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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
MILLION DOLLAR LAKES, Al. (June 20, 2023) –A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show 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 Kayce Jones, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on and around Warrior River in Alabama. 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,” said Jones. “Million Dollar Lakes is a collection of nine lakes in the north Tuscaloosa, Alabama area. The lakes appeal to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Alabama in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Atlanta, Georgia, followed by Chicago, Illinois and Dallas, Texas,” said Jones. “The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Warrior River and the surrounding area,” said Jones. 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 “Kayce offers outstanding customer service in the Warrior River areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
About Kayce Jones
Kayce Jones is undeniably an expert when it comes to the lake, and she attributes her deep understanding to her family’s rich history spanning five generations on the Black Warrior River. The river has been an integral part of Kayce’s life, with her and her family residing on its banks for decades. She considers it a slice of paradise, a cherished place she holds dear to her heart.
Among Kayce’s treasured memories, the sight of barges traversing the Black Warrior River stands out the most. She recalls watching these vessels and even riding on them during the river’s celebrated Christmas on the River festivities.
In addition to her connection to the area, Kayce also owns and operates a hair salon. However, she felt a natural inclination towards becoming a realtor due to her family’s legacy in development and her profound understanding of the importance of property ownership. Being part of her clients’ most significant milestones brings Kayce immense joy and fulfillment in her role as a realtor.
LAKE MICHIGAN, Mi. (June 15, 2023) –A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show 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 Tom Erhart, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Lake Michigan. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.
“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Lake Michigan to be the top largest market in the state of Michigan,” said Erhart. “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 1, 2023, Lake Michigan – Petoskey Area has 79 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $59,000 lot to a $5.9 million lake home. “Twenty-six of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Erhart.
The average home price for listings around Lake Michigan in the Petoskey area is $1.68 million, according to the Lake Real Estate Market Report. The average lot price is $585,563 for the 44 lake area lots currently listed.
“The Charlevoix Area on Lake Michigan is the third largest inland lake in the state with a surface area of 17,200,” said Erhart. “With 56 miles of shoreline, the area has gorgeous beaches for recreational use, and it appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the 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 Erhart. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Lake Michigan and the surrounding area,” said Erhart. 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 “Tom offers outstanding customer service in the Lake Michigan areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
About Tom Erhart
With over 19 years of experience as a realtor in Northern Michigan, Tom Erhart is a seasoned professional in the industry. His journey began in Southeast Michigan, an area known for having the highest number of lakes in the state. Growing up, Tom always had a dream of living on a lake, and for the past 30 years, he has turned that dream into a reality.
Tom’s expertise extends beyond real estate. He boasts 20 years of experience in business management and has owned and operated both a historic inn and restaurant, as well as a boat tour business on Lake Michigan. This diverse background gives Tom a unique advantage when working with his clients. He approaches every transaction from a holistic perspective, leveraging his deep understanding of the industry and his firsthand knowledge of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Tom’s ultimate goal is to ensure that his buyers secure a lakefront property that not only meets their needs but also ignites their excitement and passion.
One aspect of the real estate process that Tom particularly enjoys is the research involved in finding the perfect lake properties for his clientele. He embraces the challenge and views it as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. Through meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, Tom goes above and beyond to identify the most suitable lakefront properties that align with his clients’ preferences and goals. With Tom as their guide, buyers can trust that they are in capable hands throughout their real estate journey.
WHITEFISH, Mt. (June 20, 2023) –A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Montana are up over summer 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Montana’s total market at $607.8 million, up from $607.0 million in the summer of 2022,” said Joy Keuylian, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Flathead County in Montana. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.
“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Flathead Lake to be the largest market in the state of Montana,” said Keuylian. “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 11, 2023, Flathead Lake has 109 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $59,900 lot to a $72 million lake home. “Fifty-three of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Keuylian.
The average home price for listings around Flathead Lake is $4.1 million, according to the Lake Real Estate Market Report. The average lot price is $792,616 for the 55 lake area lots currently listed.
“Whitefish Lake’s waters are a glorious, clear shade of blue,” said Keuylian. “Covering 3,315 acres, Whitefish Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country as it sits as the second largest market in Montana. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Montana in May 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Denver, Colorado, followed by Seattle, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona,” said Keuylian. “ The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise in Whitefish and the surrounding area,” said Keuylian. 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 “Joy offers outstanding customer service in the Flathead County area and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
About Joy Keuylian
Joy Keuylian is a versatile individual who has dabbled in various fields, yet her true passion lies in being a Realtor in Whitefish, Montana. Throughout her life, she has ventured into owning a bakery, an art studio, a consignment shop, and more. Each of these experiences has played an important part in her current role as a Realtor, and Joy firmly believes that every season of her past has led her to this career path. She takes great pride in her unparalleled work ethic and dedicates herself wholeheartedly to ensuring her clients’ best interests.
Having resided in Whitefish for 12 years alongside her husband and three children, Joy is no stranger to the charms of the region. However, her connection with the lake life extends far beyond her time in Whitefish. She cherishes memories of her father teaching her and her sisters how to fish during their childhood. The tradition was passed down to her own children, with fishing trips always accompanied by campfire stories and s’mores.
Joy and her family are deeply involved in both the community and the real estate industry. She has worked alongside her husband in land development and real estate consulting, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry from various perspectives. This multifaceted knowledge enables her to assist her clients at any stage of their real estate journey. Moreover, Joy is a certified home staging and redesign specialist, bringing an additional dimension of expertise to her services. She also contributes as an expert contributor for the local magazine, Whitefish Living, where she shares her knowledge and insights by penning monthly articles on real estate-related topics for the community.
COEUR D’ALENE, Id. (May 31, 2023) –A new lake real estate report from the country’s largest lake-focused brokerage show listing prices in Idaho are up over spring 2022. “The new Lake Real Estate Market Report from Lake Homes Realty shows Idaho’s total market at $497 million, up from $404 million in the spring of 2022,” said Jan Keener, a new agent with Lake Homes Realty, who focuses on Coeur d’Alene Lake and Spokane River in Idaho. Lake Homes Realty operates in 34 states across the country.
“The new quarterly lake real estate report from Lakehomes.com shows Coeur d’Alene Lake to be the largest market in the state of Idaho,” said Keener. “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 18, 2023, Coeur d’Alene Lake has 217 lake area properties listed, ranging from a $26,500 lot to a $19.9 million lake home. Over 100 of the properties were listed for over $1 million,” said Keener.
The average home price for listings around Spokane River is $2.3 million, according to the Lake Market Real Estate Report. There are currently nine lake area lots currently listed on Spokane River, including a 290-acre property.
“Boating is extremely popular on Coeur d’Alene, as are its related activities, waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding,” said Keener. “With 30,000 acres of pristine water, there are more than a dozen boat launches and charter fishing companies to use. Coeur d’Alene Lake appeals to lake home searchers from across the country. Among the hundreds of people searching the lake homes and lots in Idaho in March 2023, the top Metro area looking on LakeHomes.com was Seattle-Tacoma followed by Spokane, Washington, and Los Angeles,” said Keener. “The national reach offered by LakeHomes.com works really well with my local expertise along Coeur d’Alene Lake and the surrounding area,” said Keener. 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 Hartwell areas and is truly a specialist in that area,” he said.
About Jan Keener
For more than 37 years, Jan has dedicated herself to being a waterfront specialist, actively involved in selling waterfront properties in North Idaho. Coeur d’Alene Lake holds a special place in her heart, as she has been boating there for over four decades. It’s no surprise that Jan’s expertise and passion lie in this picturesque location.
Jan’s upbringing took place on Liberty Lake in Washington, and she resided on Lake Coeur d’Alene for 22 years. Her love for the water knows no bounds, engaging in various activities such as swimming, skiing, fishing, and more. Jan is truly immersed in the lake lifestyle.
Her accomplishments in the industry have earned her multiple accolades, including membership in the Top Producers Clubs and the esteemed Multi-Million Dollar Club. Jan is dedicated to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring their needs are met. Joining Lake Homes Realty has provided her with the perfect opportunity to thrive in her preferred environment.
Jan cherishes her family, which includes her husband, two children, and five grandchildren, with whom she loves to share the joys of lake life. Her primary hobby is boating, and she spends her springs, summers, and falls out on the water. “Nothing can beat the stress of life than to be out on the water,” Keener says.
