Tag: real estate

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!

Lake Homes Realty Adds Heather Leslie to Dale Hollow Lake and Cordell Hull Lake Areas in TN

Posted on Linda Thach

A recent lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show 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 $2.32 billion, up from $1.85 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Heather Leslie, an agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Dale Hollow Lake, Cordell Hull Lake and the surrounding lakes in Tennessee.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“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 May 31, 2023, Dale Hollow Lake has 128 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $20,000 lot to a $ 14-million lake home. “Four of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Leslie.

The average home price for listings around Dale Hollow Lake is $893,235, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $103,762 for the 100 lake area lots currently listed. 

“With 12,000 acres of water, boating is extremely popular on Cordell Hull Lake, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Leslie.  “Being a short trip away from the state’s capital Nashville, Cordell Hull Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Tennessee in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Chicago, followed by Atlanta and Washington D.C.,” said Leslie.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Cordell Hull Lake and the surrounding area,” said Leslie.  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 “Heather offers outstanding customer service in the Dale Hollow Lake, Cordell Hull Lake and surrounding areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Heather Leslie

Heather Leslie‘s lake life journey began when she relocated to Sparta, Tennessee at the age of 13, and ever since, she has been devoted to enjoying the serene waters of Dale Hollow Lake, Old Hickory Lake, and Watauga Lake. Now, Heather has passed down her profound affection for the lakes to her children, and together, they relish in memorable lake days as a family.

Heather’s commitment as a lake expert extends beyond her personal enjoyment of the lakes. She has dedicated herself to becoming a valuable member of the local community. Exploring the neighboring areas of the lakes, attending local events, and frequently visiting downtown Murfreesboro, Tennessee, are all integral parts of her connection with the region. Nevertheless, if Heather is not engaged in these activities, you can bet she’ll be found by the water’s edge, whether it’s spending a day fishing with her children or showcasing breathtaking lake properties.

Her exceptional expertise in the real estate field has been acknowledged by her consistent success. Heather has been honored with the Aqua award at Lake Homes Realty, a testament to her exceptional sales performance. Additionally, prior to her venture into real estate, she gained invaluable experience in customer service. This background has instilled in her an unwavering dedication to prioritizing the customer’s needs and ensuring a seamless transaction for each client she serves.

Lake Real Estate Market Report Shows More Than $193 Million in Lake Homes and Lots Listed Around Lake Wylie

Posted on Linda Thach

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in North Carolina and South Carolina are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows South Carolina’s total market at $1.4 billion, up from $1.3 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Katie Pendleton and Matt Nielsen, new agents with Lake Homes Realty, who focus on Lake Wylie in North and South Carolina.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Wylie to be the second largest market in the state of North Carolina and the largest market in South Carolina,” said Pendleton. “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 14, 2023, Lake Wylie across both North and South Carolina has a combined 529 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $39,000 lot in South Carolina to a $5.9 million lake home in North Carolina.  “Fifty-three of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Nielsen.

The average home price for listings around Lake Wylie is between $670,959 and $680,044, depending on which state you’re looking at, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price in North Carolina is $304,705 for the 87 lake area lots currently listed. The average lot price in South Carolina is $1.4 million for the 36 lake area lots currently listed, featuring a $39.5 million lot covering 395 acres.

“Boating is extremely popular on Lake Wylie, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Pendleton.  “With almost 13,500 acres of pristine water, it ventures into both North and South Carolina. Lake Wylie appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Wylie in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Atlanta, Georgia,  followed by Washington D.C., and New York City,” said Nielsen.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Martin and the surrounding area,” said Nielsen.  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 “Katie and Matt offer outstanding customer service in the Lake Wylie areas and are truly specialists in that area,” he said.

About Katie Pendleton and Matt Nielson

Matt and Katie, a dynamic couple who specialize in selling properties in the picturesque Lake Wylie area. With deep-rooted connections to the region, both Matt and Katie have cherished memories of growing up near Lake Wylie. Although originally from New York, Matt’s love for the lake life was sparked by his grandparents who resided there.

Katie’s connection with Lake Wylie dates back to 1983 when her uncle purchased a lot on its shores. She spent her formative years fishing, boating, and tubing on the very lake she now helps others explore. Drawing from their extensive personal experiences, Matt and Katie have become true authorities on all things related to Lake Wylie. Not only do they conduct business in the area, but they also reside there, actively participating in the local community.

Both Matt and Katie are driven by a simple yet powerful goal: to make their clients feel like VIPs. They go above and beyond to ensure that every transaction is seamless and stress-free. As residents of Lake Wylie, they understand firsthand the incredible joy and fulfillment that comes from embracing the lake lifestyle. Guided by this passion, they derive immense satisfaction from assisting others in realizing their dreams of living by the lake.

In addition to their thriving real estate business, Matt and Katie are loving parents to three energetic sons who constantly keep them on their toes. Family is of utmost importance to them, and they are deeply committed to serving their community, particularly through various nonprofit organizations. As passionate lake enthusiasts, they also collaborate with environmental groups, working diligently to preserve the pristine beauty of Lake Wylie for generations to come.

Whiteboard Topics: How Can I Get More Money For My Lake Home?

Posted on Zac Parnell

As you’re getting ready to put your lake house on the market, the topic of selling price will always come up. More than likely you will think “Can I get more money for my lake home?” Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains a few different ways to help push for that price you want to sell for. 

  1. Start with a Market Appropriate Price: Buyers don’t care how much money you have put into the home. Most of the time they will be looking at the current market conditions. When you start at a high price to test the market, it usually does not result in the way you would like.
  2. Be clearly the best VALUE in the area: Don’t automatically make your lake home the lowest price. However, check out surrounding homes and see what’s going on. Are there nicer or newer homes nearby? Are these homes your price or lower? New construction may also become a player in this.
  3. Picture Perfect/Move-In Ready: Whether you already have your home staged or simply have your own property in the house, make sure it appears move-in ready. Buyers typically lack imagining this aspect and this will help you stand out.
  4. Would you buy it today at your price? Each day the house doesn’t sell and remains on the market, you are effectively buying it again at your price. In reality, the only price is that of what someone will pay and what you’re willing to accept. Price accordingly and price from a buyer mindset.

At the end of the day, these 4 tips are useful in getting the best return and sell price for your lake home. , Connect with one of our lake agents today at lakehomes.com and see what they can do!