Comments on: 6 Crucial Changes Coming To Lake Martin Real Estate

By: Why It’s Cool To Have An Office In A Convenience Store | Lake Martin Voice

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:42:11 +0000

[...] just goes to show you how much the Lake Martin real estate industry has changed. Over the last 4 years, I can count on one hand how many times I have met clients at my [...]

By: Lake Martin Voice » Blog Archive » To Predict Lake Martin Real Estate Market Cycle - Look West

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:37:57 +0000

[...] in real estate shift back and forth like any other market in free nations. We can learn about what might happen in Lake Martin by looking at other markets - like one of the most high end markets in the nation - Silicon [...]

By: Lake Martin Voice » Blog Archive » Nobel Winners In Economics Say Buy Now On Lake Martin

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:35:11 +0000

[...] Buyers: [...]

By: northeast property listings

northeast property listings — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:19:19 +0000

northeast property listings…

Very interesting post. A little bit confusing, but it still ok Hm….

By: Rachel - Staged Makeovers

Rachel - Staged Makeovers — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:44:41 +0000

Lake Martin’s market has been fortunate if it is just starting to become a buyer’s market. Northeast Ohio and much of the country has already been suffering in this market.
I am so glad that you reinforce staging as a MUST. I totally agree. It is crucial in this market and a waterfront view should be showcased. If you’ve got it, flaunt it Lake Martin!

By: Edyn Real Estate

Edyn Real Estate — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:06:00 +0000

Florida, Alabama,or Wisconsin-waterfront is waterfront!
People will always desire it and it will always stand as a status symbol.

What I see effecting waterfront/second home markets, is the primary home. Homeowners are waiting to see what shakes out on their primary residence value before committing to another mortgage. They are asking themselves, “Will my home go up, go down or hold?”

In my experience many second home buyers are pulling equity from their primary home to make the purchase.

Great post! Great insights on what’s to come!

By: Toni Adcock

Toni Adcock — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:53:16 +0000

We have some properties that are overpriced - most areas do! But, we continue to see an influx of people from the gulf coast coming to Lake Martin. We represent a terrific value to them - prices are within reason for waterfront property; hurricanes don’t represent a huge threat to us; and property insurance is obtainable. Lake Martin is a second home/resort/retirement community and I believe it will continue to grow!

By: John

John — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:31:31 +0000

Sam- I agree that some properties have their listing price too high. But I disagree with your cost / benefit / rental deal. Econ 101 - benefit is in the eye of the buyer. The fact is that many buyers are still flooding in from a larger and larger geographic area. This increases the number of people willing to pay “5 star” rates. Compared to other second home markets around the nation, we are still a relative bargain. See the Wall Street Journal article for proof.

For better or worse, prices will continue to rise over the long term. Lake homes, cars, and college educations are all more expensive now than they were in 1987. I don’t see any of them returning to those pricing levels, even though in the short term (12 months) you might not see any price increases.

Sam, thanks for sharing your honest opinion openly - this is what Lake Martin Voice is all about. Any other reactions out there?

By: Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:48:31 +0000

Unfortunately, it seems that the professionals do not yet get it: the price of the properties on lake Martin are way too expensive for the commodity they provide: a cabin on a lake that you use at most 25 nights a year. Just look at those ridiculous zoom on granite counter tops in a cabin at a lake!!!
These goodies like free TV…etc will not make this reality fade away. Now that speculation does not pay anymore, it is time to ask whether you want to pay a 5 star hotel rate for a normal cabin on lake martin…

By: John

John — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:51:21 +0000

Toni- Thanks, I agree, stand alone property websites are a great way to help buyers remember how to get to the info about a home. I do them for all of my listings.

Here are a couple:

http://www.160Mariners.com (160 Mariners Road, a 3 bed 2.5 bath home near Real Island Marina, 100 feet of waterfront)

http://www.54Hickory.com (54 Hickory Way, a 3/2.5 off of the water in Stillwaters)