever see anywhere.

For starters, the master suite covers an entire floor. There is extensive custom tile work, a gourmet kitchen, a beautiful solarium, and dozens of windows. If that’s not enough, there is also a workshop with a five-car garage.

6. Off the Grid on Norris Lake

This romantic lakefront home is located on Norris Lake about 50 miles from Knoxville, Tenn. What makes this three-bedroom, three-bath lake home special is the state-of-the-art wood stove that delivers high-efficiency heat, and its unique lake-drawn water system. A wonderful bonus is the home’s convenient proximity to a 24,000-acre wildlife management area.

7. Stunning Lake Sinclair Lake Home for Under $600,000

This property stands out in almost every way. Landscaped grounds will make you feel like you are in Augusta, Georgia, instead of at Lake Sinclair. A gazebo-style screened dining room, and full-size lakefront deck that spans the main level, will give you perfect waterfront views whether your family is enjoying a leisure dinner or afternoon drinks. An outdoor kitchen, outdoor stacked-stone fireplace, in-ground saltwater heated spa, and surround-sound speakers inside and out will make sure you never want to leave! This gorgeous home has everything you could ask for in a lake house.