Tag: real estate

Whiteboard Topics: How A Lake Agent’s Number of Listings Could Fool You

Posted on Tia Williams

As you embark on the journey of finding your dream lakefront home, selecting a reputable realtor becomes paramount in the home-buying process. While searching for a realtor, it’s important to note that the quantity of listings a realtor manages may not always reflect their expertise. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, offers valuable insights into the realities of realtors with extensive listings.

  1. Listings Do NOT Equal Selling: The number of listings a realtor has doesn’t necessarily translate to successful home sales. Certain listings may linger on the market for extended periods, potentially resulting in price reductions.
  2. Using Listings for “Agent Marketing”: Maintaining an excessive number of listings is often employed as a marketing strategy by agents. The quantity of listings can serve as a sales tactic to generate more transactions in a specific area.
  3. Commission Games: It’s essential to take note of the commission percentage that agents offer to the buyer’s side and ensure that it aligns with your financial expectations.
  4. Days on Market: It’s crucial to pay attention to the number of days a home has been listed on the market. Some realtors may accumulate numerous listings without a sense of urgency to sell them. While this may boost their listing count, it doesn’t necessarily benefit either the seller or the buyer.
  5. Sale Price vs. Original List Price: It’s essential to inquire whether your realtor can provide information about the actual selling price compared to the listing price. Engaging in a commission-focused strategy and keeping the property on the market for an extended duration may lead to an overpriced home. It’s crucial to set the right price for your home based on the current market conditions.

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your lakefront property can be a daunting task, but a skilled realtor can guide you through the process and successfully sell your home. Don’t let the quantity of listings a realtor has to be the sole factor influencing your decision to become a homeowner. Instead, get in touch with a reputable realtor at lakehomes.com who has your best interests.

Whiteboard Topics: What to Ask When Selecting an Agent to Sell Your Lake Home

Posted on Zac Parnell

You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid. 

WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…

  1. Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
  2. Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
  3. Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
  4. Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line:  you should want to help yourself. 

CORRECT Questions to Ask:

  1. Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
  2. Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
  3. Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
  4. Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.

While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!

New Lake Real Estate Report Shows More Than $15.6 Million in Lake Properties Listed Around Arbuckle Lake, OK

Posted on Linda Thach

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage shows listing prices in Oklahoma are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Oklahoma’s total market at $786 million, up from $592 million in the summer of 2022,” said Brandon Jessen, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Murray and Arbuckle Lake in Oklahoma.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Arbuckle Lake to be the tenth largest land market in the state of Oklahoma,” said Jessen. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of July 13, 2023, Arbuckle Lake has 28 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $15,000 lot to a $850,000 lake home.

The average home price for listings around Arbuckle Lake is $336,786, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $281,184 for the 13 lake area lots currently listed, two of which are over a million dollars.

“Covering over 3,000 acres, Arbuckle Lake provides residents with plenty of room for entertainment and relaxation,” said Jessen. “Arbuckle Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Oklahoma in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Dallas, Texas, followed by Wichita, Kansas, and Chicago,” said Jessen.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Arbuckle Lake and the surrounding area,” said Jessen.  One in 37 American adults look 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 “Brandon offers outstanding customer service in the Arbuckle Lake areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Brandon Jessen

Transitioning from lakeside living to lakeside selling, Brandon Jessen is your go-to expert on Lake Murray and Arbuckle Lake. With a five-year residence on Lake Murray followed by four years on Lake Eufaula, Jessen’s familiarity with both lakes is unparalleled. His profound understanding positions him to guide you in embracing the quintessential lake lifestyle.

Jessen grew up in Nebraska and Colorado before moving to Oklahoma as an adult. His grandfather had a ranch on a lake where Jessen grew up exploring the water. In his adult life, he purchased his own lake home in Nebraska and a boat to go with it.

Jessen takes immense satisfaction in aiding his clients to discover the same euphoria by the water’s edge that he himself cherishes. “I enjoy being able to help people with getting the best home within their budget and helping them to understand the property,” Jessen says. 

Married to his beloved wife Ashlynn, Jessen is the proud parent of three children. Together, the family finds joy in shared fishing escapades and basking in the serenity of the lake. Beyond the waters, Jessen’s passions extend to dirt track racing and the exhilaration of side-by-side racing.

Lake Homes Realty Honored by Inc. 5000 and Auburn University for Growth

Posted on Linda Thach

Inc. magazine announced the annual Inc. 5000 list earlier this week, and Lake Homes Realty has been named one of the fastest-growing companies in the country for the seventh consecutive year. Lake Homes Realty ranked No. 4,625 on its annual list. Additionally, Auburn University recently named Lake Homes Realty as one of the Top Tigers recipients for the sixth consecutive year.

Inc. 5000 Recognition

Lake Homes Realty is one of 13 Birmingham- Hoover area companies on the list and 42 in Alabama. For 2023, 153 real estate companies made the list nationally. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.

Inc. 5000 Rankings for Lake Homes Realty

  • 2023 – 4,625
  • 2022 – 3,481
  • 2021 – 2,711
  • 2020 – 3,156
  • 2019 – 2,491
  • 2018 – 1,582
  • 2017 – 927

“Lake Homes Realty offers a unique focus on niche real estate in 34 states,” said Glenn Phillips, CEO and Chief Economic Analyst at Lake Homes Realty. “We help people find, buy, and sell lake homes and land across the country in a way not offered by any other companies,” Phillips said. “Making the Inc. 5000 list once is quite an honor. Making the list seven consecutive years is a testament to our innovative approach to real estate, an exceptional team, and thinking outside the box while selling the lake lifestyle,” he said. A complete list of winners is online at www.inc.com/inc5000.

Auburn’s Top Tigers

Auburn University named Lake Homes Realty a Top Tiger in May for the sixth consecutive year. This year Lake Homes Realty moved up to the large-revenue group of honorees. Recipients must be led by an Auburn alum, have been in business for at least four full years, have more than $500,000 in revenue, and operate in a manner consistent with The Auburn Creed. Top Tigers are evaluated on year-over-year growth. The companies are ranked in order of their growth rate. Lake Homes Realty was ranked 10th in the Large Company category for companies with revenue over $30,001. Here is the complete list of large companies.

Top Tiger honorees for 2022-2023 by category are:

Large companies (Revenue of $30,000,001 and above) listed in the order of their growth rate are  Veryable Inc., Global K9 Companies, Columbia Care, Newline Interactive, Cobbs Allen (CAC Specialty), Park & Eleazer Construction LLC, Stone Martin Builders LLC, Pearce Services LLC, Lewis M. Carter, Lake Homes Realty, Wilson Lumber, RPF Emergency Services LLC, River Bank & Trust, Star Market and Discount Pharmacy, Simulations Plus Inc., Progress Bank, Oakworth Capital Bank, Fulcrum Construction, SEA Wire and Cable Inc., Rogers & Willard, and Scott Contracting LLC.

“Auburn University taught me a great deal about business and life in general,” said Phillips. “To be honored as a Top Tiger six years in a row is the result of hard work and an innovative approach to lake real estate,” he said. For a complete list, visit https://harbert.auburn.edu/news/2022-23-top-tiger-companies-recognized.html

Whiteboard Topics: 4 Secrets to Success as Lake Home Real Estate Agents

Posted on Kenya Spencer

The work of a Lake Homes real estate agent in the real estate industry presents its own set of obstacles and opportunities. These agents, nestled among the tranquil beauty of lakeside properties, are tasked with not only completing property transactions but also creating a smooth experience for their clients. Lake Homes real estate agents must discover the secrets to success that set them apart from the competition in order to fully flourish in this sector. Understanding the discretionary property sales cycle, developing systems for playing the long game, maintaining a laser focus on lakefront properties, and employing national marketing tactics to attract the right buyers are four essential strategies that can propel these agents to new heights.

1. Understanding the Discretionary Property Sales Cycle: Master the nuanced sales cycle of lakefront properties, aligning with seasonal trends and buyer emotions for effective and smart transactions.

2. Systems to “Play the Long Game”: Develop systems for enduring success, such as cultivating buyer databases, nurturing relationships, and consistent follow-ups.

3. Focused on the Lake: Focus expertise on lakefront living details, regulations, and lifestyle benefits to provide tailored guidance to each individual client.

4. National Marketing to the Right Buyers: Utilize marketing and tailored advertising to capture the attention of potential lakefront property buyers.

Success as a Lake Home real estate agent hinges on a combination of specialized knowledge, strategic planning, and a thorough understanding of both the market and potential buyers’ desires and dreams of lake homes. By embracing the secrets, successes, and systems, agents can position themselves as trusted experts and elevate their careers in the competitive world of lake home real estate. This intentionally provides a platform for individuals acting as real estate agents, as well as those taking on the roles of buyers and sellers within any real estate market.

Angela Seymour Joins Lake Homes Realty, Operating on Point A Lake, Gantt Lake, and Lake Jackson in AL

Posted on Linda Thach
Photo courtesy of pointalake.com

Alabama-based agent Angela Seymour has moved her real estate license to Lake Homes Realty – the nation’s largest lake-focused real estate company.

With the brokerage, Seymour will specialize in lake homes and land on and around Point A Lake, Gantt Lake, and Lake Jackson.

Angela Seymour possesses an exceptional understanding of the lakes in her region. With extensive experience on the three lakes, she has enjoyed the lake lifestyle as well as community involvement over the years. Furthermore, Angela has successfully listed, showcased, and facilitated the sale of numerous properties, showcasing her expertise. Her adeptness in research is remarkable, ensuring that any inquiries you may have as a client will receive comprehensive and satisfying answers.

“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 Lake Homes Realty CEO Glenn S. Phillips. “By welcoming agents like Angela to our team, we are able to offer outstanding customer service in the Point A Lake, Gantt Lake, and Lake Jackson areas.”

About Angela Seymour

Angela grew up in Andalusia, Alabama, and now she sells on Gantt Lake, Point A Lake, and Lake Jackson. Angela and her family have a cabin on Point A Lake where they spend most of their weekends.

The most rewarding aspect of her role is the ability to create a positive influence on the lives of her clients. “To be able to share the joy with someone who has just purchased their dream home gives you a great sense of achievement,” Angela says. Angela consistently exceeds expectations in her dedication to clients. She conducts thorough research on limitations, agreements, water levels, and building prerequisites, ensuring comprehensive support for all her customers.

Angela is a family-oriented individual with a husband, two children, and a cherished granddaughter. Together, they actively participate in community activities like church gatherings and civic clubs. Their cabin serves as a hub for welcoming family and friends, providing a warm setting for various celebrations and get-togethers.

Lake Homes Realty Adds Liz McVeigh to the Team on Lake Wallenpaupack, PA

Posted on Linda Thach

A recent lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Pennsylvania are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Pennsylvania’s total market at $564 million, up from $501 million in the summer of 2022,” said Liz McVeigh, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Wallenpaupack in Pennsylvania.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Wallenpaupack to be the largest market in the state of Pennsylvania,” said McVeigh. “The specialized website just showcases properties that are lakefront, have a lake view or lake access so we can help clients from across the country search for dream lake properties.” As of June 28, 2023, Lake Wallenpaupack has 172 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $3,000 lot to a $4.99 million lake home. “Eight of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said McVeigh.

According to the Lake Market Real Estate Report, the average home price for listings around Lake Wallenpaupack is $587,369. The average lot price is $44,591 for the 79 lake area lots currently listed. 

“Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania,” said McVeigh.  “With 5,700 acres of pristine water and proximity to Scranton, Pennsylvania, Lake Wallenpaupack appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Wallenpaupack in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was New York City, followed by Washington D.C. and Boston,” said McVeigh.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding area,” said McVeigh.  One in 37 American adults look 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 “Liz offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Wallenpaupack areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Liz McVeigh

Bringing over nine years of real estate expertise and boasting more than two decades of lake living experience, Liz McVeigh has truly mastered the art of navigating lakefront properties. Despite growing up in New York City, she has spent the last 17 years in Pennsylvania, with the past 12 years being in close proximity to the picturesque Lake Wallenpaupack. The combination of her lifestyle and extensive industrial background renders her a true expert at Lake Homes Realty.

Some of Liz’s most cherished memories are the moments spent on the water with her children. Whether it’s kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or tubing, Liz and her family wholeheartedly embrace the fun and beauty of the water. Even when not on the water itself, they remain in its enchanting presence, exploring the scenic lake trails or savoring meals at local restaurants with waterfront views.

Liz’s genuine passion lies in assisting her clients in finding their perfect fit. “Whether it’s a vacation home or a full-time home, the joy a new home brings to my clients is the most fulfilling part of my job,” says Liz.

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: What Lake Home Buyers Don’t Care About

Posted on Zac Parnell

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. 

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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!