6 Questions To Ask At An Auction On Lake Martin
25 waterfront condos are being auctioned at Harbor Pointe in Stillwaters on July 7th. Five of those will be absolute. This auction follows on the heels of one earlier this spring. Is this a sign of the times on Lake Martin? Does this signal an end to the seller’s market? Are auctions a way to get a good deal on Lake Martin property?
Like any real estate transaction, every auction is unique. The person that does the homework will either come out of it with a fair price or avoid paying too much.
What questions should buyers ask before attending an auction at Lake Martin?
research comes in the picture. How well do you know the Lake Martin market? Or Stillwaters? Or Harbor Pointe? If the lake properties have been for sale recently, the listing prices can give you an idea of the seller’s expectations. 
In the case of the Harbor Pointe auction, I would run a buyer a report of all of the sales in Harbor Pointe in the last 2 years, and give a bidder an idea of what the exact market price should be on a condo there. This gives you a pretty precise point to bid up to without getting hurt too bad. Again, it won’t cost a dime more, and could arm you with a lot of information for the auction. If my registered buyer is not a high bidder, they don’t owe me a penny.
New Lake Martin Lunch Spot: Green Valley Market & Cafe
Lake Martin has another great dining choice! The Green Valley Market and Cafe is now open.
The Green Valley Market is located in the Eclectic or Kowaliga area of Lake Martin, next to the Kudzu Corner. They are located on Highway 229 about halfway between where 229 intersects highway 50 at Castaway Island Road, and where 229 intersects highway 63 (aka Kowaliga Road) in downtown Kowaliga.
The Green Valley Market and Cafe sells sandwiches, and offers a good assortment of meat at their meat counter. If you need a lot
of food for your Fourth of July party, you may want to ask them about their catering. One of the newer trends on Lake Martin is selling ready to eat casseroles and such for people who don’t want to cook yet would like some home cookin. They sell a lot of the warm up and eat type of fare, which I am sure is very good. They also sell boutique looking spices, and little gifts, etc.
I have tried just about every sandwich they make, and I must say, I am pleasantly surprised. They serve the sandwiches with sides like potato salad or pasta salad, but my favorite is the black bean salad. Usually a lunch menu on the fru fru side does not do much for me, but their sandwiches taste really good. They use good quality meat and give generous portions. It is a great choice if you are looking for something other than fried foods.
Check them out! I recommend them heartily and wish them the best. Their phone is (334)857-3663. Street address is 2415 Red Hill Road, Eclectic, Alabama, 36024.
Related post: Four Great Lunch Meals Around Lake Martin
Russell Lands’ Fireworks Are On, But Don’t Try At Home
Lake Martin’s Fireworks Display on the Fourth of July is one of the best things about the lake area. After years of watching the fireworks show at the lake has caused me to be jaded and judgmental of any other claims to have “the best” fireworks show in the land.
Many have worried that this year’s severe drought would prevent Russell Lands from putting on their annual patriotic display. After the state fire marshall banned fireworks in 33 drought affected counties, rumors have been flying around Lake Martin that there would be no fireworks show.
Fear Not! The fireworks show is on! Russell Lands General Counsel Steve Forehand confirmed in a letter that they do plan to have the fireworks display this year. Russell Lands has a “special permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the State Fire Marshall.”
If you would like to see the fireworks, you can drive to the Lake Martin Amphitheater for the best view. It’s about a mile south of Kowaliga Bridge on highway 63. The Sweet Young Uns, Muse, and Harbor Lights will be playing after the fireworks.
By boat, you can pretty much see them at any point from Kowaliga Bridge to Martin Dam, which will be packed with thousands of boats. If you want an unimpeded view, go to the Cocktail Slough, directly north of the Amphitheater. If you go by boat, take caution. This event makes for the most dangerous time to drive a boat on Lake Martin. Combine the darkness, drunk boat drivers, inexperienced boat drivers, and (this year) exposed islands and it can be a madhouse.
Back to the Russell Lands letter – if you rent a Russell Lands cabin, watch out. Forehand 
reminds you that it is against your lease to shoot fireworks on the property – and it “could result in termination of your lease.” That would be a shame.
