luxury homes

6 Tips for Buying an Oconee Lakefront Home

June 28, 2020 by suzie

Owning a home on a lakefront is an ultimate dream for many people. At Lake Oconee we see this dream come true every day!

Lake Oconee, Golfer’s Paradise

Buyers are heading to Lake Oconee this year to find their dream homes, especially now when the mortgage rates are very low, and many people desire to escape the hazards of the big city.

The lifestyle here offers a convenient location to travel to the Atlanta airport or to other states by easy access to interstate highways. First class medical care is readily available. The climate is moderate, offering 4 distinct seasons.

But, Buyer Beware! Choosing a Lake Home is different from a buying an inland home. Here are 5 Tips for Buying a Lake Oconee home:

1- Find an lake-experienced agent (like 30 year residents Suzie and Jim!) who knows the right questions to ask before you buy. You need to be aware of special regulations regarding living on the lake. Lake Oconee was created by the Georgia Power Company and they have certain requirements for lake front property and the docks that are built there since they own the shoreline.

2- Ask about the extra time and money that lakefront living makes necessary such as maintenance of seawalls and docks. Check on the septic tank or sewer options before you buy.

3- Know what you are buying, does the property go all the way to the lake? Are there HOA restrictions and dues? Carefully check out the waterfront side of the home.

4- Determine if the lake meets the needs of your favorite sports: the depth of the water, what types of boats are allowed, species of fish, limits on fish caught, etc. If a golf course is included, find out about the difficulty of the course, membership dues, and availability of tee times.

5-Think about convenience: is the home near shopping, medical care, schools, and churches? If it’s a second home, how long is the trip to the lake?

6-To learn what life is like in a particular neighborhood, strike up a conversation with a neighbor. Is there a party atmosphere, or a calm relaxing environment in that location?

Most Lake Oconee communities have local lake access if you prefer to live inland and launch your boat occasionally. There are also easy care townhouse and condo subdivisions in the Lake Oconee area.

Come down to tour the Lake Oconee area and sample the good life! We have a beautiful lake, and many other amenities such as a movie theater, local art performances, restaurants, and local access to top grade medical care.

Lakefront Lake Homes start at about $400K, and Lakefront Gated homes start at about $650K. Investigate the different communities by clicking the tab above this blog post, Communites. It includes a link to currently listed Lake Oconee homes for sale.

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

Call Suzie or Jim, RE/MAX Lake Country

Jim: 706-453-6253

Suzie: 706-347-1115

www.lookatlakeoconee.com

Lake Oconee Real Estate Market Update!

April 19, 2020 by suzie

This Spring efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have temporarily changed the way we live.

Enjoy Spring Flowers at Lake Oconee

It affects many aspects of our daily life – and real estate transactions are no different. Yet despite current circumstances, real estate agents are still seeing sellers and buyers move forward with their plans in what is historically an active spring market. Precautions to maintain health have changed, and people are doing life differently, but the demand and decision to buy a home is currently still very strong.

Most people believe that the stock market performance and the real estate market go hand in hand, but they don’t. The real estate market has remained fairly strong this year, at least for now. The government is providing us with stimulus money to help us get by until things are back to normal.

Yet even with willing sellers and eager buyers, the current U.S. government guidelines recommend social gatherings be limited to fewer than 10 people – among other safety measures – which means selling a home this spring may look differently than in years past.

Buy a Lake Oconee Home, Now!

Thinking of Selling?

While you are considering putting your home on the market, there

are absolutely things sellers can do while we’re being asked to stay home:

-Buy some paint and start doing touch-ups around the house.

-Begin packing and putting your excess belongings in storage

-Improve your curb appeal by cleaning up your landscaping.

Then, as we start to return to a more normalized market, you are ready to show your home.

Thinking of Buying?

Start your search for a new home online. Phone local agents Suzie or Jim to find out more details about the neighborhood or lifestyle. We can even give you a virtual tour of your favorite listing.

There are several new local provisions for buyers and Sellers put forth by the Georgia Association of Realtors:

-Buyers who want to visit homes in the Lake Oconee area should be actively in the market to purchase soon (no just-lookers wanted).

-Social distancing, hand sanitizers, and respect for the property being viewed is necessary

–Buyers visiting homes should have been pre-qualified

-Special contract stipulations have been created to protect buyers and sellers during this time of crisis

Positive Reasons to Buy or Sell this Spring?

-Mortgage rates are low

-Fewer buyers are competing in the market

-Sellers are motivated

–Buy now to be in your new home by Summer!

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