Tag: real estate agents

2025 Lake Homes Realty National Agent Summit and Awards

Posted on Linda Thach

The 2025 Lake Homes Realty National Agent Summit was held from September 29 – October 3 in Hoover, Alabama, bringing together more than 150 agents from across the country. Attendees participated in sessions focused on team-building, marketing strategies, and sales techniques tailored to niche real estate markets.

This year’s Summit marked a milestone as the first joint event with the company’s sister brokerage, Mountain Homes Realty, which officially launched in June 2025. Together with Beach Homes Realty, the three brokerages celebrated the achievements of over 80 agents, presenting numerous honors—including the prestigious Agent of the Year Award.

Agent Awards Criteria and Eligibility

The Agent of the Year recognition celebrates more than revenue production—it honors an agent who demonstrates excellence across every aspect of real estate, from daily practices to major accomplishments.

The Alpha Award recognized agents who achieved $25 million or more in total transaction volume, or completed at least 60 transactions during the 12-month evaluation period.

Agents who reached or exceeded $10 million in sales or 40 transactions earned the Big Wave Award, distinguishing them as top-performing market experts.

Finally, the Aqua Award honored agents with $3.5 million to under $10 million in total transaction volume, or at least 20 transactions, during the same period—recognizing their exceptional dedication and results within the Lake Homes Realty network.

2025 Agent of the Year Winner: Lisa Steele

Lisa Steele has long been a familiar name in Georgia’s lake real estate scene—and now, her success is being recognized on a national level. At Lake Homes Realty’s 13th Annual Summit in Birmingham, Alabama, Steele received the brokerage’s most prestigious honor: the Splash Award for Agent of the Year. This award celebrates an agent who exemplifies exceptional achievement in sales, client service, integrity, and community involvement.

To qualify, agents must reach a minimum of $3.5 million in transaction volume. From there, Lake Homes Realty evaluates candidates across six performance metrics over a 12-month period, including closed transaction sides, total volume, buy- and list-side commission percentages, and year-over-year growth. Steele not only met these benchmarks—she surpassed them.

Agent of the Year, Lisa Steele, with Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn S. Phillips.

“I was stunned to hear my name,” she said. “There are so many incredible agents at this company, and I have always admired the ones who have won before me. To stand among them now is both an honor and an encouragement to keep giving my best.”

2025 Alpha Award Winners

Justin Dyar – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Margaret Decker – Lake Sinclair, GA
John Robert Elliot – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Cindy Myrex – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
JW Hightower – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Ken Williams – Lake Guntersville, AL
Lisa Steele – Lake Arrowhead, GA
Melinda Edwards – Lewis Smith Lake, AL

2025 Big Wave Award Winners

Angela VanHouten – Lake Martin, AL
Brenda Maggy – Hampton Beach, NH
Bruce Hull – Cherokee Lake, TN
Cat Thornton – Lake Murray, SC
Cindy Anderson – Lake Michigan/Traverse City, MI
Donna Dunevant – Hyco Lake, NC
Doug Giesler – Lake Murray, SC
Glenn Fisher – Lake Hickory, NC
Jennifer Hill & Tim Beeson – High Rock Lake, NC
Jim Williams – Norris Lake, TN
Karen Packett – Fort Loudoun Lake, TN
Lauren Streeter – Lake Eufaula, AL
Linda Hanf – Lake Wallenpaupack, PA
Lisa Parker – Lake Ray Hubbard, TX
Michael Murphy – Lake Murray, SC
Mike Goins – Lake Conroe, TX
Nicole Anderson – Lake Logan Martin, AL
Pam DeBlasio – Lake Livingston, TX
Peggy Overstreet – Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Sandie and Freddie Hurley – Lake Keowee, SC
Terry and Sherrie Norton – Lake Wedowee, AL
Tiffany Hazelwood – Lake Anna, VA
Tony Luna – Center Hill Lake, TN
Ty Miller – Weiss Lake, AL
Wally Cawthon – Jackson Lake, GA

2025 Aqua Award Winners

Aimee Brady – Lake Cypress Springs, TX
Amanda Anderson-St. John – Logan Martin Lake, AL
Bill Delzell – Honeoye Lake, NY
Bruce Erskine – Lake Blue Ridge, GA
Cereice Morris – Kentucky Lake, TN
Cheryl Painter – Lake Anna, VA
Chris Futvoye – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Chris Johnson – Lake Sinclair, GA
Chris Morris – Kentucky Lake, TN
Cindy Lanham – Lake Brownwood, TX
Corey Jones – Lake Texoma, TX
David Wittman – Badin Lake, NC
Deb Groom – Lake Travis, TX
Deb Short Taylor – Dale Hollow Lake, TN
Elizabeth Phelan – Lake Eufaula, OK
Gary Wallace – Lake Wallace, TX
Greg Adams – Jordan Lake, AL
Heather Boldizsar – Tims Ford Lake, TN
Holly Blanchette – Chain O’Lakes, IL
Jeff Newberg – Muskegon Lake, MI
Jeff Titsworth – Geist Reservoir, IN
Jill Baugus – Lake Lanier, GA
Jill Botos – Lake Hartwell, GA/SC
Jo Lynn Miller – Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
John Franklin – Lake Martin, AL
Katie Pendleton & Matt Nielsen – Lake Wylie, SC/NC
Kim Macaulay – Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
Kimberly Hewitt – Grand Lake, OK
Kirklin Smith – Beaver Lake, AR
Korby Stockton – Stockton Lake, MO
Kristie Anderson – Lake Marion, SC
Mariah Lacey – Richland Chambers Reservoir, TX
Marie Skillern – Wilson Lake, AL
Marty Grant – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Mike Hardesty – Finger Lakes, NY
Mike Stevens – Lake Anna, VA
Missy & Tim Fredrickson – Canyon Lake, TX
Paige DeBlasio – Lake Livingston, TX
Pam Bowman – Lewis Smith Lake, AL
Rachel Manhim – Lake George, NY
Rachelle McClard – Lake Hamilton, AR
Rebecca Brewer – Skiatook, OK
Rhonda Lettow – Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Rick Murphy – Morse Reservoir, IN
Rita Horner – Table Rock Lake, MO
Sally Adams – Lake Hamilton, AR
Sarah Hallberg – Chautauqua Lake, NY
Sheila Howell – Deep Creek Lake, MD
Stacey O’Neal – Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Susan Alderdice – Lake Cumberland, KY
Tammy McCurry – Fort Loudoun Lake, TN
Terri Gates Mcilravy – Norris Lake, TN
Tiffany Dotti – Lake Gaston, NC/VA
Tracy Brink – Flathead Lake, MT
Warren Crisp – Bull Shoals, AR/MO

Lake Homes Realty Adds Agent Stephanie Hall to Coldwater Lake, Michigan

Posted on Chris Melton
Courtesy of Waffle Farm

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage shows listing prices in Michigan are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Michigan’s total market at $2.19 billion, up from $2.02 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Stephanie Hall, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Coldwater Lake, Palmer Lake, Baw Beese Lake, and more in Michigan.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“LakeHomes.com showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view, or have lake access, so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties,” said Hall. As of August 16, 2023, Coldwater Lake has 11 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $224,900 home to a $1.1 million lake home. “The average home price for listings around Coldwater Lake is $519,327, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report,” said Hall.

“Boating is extremely popular on Lake Hartwell, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Hall.  “With just over 1,500 acres of pristine water, Coldwater Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching for lake homes and lots in Michigan in May 2023, the top metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Chicago, followed by Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio,” said Hall.  “The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Coldwater Lake and the surrounding area,” said Hall.  One in 37 American adults looks at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Stephanie offers outstanding customer service in the Coldwater Lake area and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Stephanie Hall

Serving others is something Stephanie Hall is well-versed in. She has six years of experience as a real estate agent. She has an amazing reputation, unending respect, and recognition for her commitment to safeguarding your interests, equity, and well-being while realizing your dreams.

Hall has more than just real estate experience. She has worked in company management concurrently for the past five years, and she currently owns and runs a sizable self-storage facility, many rental homes, and an agricultural farm in her community.

Her hometown is in southern Michigan. She spent decades creating invaluable memories here, and she now makes it her goal to help others create priceless memories of their own. Among the many lakes she services are Devils Lake, Baw Beese Lake, Coldwater Lake, Klinger Lake, Duck Lake, and countless others.

Hall is ready to assist you, whether your interests are in property, nearby activities, or living by a lake. Her top goal is to fully comprehend the needs and lifestyle preferences of her clientele. Witnessing her clients realize their own potential and achieve their goals brings her great satisfaction.

Hall collaborates closely with her local Branch County man, James, her fiancé. They have consistently astounded clients with their knowledge, skill, and proven execution while working nonstop for them in their remarkable team approach.

Communication and organization are the foundations of her success as a real estate agent. She guarantees that when you work with her, she will respond to your emails, demands, and texts as soon as possible, all while acting professionally and with unrestrained excitement. If you’re looking to buy or sell in Jackson, St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, or Calhoun Counties, she looks forward to speaking with you!

Lake Real Estate Report Shows More Than $145.7 Million In Lake Area Properties Listed Around Tims Ford Lake, TN

Posted on Chris Melton
Courtesy of Golftime Magazine

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage shows listing prices in Tennessee are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Tennessee’s total market at $2.3 billion, up from $1.8 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Heather Boldizsar, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Tims Ford Lake to be the seventh largest market in the state of Tennessee,” said Boldizsar. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view, or have lake access, so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of August 9, 2023, Tims Ford Lake has 278 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $25,000 lot to a $5.4 million lake home. “Twenty-nine of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Boldizsar.

The average home price for listings around Tims Ford Lake is $687,068, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $220,273 for the 97 lake area lots currently listed.

“Tims Ford Lake is located in Franklin County, Tennessee. It has a shoreline of almost 250 miles and occupies an area of 7,745 acres,” said Boldizsar.  “With almost 7,800 acres of pristine water, it is a great place to come and fish, canoe, or take a slow boat ride. Tims Ford Lake appeals to lake home seekers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching for lake homes and lots in Tennessee in May 2023, the top metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Chicago, followed by Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, D.C., Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama,” said Boldizsar.  “The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Tims Ford Lake and the surrounding area,” said Boldizsar.  One in 37 American adults looks at LakeHomes.com each year.

“We believe our agents’ intimate knowledge about their lake real estate markets, nuances of the lakes themselves, and their involvement in local lake life is paramount to our continued growth,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst for  Lake Homes “Heather offers outstanding customer service in the Tims Ford Lake areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Heather Boldizar

Heather Boldizsar‘s affinity for lakes began in her childhood, when she lived just a stone’s throw away from one. Today, she resides right by the serene shores of Tim’s Ford Lake, where she dedicates herself to assisting others in realizing their dreams of owning lakefront properties.

With more than nine years of boating experience on Tim’s Ford Lake, Heather possesses an intimate familiarity with the lake’s intricacies. Her firsthand experience in securing TVA dock permits, understanding shoreline setbacks, and mastering the unique details of Tim’s Ford equips her to guide her clients comprehensively through the process of selecting the perfect lake property.

Having previously worked as a medical device representative, Heather has shifted her focus to a new aspiration: helping other families achieve their goal of owning lakefront properties. “Lake homes bring so much joy to a family, and being a part of that milestone is truly an honor,” Heather says.

Whiteboard Topics: The Highest Offer For Your Lake Home May Cost You More Money

Posted on Kenya Spencer

Selling a lake house is an exciting but difficult undertaking, and your main goal as a homeowner is to secure the greatest offer possible. However, it is critical to exercise caution because the highest offer may not always be the most lucrative. Let’s look at some important points to consider when selling your lake house to prevent financial hazards.

1. Avoiding Selling Too Quickly: Resist the urge to accept early offers; instead, wait for perfect market circumstances to obtain the best price.

2. All Cash Transactions: Be wary of all-cash proposals since they may come with lesser bids and make it difficult to negotiate a fair bargain.

3. Limited (or no) Contingencies: Carefully evaluate proposals with fewer conditions to prevent any legal or financial problems.

4. Seasoned Real Estate Agents Who Understand Niche: Work with seasoned agents who specialize in lakefront properties for professional advice, effective marketing, and skilled negotiating.

A thoughtful and informed approach to selling a lake house may make it a rewarding experience. While a large offer may appear appealing, it is critical to consider all elements to prevent financial disasters. Take your time, investigate all-cash bids, evaluate conditions, and seek advice from experienced lakefront real estate brokers. With these safeguards, you may sell your cherished lake house with confidence and optimize your investment return.

Whiteboard Topics: How Can a Lake-Focused Real Estate Agent Protect a Buyer?

Posted on Kamari House

Having a lake-focused real estate as a buyer will make all the difference. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares variables about lake home buying that make a lake expert crucial.

  1. Water is Not All Equal: Where you want to be on the water can have a considerable effect on lake activity, home price, etc.
  2. Leased Lots: This transaction type is extremely common on the lake, and is nothing to fear. The length of your lease can be up to 100 years and is transferable when you’re ready to move.
  3. Financing is Different: The average lender may not be familiar with lake-specific transactions like leased lots. A lake-focused agent can connect you with a lake-focused lender to help prevent confusion.
  4. Unexpected Regulations: Don’t find out about lake restrictions after you’ve bought your home. A lake expert can help you navigate your lake’s regulations during your home search.
  5. Lake-Induced Price Variables: Two identical homes on a lake can have vastly different price tags depending on their relation to the lake. 
  6. Different Types of Sellers: Traditional sellers are bound to a timeframe when trying to move. Lake home sellers don’t have the same haste, as this is a discretionary purchase. 

Don’t settle for a real estate agent with minimal knowledge of the lake, when you can find a lake expert at LakeHomes.com!

Whiteboard Topics: How To Find A Lake Home At A Great Price

Posted on Kamari House

You shouldn’t give up on finding a good deal for your dream lake home just because it’s a discretionary purchase. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares four ways to find a great price for your future property.

  1. Think Rural: Location plays a big part in home prices. Typically, the more rural the area, the better deal you’ll get for the lake home.
  2. Smaller Lakes: While major lakes may be the first to come to mind, don’t count out nearby smaller lakes that can provide a similar lifestyle.
  3. Be Flexible: It’s great to have your list of must-haves, but you have to be willing to make some compromises in order to find the right price.
  4. Lake-Focused Agents: Finding an agent who specializes in lake real estate will make all the difference in your home search. Lakehomes.com has a plethora of lake experts committed to finding you what you’re looking for.

Take these tips into consideration before you buy in order to find the right lake home for the right price!

Whiteboard Topics: 3 Ways To Help Your Real Estate Agent

Posted on Kamari House

When searching for your dream home, you must guide your agent in the right direction. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, shares three tips to help your real estate agent help you find your lake home.

  1. Know and Share Your Goal: Understanding your must-haves and dealbreakers before going into the home buying process is essential in effectively searching for your dream home.
  2. Be Real: Be honest with your agent about your price range from the beginning. This will ensure that time isn’t wasted on homes without potential.
  3. Say ‘No’: Now is not the time to relent on what you want. If you know a property is not for you, it’s ok to say ‘no’ and move on to homes with more promise.

How can you expect your agent to find the perfect home for you if you’re not thorough on what you want? Before you begin your journey, be sure to finalize what you want, be honest throughout the process, and don’t be afraid to say no!

Whiteboard Topics: Buying? 4 Advantages Of Hiring A Lake Homes Realty Agent

Posted on Kamari House

When buying a lake home, the average commercial real estate agent just won’t do. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains the benefits of working with Lake Homes agents who specialize in the lake real estate market.

  1. Market Expertise: Lake Homes Realty agents don’t just dabble in lake properties. They specialize in their local lake area, which is essential in understanding the complexities of lake real estate.
  2. Price Knowledge: Our agent’s knowledge isn’t limited to their lake area. They understand the pricing trends of lake properties around the nation, which will help you get the best deal on your dream home.
  3. National Network: If during your search you discover the lake you’ve chosen isn’t for you, our agents can connect you to another Lake Homes agent whose lake you may prefer.
  4. The Lake Real Estate Specialists: We are the lake real estate specialists, which means our agents know the market better than the average realtor. 

When choosing a realtor, it’s important to work with someone who knows the lake real estate market better than anyone else. When choosing a Lake Homes agent, you can rest assured that you’ll be working with the best of the best!

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Reasons Buyers Need A Lake Expert Agent

Posted on Kamari House

You need to be sure that the home you choose is on a lake that allows you to have the lake lifestyle of your dreams. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why choosing a lake expert is so beneficial for a buyer.

  1. Unlike Other Property: Lake real estate is a specialized market. Agents that only focus on primary residence homes lack critical lake knowledge that only a lake expert would have.
  2. Regulations: To live your preferred lake lifestyle, you need an agent who can tell you the rules and regulations of the water. Owning a property doesn’t automatically give you the right to make changes or engage in certain lake activities. The rules also vary from lake to lake.
  3. Lake Behavior: A lake’s water level can depend on the season or even the time of day. A lake expert can detail the behaviors of your preferred lake so that you aren’t surprised after you buy.
  4. Zoning and Restrictions: While many lakes have regulations for residents to follow, there may be so parts of a lake that don’t have to follow the same rules. You’ll need an expert from that lake who can show you homes that follow or bypass these restrictions.

Don’t settle for a real estate agent who is unfamiliar with your lake of choice. Working with a lake expert will make all the difference to your buying experience!