Tag: real estate

New Lake Real Estate Market Report Shows More Than $95.5 Million in Properties Listed Around Petoskey/Charlevoix, MI

Posted on Linda Thach
Lake Charlevoix, MI
Lake Charlevoix, MI/Shutterstock

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.

Lake Homes Realty Makes Its Debut in Montana with New Agent, Joy Keuylian

Posted on Linda Thach
Flathead Lake, MT
Flathead Lake, MT/Shutterstock

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.

Recent Lake Real Estate Market Report Shows More Than $510 Million in Lake Properties Listed Around Coeur d’Alene & Spokane River, ID

Posted on Linda Thach

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.

Kimberly Hewitt Joins Lake Homes Realty on Grand Lake, OK

Posted on Linda Thach

Lake Homes Realty recently added Kimberly Hewitt to their real estate team in Oklahoma. Along with Donna Barnes, Hewitt will be serving the Grand Lake area which, according to the recent Lake Market Real Estate Report, has a total of 276 lake property listings, ranging from a $3,500 lot to a $4.5 million lake home. The average home listing in the area is $609,383 and the average lot price is $262,170.

About Kimberly Hewitt

Having spent her entire life near Oklahoma’s lakes, Kimberly Hewitt has developed a deep connection with these natural wonders. Born and raised in Fairland, Oklahoma, a mere thirty-minute drive from Grand Lake, she now owns a beautiful lakefront property in the area. Throughout her adult life, Kimberly has always managed to reside near bodies of water, with Lake Keystone being her home for many years.

Kimberly has nurtured a lifelong aspiration of becoming a real estate agent. Her past experiences revolved around new construction and home remodeling, fostering her strong affinity for the industry. Over time, her initial enthusiasm has transformed into a genuine passion. This passion led her to achieve remarkable success as a real estate agent, earning an award during her first year for selling an impressive $4.3 million worth of properties.

“I love to help clients find their dream homes,” Kimberly says. “It’s great to see them step into a home and know it’s a place where they can make memories with family. Making them happy makes me happy!”

Whiteboard Topics: Where Can I Find Foreclosed Homes on a Lake

Posted on Kamari House

A foreclosed home on the lake is a rare find. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips shares why your search for one is coming up short.

LakeHomes.com, MLSs, & Other Websites: While homes like these are available on sites like LakeHomes.com, you may have trouble finding them because of how few there are.

Why So Few?

  1. Not the 2008 Market: While inventory spiked during the recession, this was not the case for lake properties. This is because lake homeowners are more financially sound than the average buyer.
  2. Interest Rates Affecting Sellers: Lake homeowners that have a mortgage don’t want to battle with increasing interest rates when buying a new home.
  3. Lenders are Well Positioned: Due to past real estate crises, lenders have policies in place to ensure they work with stable buyers.
  4. Majority Do Not Have a Mortgage: More lake home buyers paying in cash means fewer mortgages and fewer foreclosures. 

If you still have your heart set on a foreclosed home, LakeHomes.com will have the few left available!

Whiteboard Topics: What Else Should I Ask When Buying a Lake Home?

Posted on Kamari House

Purchasing a lake home is not something to take likely. Before you commit to a property, consider these factors from Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips.

  1. Bridges?: The location of bridges will impact how convenient it will be to travel around the area. However, the closer you are to one, the closer you’ll be to traffic.
  2. Water Levels?: The water level can vary by lake, season, and time of day. It’s important to know the behavior of your preferred lake, as the changing levels can affect lake activities.
  3. Shoreline Restrictions?: Research the restrictions surrounding the shoreline, as they tend to fluctuate throughout the area.
  4. Land Restriction?: Most lakes are owned by an organization, which means you’ll run into leased-land properties. You’ll have to follow their guidelines when buying these types of homes. 
  5. Water Restrictions?: Living by the lake doesn’t guarantee you have free range on the water within it. Check out the rules around water activities, water addition/removal, etc.

When buying a lake home, the property itself isn’t the only thing to consider. Be sure you can live the lake lifestyle you want before you buy!

Lake Homes Realty Moves into New Headquarters, Hires Former Zillow and Pacaso Executives

Posted on Linda Thach

April 11, 2023 – Hoover, Ala. – With lake home and lot inventory rising over last spring and preparing to heat up this summer, Lake Homes Realty prepares for long-term growth. The country’s largest lake-focused real estate brokerage doubled its square footage by moving into a new headquarters in late March, along with RealSource Title Insurance and Real Estate Closings. Based in Metro Birmingham, Lake Homes Realty currently operates brokerages in 34 states and remains in a rapid growth mode. The hiring of two seasoned real estate executives is a key part of the company’s growth plan.

Joe Gaeta has joined Lake Homes Realty as the Director of Strategic Growth and Kiki Wanshura has been hired as Director of Market Acceleration. Gaeta has more than 24 years of real estate industry experience, including the past seven years with Zillow Group as Director of Broker Relations. Wanshura has been in the industry since 1997 and came to Lake Homes Realty from Pacaso where she was on the Industry Relations team for the past two years. Her experience with second home ownership pairs nicely with current and potential agents interested in joining Lake Homes Realty. Gaeta and Wanshura will be working closely with Heather Glass, another former Zillow Group executive. Glass was recently named to the newly created position National Director of Development at Lake Homes Realty.

Real Estate Industry Experts Join Lake Homes Realty

Heather Glass, Joe Gaeta, and Kiki Wanshura of Lake Homes Realty

“With Joe and Kiki joining Heather along with the move to our new corporate headquarters, exciting times are ahead for Lake Homes Realty,” said Glenn S. Phillips, CEO and Lead Economic Analyst of Lake Homes Realty. “The appeal of a primary or secondary lake home on our thousands of lakes remains high and inventory is on the upswing as summer approaches,” said Phillips. “Our lake home buyers and sellers are, for the most part, unaffected by mortgage rates and economic uncertainly,” he said.

“We remain highly focused on the lake real estate market and believe Joe, Kiki, and Heather have the experience to identify key agents in lake real estate and similar niches as we continue to expand,” said Doris Phillips, COO at Lake Homes Realty and President of RealSource. “The three of them have powerful real estate backgrounds and the personalities to make a significant impact in expanding our market footprint.”

Gaeta, Director of Strategic Growth,  joined Lake Homes Realty in April and has a passion for the industry. “It was so important for me to lock arms with like-minded people,” said Gaeta. “Over the last seven years, I have had the pleasure of visiting with Glenn and Doris Phillips from time to time – and working with them has always been a joy,” he said. “I love the specialization of their mission and how they are truly changing the lives of their agents. Many brokerages promise huge success, Lake Homes Realty actually delivers on it,” he said. Having worked with both the broker and agent community, Gaeta believes his experience will help move the needle for Lake Homes Realty and the future projects ahead. “Agents sometimes get stuck and my goal is to help them get unstuck,” he added.

Coming from Pacaso, Wanshura understands the second home industry and believes Lake Homes Realty is positioned well for the future. “ Having worked at a variety of real estate companies, I continue to be incredibly impressed with the tools, technology, and valuable analytics that Lake Homes Realty offers that are unique to the industry,” said Wanshura, who joined the company in March. “ I want to continue my career with a company like Lakes Homes Realty – a progressive company that is making a positive impact in the real estate industry,” she said. Shortly after obtaining her real estate license, Wanshura started teaching classes at her local association of REALTORS. “I quickly realized that I love helping agents grow their own business,” she said. “I think my passion for the industry along with my passion to help agents be more successful will be a great asset to Lake Homes Realty.”

After working with Zillow Group and Moxiworks, Heather Glass joined Lake Homes Realty in 2020 and was recently named National Director of Development. “The leadership and the entire Lake Homes Realty family is set up to make our agents successful,” said Glass. “Joe, Kiki, and I will show lake real estate agents how to differentiate themselves from the competition. Our agents double their revenue within their first years gaining value with the best in the business,” she said. “We often say that even experienced agents joining us get to learn from the A-Team of lake real estate agents.”

New Headquarters

“We toured a wide variety of office space available in Jefferson and Shelby Counties and felt 500 Corporate Parkway best met our needs,” said Phillips. “Over the past 12 months our space has transformed dramatically and is a great environment for our employees, clients, and guests,” he said. “ As Lake Homes Realty and RealSource continue to grow, we will have space to accommodate our workforce. We are also excited to be part of Hoover’s expanding technology corridor along Highway 280,” he added.  As a hybrid of technology and traditional real estate brokerages, technology is at the forefront of Lake Homes Realty and it will be beneficial to be surrounded by other tech companies.

SDM Partners of Atlanta owns the 500 Building and surrounding buildings. The new headquarters were designed by Williams Blackstock Architects of Birmingham and the building is managed by Colliers International. Lake Homes Realty and RealSource moved into the 500 building in mid-March. A  ribbon cutting with the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce is planned for April 18.

“I am very pleased Lake Homes Realty and RealSource will remain and grow in Hoover,” said Mayor Frank Brocato. “This project is another example of growth in Hoover’s STEM-based industries. I also am pleased that this public/private partnership will assist Hoover entrepreneurs to further grow and contribute to the city’s economy.”

Glenn S. and Doris Phillips – CEO and COO of Lake Homes Realty

Whiteboard Topics: How to Sell Your Lake Home for More Money

Posted on Kamari House

If you want to maximize your return on your lake home, check out these tips from Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips.

  1. Remove Attachment: Refrain from equating your attachment to the home with its value. You should treat this process like any other transaction.
  2. Price Strategically (Appropriately): Overpricing your home will cause it to become stale on the market, which will inevitably force you into a series of price cuts. Soon, you’ll notice buyers only presenting you with lowball offers.
  3. Use Time Correctly: If you sell your home too quickly, you may be leaving money on the table. Give out-of-town buyers a chance to present you with better offers.
  4. Think NET vs Price: Commission fees will affect the net earnings on your home, but investing in a solid real estate agent will ensure you walk away with the most money possible.
  5. Extra Exposure: The right exposure will make all the difference in selling your home. Websites like LakeHomes.com have a database full of qualified buyers looking for a home like yours.

Before you put your house on the market, be sure to consider these factors to get the most from your investment!

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

Posted on Kamari House

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

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

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