Tag: real estate

Lake Homes Realty Adds Kim Hoog to Tenkiller Lake Area in Oklahoma

Posted on Chris Melton

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show 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 Kim Hoog, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Tenkiller Lake in Oklahoma.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Tenkiller Lake to be the ninth largest market in the state of Oklahoma,” said Hoog. “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 3, 2023, Tenkiller Lake has 118 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $5,000 lot to a $659,000 lake home.

The average home price for listings around Tenkiller Lake is $285,128, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. The average lot price is $76,959 for the 76 lake area lots currently listed.

“Boating is extremely popular on Tenkiller Lake, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Hoog.  “With almost 13,000 acres of pristine water, it ventures into the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tenkiller 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 Hoog.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Tenkiller Lake and the surrounding area,” said Hoog.  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 “Kim offers outstanding customer service in the Tenkiller Lake areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Kim Hoog

Kim Hoog is currently living her dream by selling properties on the lake where she spent her childhood. A resident of Gore, Oklahoma, for nearly three decades, she proudly calls it her home. Kim is deeply engaged in the community, having raised her children there, and her strong ties and experiences make her a true expert on Tenkiller Lake.

Having previously worked as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, Kim has transitioned her dedication to real estate. With thirty years of living near the lake, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the area. Kim wholeheartedly believes that Tenkiller Lake is one of Oklahoma’s most pristine gems, and she eagerly anticipates every opportunity to showcase its beauty.

“My number one passion is helping others, which is initially what attracted me the most to real estate,” Kim says. “I enjoy the relationships I get to cultivate with my clients. I love meeting new people and helping them along their journey to finding a new home.”

Whiteboard Topics: Selling a Lake Home Requires Broader Marketing

Posted on Chris Melton

If you’re thinking of selling your lake home, you’ll have to broaden your marketing. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, gives reasons to market to a broader audience.

  1. Out-of-State Buyers: Agents who have had the most success selling lake homes are the ones who market to out-of-state buyers. When choosing an agent, consider if they will be able to tell you how many buyers in other states are shopping your lake. With more realistic buyers, you have better opportunities for more return on investment when you sell.
  2. Specific Lake Might Not Matter: While some buyers may be committed to one lake, there are many who look at several lakes in multiple states when buying a lake home. This should affect where you are marketing and how you are pricing houses. You should price competitively for multiple markets, not just your own.
  3. Local Marketing = Limited Marketing: Most buyers come from the web, so you should have a broad market reach. Putting out signs and listing in a local MLS are beneficial to a point, but limit your pool of buyers.
  4. Web Portals Are Crowded: Big web portals that list many types of property are crowded with people looking for all types of houses, not just lake houses. This causes buyers who want to specifically look for lake homes to sift through the other types of property. Listing on a niche website that specializes in lake property puts you ahead of the listings on big web portals.

Agents and sellers must think broadly when selling lake property. Utilizing these strategies, sellers can maximize their return on investment with their lake home. Connect with an agent at lakehomes.com if you’re looking to sell your lake home to a broad market.

Whiteboard Topics: Why Lake Home Real Estate is a Long Game

Posted on Chris Melton

Buying and selling a lake property is nothing like buying a primary residence when it comes to its schedule. People often experience urgency with a primary residence due to events such as moving to a new town for a job. Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why lake real estate is a long game.

  1. Discretionary = Patience: Similar to a high-end restaurant, a lake home is a discretionary property. Buyers aren’t paying for shelter alone, but also a premium for the lifestyle and access to the water. With discretionary property, buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.
  2. Mortgage Rates are NOT a Driver: Unlike other residential property, mortgage rates do not push people in and out of the lake real estate market. Many buyers complete transactions with cash, and buyers can often pay extra for their property. 
  3. Dream Homes are Different than Urban/Suburbs: Buyers can afford to wait until their dream home is available on the lake they want. They can also buy property on that lake and build their dream home themselves. Additionally, buyers often wait to see what the market does over time, especially in times of compressed inventory.
  4. New Lake Buyers have a Learning Curve: New lake home buyers often enter the market with minimal knowledge of lake real estate, and need time to learn. Many of them don’t realize that the price of a house increases when it is on lake property. These new buyers need time to understand and adjust their mindset while in the lake homes market.

Don’t be surprised if the buying and selling process is taking a while. Successful lake home agents realize that the lake real estate market is a long game and work to compress it. Connect with an expert lake agent who understands the importance of playing the long game at lakehomes.com.

Recent Lake Real Estate Report Shows More Than $31.3 Million in Lake Area Properties Listed Around Lake Eufaula, AL

Posted on Linda Thach
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage shows listing prices in Alabama are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Alabama’s total market at $1.46 billion, up from $1.2 billion in the summer of 2022,” said Jan Oliver, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Eufaula in Alabama.  Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.

“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Eufaula to be the ninth largest market in the state of Alabama and the sixth largest in the land market,” said Oliver. “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 Eufaula has 85 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $12,500 lot to a $1.87 million lake home. “Two of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Oliver.

The average home price for listings around Lake Eufaula is $380,912, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. Current lot prices around the lake vary depending on location, lot terrain, and size. Available lots vary in size from less than half of an acre to development properties with hundreds of acres. The large variation in lot sizes brings the average lot price in the Lake Market Real Estate Report to $361,216.

“Boating is extremely popular on Lake Eufaula, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Oliver. “With just over 45,000 acres of pristine water, it ventures into Georgia. Lake Eufaula appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots on Lake Eufaula in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Atlanta, Georgia, followed by Chicago and Dallas, Texas,” said Oliver.  “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Eufaula and the surrounding area,” said Oliver.  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 “Jan offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Eufaula areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.

About Jan Oliver

Susan, affectionately known as Jan among her family and close friends, is in the business of turning dreams into reality. With an in-depth knowledge of Lake Eufaula and Walter F. George Lake, Jan was seemingly destined to become a real estate expert in the very place she holds dear.

During her upbringing, Jan and her family frequently visited the lake for fishing and camping escapades. Their profound affection for Lake Eufaula prompted Jan and her husband to transition into full-time lake enthusiasts. In fact, Jan has been a property owner on Lake Eufaula since well before 2014. Her daily life immersed in the tranquil surroundings of Lake Eufaula has made her an unparalleled authority on the subject.

Jan enthusiastically explains, “In my role as a realtor, I have the privilege of fulfilling people’s aspirations. Depending on where my clients are in their life journey, it could mean assisting them in acquiring their first home, adding a second property on the lake, or facilitating the sale of a property to either expand or downsize. Whatever the dream may be, we work diligently to make it a reality.”

Jan shares her lakeside haven with her husband of 48 years, Greg. Together, they have been blessed with two children, three grandchildren, and a trio of beloved dogs. Their shared joys include boating, fishing, and the simple pleasure of observing life from their front porch. When at home, you’ll likely find Jan relishing her front porch, fully immersed in the serene lake lifestyle, occasionally pausing to marvel at the eagles as they gracefully dive for fish. That is, of course, when she’s not busy helping others discover the profound joys of lake living!

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.