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5 New Reasons to Buy a Home at Lake Oconee

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Trying to decide whether to buy a home at Lake Oconee in 2020??

Here are 5 reasons why the market is hot NOW:

  • Reynolds Home
  • The mortgage rates are at a historic low. Whether it’s caused by the election year, OPEC and low gas prices, or the corona virus (or all three), the mortgage rates are very low! Call your loan officer to lock in a low rate.
  • Newly built homes are springing up all over the Lake area in every community. Coveted lakefront lots are being snapped up at a rapid rate. Act now to purchase your own lakefront lot to build now, or build in the future.
  • New businesses are moving into to the Lake Oconee area. The plan for the area around Home Depot has been revived and the promised Chic-fil-A and Tru Hotel have been built and open. There are future plans for affordable living in the same area.
  • Medical facilities are improving. The St. Mary’s Good Samaritan hospital has become a valuable medical facility at Lake Oconee since it’s opening in 2013. It is joined by several Clinics where specialists attend to local patients several days per week, and by several assisted living developments for the elderly.
  •  The Lake Oconee Area is offering homes in all price ranges.  Houses for sale range from less than $100,000 in the small towns to the millions in the lake golf communities. There are laid back Lake Communities, gated Golf Communities, Rural Communities with acreage, and Small Town communities with historic homes. There is a home for every lifestyle and pocketbook.

 

Following are some links to listings of homes from the different categories of residential homes in the Lake Oconee Area:

 

Waterfront  homes

In-town homes

 

Updated Home

Harbor Club, Move in Ready

We will find the homes or lots that fit your lifestyle!

Call Suzie or Jim, RE/MAX Lake Country

Jim: 706-453-6253

Suzie: 706-347-1115

www.lookatlakeoconee.com

 

 

Why Buy at Lake Oconee?

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In this Spring Season , the Lake Oconee Area is flooded by people who want to buy a home and live here, or vacation here. The mortgage rates are still at a low level, and are poised to go even lower!

Lake Oconee

Golf Course and Lake View

People hear about beautiful Lake Oconee from the  internet, advertisements, or word of mouth. Some have visited friends who live at the lake.

Jim and I have lived here and watched it develop for almost 30 years! Now, more than ever, the lake which was created in the 70s has matured and it provides the perfect location for a primary or secondary home. Lake Oconee now offers the local residents entertainment, many varieties of sporting activities, and commercial outlets to visit. There is a balance of development that allows for

a fulfilling lifestyle, without the negatives of a large city.

Here is my list of best reasons to buy at Lake Oconee in 2019.

1. Lake Oconee is a large, clean lake that maintains a constant level.

    The lake was built by Georgia Power who controls it, not the Corps of Engineers. The lake level remains constant throughout the year.

2. Convenient Location. Lake Oconee is about 80 miles east of the Atlanta

Location of Lake Oconee

Convenient Location

Airport. There are several interstate highways that provide easy trips to all parts of the south.

3. Entertainment. This area is home to local venues that offer plays and concerts throughout the year. The Oconee Performing Arts Society even brings in Broadway stars, symphony orchestras, and popular music bands several times per year. Acoustic guitarists are often featured casually in local bars and restaurants.

 

Medical Care at Lake Oconee

St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital

4. Medical Care. The Lake Oconee medical care has expanded to include a new state of the art hospital which is connected to the larger St. Mary’s network of hospitals in Georgia. The hospital has a helipad to transport patients who need a higher level of  care. The Cowles Clinic provides medical specialists, cancer care and treatment, and laboratory services to the Lake Oconee area for convenient  comprehensive health care.

5. Social Activities. In addition to the obvious lake sports, boating, and golf, most neighborhoods have social organizations that bring people together. There are frequent opportunities to play card games, pickle-ball, as well as indoor activities such as bridge groups, book clubs or quilting clubs. A large network of churches, civic organizations, crafts classes, as well as volunteer groups mean that there is no chance for boredom to set in.

6. Children’s Entertainment. Children at Lake Oconee have opportunities to both learn and have fun. In addition to good schools, children’s sporting and artistic activities are abundant at Lake Oconee. Below is a link to this summer’s children’s camps.

 

Summer Camps (courtesy of Lake Oconee Life)

 

Suzie and Jim’s Featured Listings

Adjusted Price in Harbor Club

Totally Remodeled

New price: $929,000

Lakefront

3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths

Luxury kitchen

Golf or Social Membership available

 

Convenient Home in Harbor Club

Updated Home

Move in Ready

Price: $439,000

Near Amenities

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths

New wood floors

Golf or Social Membership available

Luxury Home in Cuscowilla

Home for a Large Family

Lakefront Home

Price: $2,190,000

Beautiful details

7 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths

3 car garage

Golf Membership Included (with transfer fee)

 

 

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Lots for Sale:

Lakefront, Lake Community, $249,000. Long Shoals Circle

Lake, Assigned Slip, Harbor Club, $139,000. Glen Eagle Drive

Lake, Assigned Slip, Harbor Club, $135,000. 1170 Turnberry Circle 

$135,000.  1180 Turnberry Circle

Golf Course Lot, The Landing, $77,000  Fairway Ridge Drive

Golf Course Lot, Harbor Club, $160,000 Spyglass Hill (double lot)

 

 

 

Come for a visit and experience the Lifestyle at Lake Oconee!

We will find the homes or lots that fit your pocketbook!

Call Suzie or Jim RE/MAX Lake Country

Jim: 706-453-6253

Suzie: 706-347-1115

www.lookatlakeoconee.com

 

Lake Oconee Home Market is Blossoming with Spring

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As I drive around the Lake Oconee area I see many signs of Spring! The red buds and Bradford pears have already bloomed, and there are daffodils still brightening the landscape.

Spring Blooms

Early blooms in Spring at Harbor Club

The golf fairways are greening up, and we have had plenty of rain!

Landscape crews and DIYs are replacing the mulch, mostly pine straw, in preparation for the new season and the many visitors who are soon to arrive. We at Lake Oconee are preparing for the influx of visitors who come here during The Masters, Easter, and Spring Break. (photo courtesy of Olga Miller)

 

Here at Lake Oconee the buzz is:

The Masters Golf Tournament, April 8-14

Southland Jubilee Festival, April 20

Easter Weekend, April 20-21

Chick-fil-A restaurant and a Tru motel coming to the lake area

 

The Real Estate Market here is already bustling! New homes and lots appear on our local Multiple Listing Service every day. Photographers are hurrying to get home photo shoots for the realtors to post online! Below are our newest homes and lots for sale:

Home for a Large Family

Lakefront Home in Cuscowilla

 

 

130 Cape View Lane, $2,190,000

Large family home with 7 bedrooms

Details

 

 

 

 

 

Totally Remodeled Home

 

 

Lakefront Home in Habor Club, $949,000

Totally remodeled, beautiful kitchen

Details

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Community Home

Affordable Lakefront Home

 

 

381 E. Riverbend Drive, $369,000

Lakefront home with rental potential

Details

 

 

 

 

 

Lots Jim and I have listed are:

Harbor Club Golf Course, 1041 Spyglass Hill, Double Lot

Harbor Club Lake Access, 1050 Glen Eagle, Assigned Slip

The Landing, 1291 Fairway RidgeDrve, Golf Course

Lot 15 Long Shoals Circle, Lakefront, Lake Community

 

Come see the homes or lots that fit your pocketbook! Call Suzie or Jim RE/MAX Lake Oconee

Jim: 706-453-6253

Suzie: 706-347-1115

www.lookatlakeoconee.com

 

 

 

 

New Listing with Lake Oconee Views!

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The home market is still hot at Lake Oconee, and we are happy to reveal our latest new listing on the lakefront in Harbor Club!

Large Dock is an Easy Walk from Home

This 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home has beautiful lake views from every room. Just walk in the front door to see the lake, or catch a private look from your bedroom.

Privacy is built in as the main house consists of 3 Master Suites, each one has its own en-suite bath, sitting area, and a private porch.

Large windows present breath-taking views from the kitchen so cooking is not a chore.

Lake View is a Focus in Apartment

The rooms are perfect for entertaining as they allow plenty of flow from the front door, dining room, breakfast area, great room, and two porches.

The 4th bedroom is actually an apartment over the garage that would be perfect for multi-generational families, teen suites, or live-in help.

The luxurious main floor Master Suite includes his and her baths, double closets, trey ceiling, and private porch.

Master Suite

Beautiful Jetted Tub in Master Suite

 

 

Other features of this charming home include 2 fireplaces, security system, central vac, reclaimed wood floors, and a 3 car garage.

 

Give Suzie or Jim a call at the numbers below to take a tour of this

Aerial View of Home

unique home in Harbor Club. For more details check our website listing.

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale, call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253)  Before 2018 is over, enjoy owning a home or lot at Lake Oconee!

 

RE/MAX Lake Oconee 

706-453-7777

 

Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com  

Blog: Look@LakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

 

 

 

Open or Closed Floor Plan?

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The popular trend in home design these days is to have an “open floor plan”. Most buyers coming to Lake Oconee insist on buying a home with an
Look at Lake Oconee

High Island Hides Mess

open floor plan. This year we struggled to market a listing with a very traditional floor plan, were disappointed as many buyers were insisting on a more open plan, especially for the kitchen. Then, as I was perusing the real estate articles on the internet, I came across an article about why a buyer “chose to have her kitchen walls”! I was surprised that there are some people out there who were not in line with the popular trend of open floor plans.
The reasons for preferring a traditional kitchen with walls included:

 

 

  • hiding a messy kitchen

  • keeping cooking smells somewhat corralled

  • having more kitchen wall space for cabinets and appliances

  • being able to decorate the kitchen in a separate style

  • preventing kitchen noises from disturbing others

  • allowing privacy for the cook

I then realized that I had some of the same complaints in our own newer home
Open Floor Plan

Sliding Barn Doors Can Hide Kitchen

which has an open plan! As much as the open floor plan made our down-sized home seem larger, I had always worried about guests seeing a messy kitchen if they unexpectedly stopped by. The kitchen has minimal storage and counter space, and I was often disturbed by my husband’s noisily cleaning the kitchen or using our loud ice maker!
Still, most Lake Oconee buyers will select a home with an open floor plan these days. However, there is a happy medium for those who may want traits of both styles! A partially open floor plan can be achieved by having a pass through counter higher than usual to screen kitchen mess. Privacy in the kitchen can be had by adding large sliding doors, such as barn doors, to close off the kitchen at will. Or, one can make unattractive food prep areas less visible by creating a butler’s pantry when the kitchen is built.
Open Floor Plan

Butler’s Pantry for Work Area

So, have your open floor plan as you wish, or take an existing plan and make it work better. Personalize your own home to fit your needs.
By the way, our traditional listing with the closed kitchen is now under contract!

Come to Lake Oconee and we will find the kitchen of your dreams! Call Suzie 706-347-1115 or Jim 706-453-6253.

RE/MAX Lake Oconee 

Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com  

Blog: Look@LakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

Affordable Lakefront Home at Lake Oconee

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Sure, we have multi-million dollar homes for sale at Lake Oconee. However, considering the small town homes, farms, lake communities (ones that do not have lots of covenants and dues), and gated communities, we have a property for any pocketbook or taste!

Porch on the lakeside

Lakeside Cottage on Lake Oconee

Even waterfront homes do not always have a high price attached to them. We  recently listed a new lakefront home that is priced at $259,000! It’s the perfect starter home for those who want to enjoy Lake Oconee on a budget.

 

This 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, newly built home is on Lake Oconee in the small

Affordable Lakefront

Large Great Room

town of Buckhead (between Greensboro and Madison). There is a great room for entertaining, cooking, and dining. Two sets of doors provide access to the lake from the great room and the master bedroom.

 

The kitchen is minimal, but is wired for additional appliances.

An enclosed crawl space provides a lockable storage area for water toys and lawn equipment. Come down and see this charming cottage and get started on enjoying Lake Oconee. 

Click here for Visual Tour of this home

 

Affordable Home Lake Oconee

Wharf Dock and Lake Oconee

Come see the homes that fit your pocketbook! Call Suzie or JIm 

RE/MAX Lake Oconee

Jim: 706-453-6253

Suzie: 706-347-1115

www.lookatlakeoconee.com

 

Lake Oconee Welcomes 2018 Masters Patrons

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The important question being asked at Lake Oconee is “will the Augusta National’s azaleas be in bloom this year?” We predict the azaleas blooming at the Masters by the timing of the blooming of our own azaleas here. This year little winks of pink and white blooms are showing at Lake Oconee which is just west of Augusta, Georgia, home of the Masters Golf Tournament. Thus,

Masters 2012 Practice Round

Entrance Flowers at the Masters

I predict that the Masters Tournament next week, beginning on April 2, will have beautiful clusters of azaleas blooming in their prime!

All of a sudden, after we endured a cold wet winter that wouldn’t end, we lake dwellers observed the buzzing of leaf blowers, the blooming of trees, and  the installing of pine straw. Those signs are not only Mother Nature’s rejuvenation of her world, but of the Lake Oconee community’s putting on its best face for Easter and the Masters visitors. We are blessed here by having four distinct seasons with our Spring coming to life at least by April.

We feel sorry for the people who are still wearing winter coats and shoveling snow up North!  As Lake Oconee is only about an hour from the Masters home, Augusta National, the Lake Oconee area is flooded during Masters week with guests who escape the crowds around Augusta and stay at Lake Oconee. Many visitors have time to play their own golf after being inspired by the pros at the Masters.  As residents of Lake Oconee, we often visit the Masters Golf Tournament ourselves and enjoy the golf, the excellence of the historic course, and the ever polite and enthusiastic “patrons”.

Masters' Menu

Masters’ Menu

Food at the Augusta National is legendary, my favorite lunch is a pimento cheese sandwich, and sweet tea or beer.

However, hungry visitors at Lake Oconee have many local eateries that serve tasty food which they can enjoy after the trip to Augusta. Some restaurants observe special hours and menus for Masters Week, some may accept reservations.

Our local favorite restaurant is the Silver Moon which is open daily for dinner.

If you are staying at one of the golf communities, check out their clubhouse for some good food!

 

If you visit Lake Oconee this Spring, call Suzie and Jim Hudson for a tour of homes that are for sale at Lake Oconee. Join our laid back community where water activities, golf, and family gatherings are the norm. 

Check out our newest listing, it’s a bargain for a large family and has a beautiful view!  Lake Community Family Home

 

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale, call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253)  Before 2018 is over, enjoy owning a home or lot at Lake Oconee!

 

RE/MAX Lake Oconee 

706-453-7777

Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com  

Blog: Look@LakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

 

Lake Oconee Homes Sales: Review 2017 and Forecast 2018

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Happy New Year! We hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday Season. Now that 2018 is here, we are all setting our business goals for the year. We worked with many of you in buying or selling homes in the Georgia’s Lake Country in the past and hope to work with you again soon. As we look toward 2018, we are ready to help you, your family, or friends if purchasing a Lake Oconee home this year is your New Year’s resolution. The time is right for Lake Country real estate. Here’s a look at last year and some predictions for 2018.

2017 Results from Lake Country Real Estate Sales Show Growth

4 Master Suites

Lakeside Home Sold in 2017

 

According to the Lake Country Multiple Listing numbers the total real estate dollar volume for 2017 increased some 24% over the total for 2016 with the average transaction sale price increasing just over 16% – prices are coming back. The biggest gains were in gated/golf community home and lot sales, both lakefront and off water. However, non-gated lakefront and off water home sales also showed healthy increases indicating a strong market for “affordable” first and second homes.

2018 Predictions for Real Estate Sales

A survey of real estate and economic advisers across the US reveals an overall positive prediction for home sales in 2018. Realtor.com published on January 4, 2018 an article by Holly Amaya urging potential home buyers to enter into the housing market in her article entitled “3 Best Reasons to Buy a Home in 2018 (but You’d Better Hurry)”

    Her points are:

1. Rates are going up

2. Prices are climbing, but not crazily fast

3. Inventory levels will begin to increase

 

Speaking of mortgage rates, the Atlanta Journal reported on January 12th, that the average rate on a 30 year mortgage increased to 3.99. (Up from 3.95)  

Affordable Lakefront Home

Lakefront Cottage for Sale in 2018

Another help for the local real estate market is that the new US Tax Law leaves the state of Georgia a good place to buy a home: the deduction cap to the property for state, and local taxes will not hurt in low-tax Georgia. Also, the interest deduction on second homes remained in the tax code – great for resort areas like Georgia’s Lake Country.
With the strong sales we saw in 2017 we expect an early replenishment of available inventory – new listings coming on the market. With an improving economy and continued favorable interest rates, more and more buyers will start their property search earlier so they can be in that new home by Spring. The whole nation awaits the Amazon HQ2 selection to be revealed and the Atlanta area is still in the running. The Lake Country will certainly be impacted if it’s selected. 2018 will be a great year to either buy or sell – just be sure to start early.
 

To evaluate your buying or selling potential in Georgia’s Lake Country in 2018 call or email us – we’ll talk it over and give you our free evaluation. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the prime real estate year in 2018 at Lake Oconee!

For more information about any Lake Oconee Homes for Sale, call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim (706-453-6253)  Before 2018 is over, enjoy owning a home or lot at Lake Oconee!

 

RE/MAX Lake Oconee 

706-453-7777

Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com  

Blog: Look@LakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

 

Irma Visits Lake Oconee

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View of Irma in Florida

Lately, it seems in the Lake Oconee area Fall begins with offering respite to hurricane evacuees.  We did not recognize the trend at first, but we would notice storm warnings from the Georgia and South Carolina coasts would lead to increased traffic, busy grocery stores, and fully booked hotels. Requests would then go out in the area for rooms in local vacation homes,  or unused second homes to accommodate the hurricane evacuees. Last Fall the immigrating crowds were avoiding Hurricane Matthew. We finally realized that  Lake Oconee is one of the first large locations in which fleeing evacuees going eastward from the Atlantic coast could find plentiful restaurants and  hotels.

Hurricane Irma at Lake Oconee

Trixie Waiting for Irma

This year’s Irma made even more of an impression! Florida evacuees joined other anticipated coastal travelers as they headed north early in the week before the hurricane was expected to hit.  Some went as far as Atlanta or Tennessee to find shelter with friends and relatives. Our local Publix was prepared with extra shipments of staples that were staged in trucks behind the store. When I was checking out at Publix  with my staples, a bewildered  shopper behind me asked:  “why are all these people in this store today?” Another sign of our temporary residents was the sighting of Florida license plates seen parked in the driveways of grandmothers and friends who hosted their loved ones. This time, however, the bad weather passed through Georgia, too! Irma followed the evacuees!

 

Little Damage from Storm

Scene After Irma

When the much-awaited Tropical Storm Irma finally came through the Lake Country,  we experienced a day of steady rain and higher than normal wind gusts. There were a good number of trees felled which created our worst problem – loss of electrical power!  Although some rural neighborhoods were without power for 3-4 days, we were lucky in the Lake area to have it restored after about 24 hours.  During those darkened hours, I wondered how the adults were entertaining the young children who were used to watching television, playing computer games, and going to the pool!

So it seems that hosting hurricane evacuees is a part of Lake Oconee Fall events as much as football games, raking leaves, and Halloween parties!  Several owners who rent by VRBO had repeat business from coastal residents who are running away from bad weather this year, as well as last year. Lake Country residents are always gracious to welcome people who need a respite from the bad weather.  It is a friendly community to visit, or to find a home! Come on down and find a home in this warm, caring community. There is never a dull moment!

 

Lake Oconee is a nice place to live! Come visit and enjoy our friendly community!

For more information, call Suzie (706-347-1115) or Jim Hudson (706-453-6253)  

RE/MAX Lake Oconee  

Home Search: Look@LakeOconee.com

Blog: LookatLakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor

 

Look at Lake Oconee for Affordable Homes

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Lake Oconee is well known as a community of pristine golf courses, and high-priced homes. But that is not the whole story! If you picture a low-key lake cabin for your getaway retreat for your family, Lake Oconee offers mid-priced homes on the lake that are perfect for fishing,  boating, water play, and energy-restoring quiet time .

Lake Oconee Homes for Sale

Home with Views

 

The subdivision name Eagle View gives you a hint of the modified A-frame home that is on a bluff. It sits high above the water line of the lake, so offers cool breezes, deep water, and wooded privacy. It is almost like living in the mountains! The 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has a developed basement, so has two terrace level rooms that serve as extra bedrooms, playrooms, or hobby rooms. New laminate flooring covers the whole house. The home is currently listed at $387,500. A special feature is provided by Mother Nature: a breath-taking sunset at the end of the day. See details

Lake Oconee Homes for Sale

Sunset as Seen from Eagle View Home

Note: an adjoining lakefront lot is for sale at $124,500!

 

Further south in the Sugar Bend subdivision, we listed a cottage  (for a low price of $329,500) that is on one of the prettiest sites you can find on Lake Oconee.

Lakefront Cottage $355,000

Fisher Way Cottage

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch is on a flat lot that borders Lake Oconee. A large screened porch, and fire pit offer areas to enjoy the Lake Oconee views that wrap around to one side of the home. There is over 550 feet of shoreline for fishing or water play! It’s perfect for a retirement home, or second home. See details

A  usable peninsula next to the home site is owned by Georgia Power and will never be developed. See below.

Lake Oconee Homes for Sale

Peninsula Next to the Cottage

 

 

Affordable Lakefront

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another lakefront listing that is affordable is  on Greenbriar   Drive for a reduced price of $279,500

Don’t discount this home because it’s manufactured.  The owner has totally upgraded the home with refinished kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile baths, large sun room addition, sheetrock throughout, just freshly painted, and max dock at the lakefront.  The home is located in the quiet Greshamville community very convenient to Madison, Greensboro, and Athens.  It’s worth another look – now an even better value for Lake Oconee.

 

Visit Lake Oconee for an Affordable waterfront home! Come visit and see these, and other properties for sale.  

Contact us at RE/MAX Lake Oconee

Suzie Hudson 706-347-1115, or Jim Hudson, 706-453-6253. 

Home Search: LookatLakeOconee.com  

Blog: Subscribe to emailed blog posts, lower right of home page LookatLakeOconee.com

Pinterest: SuzieHudson Realtor