The Lake and Home Group Blog

Jay Hufnagel

Blog

Displaying blog entries 51-60 of 75

Lake Hartwell 38th Bassmaster Classic, February 22-24

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
 Don’t forget – The 38th Bassmaster Classic kicks off this Friday on Lake Hartwell. Boats will launch at Portman Marina, off South Carolina, exit 14 (I-85). This event is more than bass fishing. Many of the national qualifiers consider this the grand championship of Bass Fishing.
 
This year it’ll be a little more interesting with the lake down about 12 feet. Fishermen will have to be more creative on where to fish and what to use for bait. ESPN2 is suppose to provide daily coverage. You can bet, I’ll be down on my dock giving some tips to the fortunate sole that tries to catch “Bubba” that’s made his home under my ramp.
 
By the way, the picture in this blog isn’t a Bassmaster Champion (in his dreams). It’s my brother-in-law, Todd, with a fish he caught near our home.
By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, just Say Jay for Real Estate
Add CommentView Comments (1)

2008 Lake Lanier Waterfront Home and Lot Sales

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
Here’s some sale statistics for “dockable” waterfront Homes and Lots on Lake Lanier so far in 2008 (source: FMLS and does not include FSBO and non FMLS listed properties):
 
Waterfront Homes Sold (does not include Condos/Townhouses) – 5
            Average Days on the Market – 125
            Average List Price - $923,960
            Average Sale Price - $778,780
            Sale Price vs. List Price – 84.3%
 
                        Note: Most expensive Home sold for $1,650,000
                                   Least expensive Home sold for $169,900      
 
Waterfront Lots Sold – None
 
Please email me at sayjay@bellsouth.net if you would like to see the actual properties that were sold.
 
It’s very apparent that Buyers are still watching the housing market and waiting to see where the bottom is. The good news for Buyers …. lake property inventory is climbing, interest rates are low, and Sellers are starting to realize that if they want to sell then they need to be realistic on price. All we need now is three things …..some rain, rain and more rain.
           
Don’t forget the Lake Lanier Super Shore Sweep on April 12th. For more information, contact Vicki Barnhorst ( lakeinfo@lakelanier.org ) , Executive Director of The Lake Lanier Association.  I urge everyone that has interest in Lake Lanier to visit The Lake Lanier Association website as soon as possible. Here you’ll find links to various websites that are devoted to saving our lake.
By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, just "Say Jay" at 770-757-2799
Add Comment

Have you heard of Gold Star Referral Clubs?

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel

 Last week I was invited to 4 days of extensive training on how to maximize the power of referral relationships. Beth Davis, CEO and Founder of Gold Star Referral Clubs, invited me into their International Headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma to learn more about how building long-lasting reciprocal relationships can benefit your customers and business partners. It’s said that people interact and influence over 200 people on a regular basis. As a REALTOR, referring clients and customers to credible business sources (people that you “Know, Like and Trust”) is crucial to the future of your business.  

Gold Star Club members meet weekly for 60 minutes, make a short (60 second) presentation on their business and what a good referral would be, and then pass actual REFERRALS to other members. The Gold Star website states, “A good referral is not a TIP. The difference between a “tip” and a “referral” is that the person giving the referral has spoken to the customer about you, and the customer is expecting your call.” Gold Star members pass REFERRALS.
 
I’m excited about starting clubs in North Georgia and South Carolina. As you can imagine, REALTORS get asked “who do you know” for all kinds of things … like lender information, insurance contacts, inspectors, pest control, cleaning services, Doctors, Veterinarians, legal services, and a host of other providers for services and products. Individual Gold Star clubs can only have one representative from each industry, so there’s no competition between members. At one 60 minute meeting Gold Star members can accomplish more productivity for their business and customers then in a full eight hour day.
 
It’s all about reciprocity and edification. I was so impressed with how each member did his or her best to help the other’s business. Before I left Tulsa, Beth made an interesting comment…”If you know of someone that needs a certain product or service, why not refer them to someone you Know, Like and Trust. I’m sure they’ll be glad you did.”
By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, just "Say Jay" 770-757-2799
Add Comment

January Lake Hartwell Waterfront Real Estate Activity

Friday, February 01, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
If you haven’t checked out South Carolina’s new website about buying now in the Upstate it’s worth your time. Like I said before, if you’re considering buying lake property, don’t let this market slip away. Prices may be at the bottom, interest rates are low, and home and lot inventories are setting record highs.
 
Here’s the last 30 days of “waterfront” activity on Lake Hartwell (source: SC Western Upstate MLS and does not include FSBO and non Upstate MLS listings):
 
Homes Sold (includes SF, Condos/Townhouses) – 10
            Average Days on the Market – 114
            Average List Price - $406,070
            Average Sale Price - $396,750
            Sale vs. List Price – 97.7%
 
                        Note: 7 of the 10 homes sold were Condo/Townhouses
 
Waterfront Lots Sold - 3
            Average Days on the Market – 495
            Average List Price – $228,333
            Average Sale Price - $204,333
            Sale vs. List Price – 89.5%
 
It’s interesting to note that with only 13 properties selling last month, that there were 170 new lake home and waterfront lot listings. When is the best time to buy lake property? I’d say now….”they’re not making any more of it”.   
 
By: Jay Hufnagel, 770-757-2799, just “Say Jay” for Real Estate
Add Comment

Have we hit the bottom yet?

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
I’m getting more Buyers asking this question, “Have we hit the bottom yet in the housing market”? Personally, within the last three weeks, I’ve seen a tremendous increase in internet activity of potential lake home buyers looking for that “great deal”.
 
Joe O’Kelley, Managing Partner of O’Kelley & Sorohan Attorneys at Law, LLC, spoke today at a Keller Williams Realty award ceremony. Joe stated that March will let us know what 2008 will be like in the housing industry. He also felt that “now’s the time to buy”. Interest rates are going down, the home inventory supply is at 10 months, and home prices may not go much lower. Compared to the rest of the Nation, Atlanta and the Southeast is in great shape. Joe made another interesting comment, “people need to go back to thinking like in the old days where you bought property and held on to it for a while”. Things have changed. Homes aren’t appreciating like they did a few years ago.
 
So, maybe we have hit the bottom. What do you think?
By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty Lake and Home Group, 770-757-2799
Add Comment

I'm Taking a Day Off

Saturday, January 19, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
What do Real Estate Agents do when they’re not showing property? Well as you can see, some of us take a Snow Day.
 
Might as well have some fun, don’t you think? Over the last few years, agents have been working 24/7 non-stop. But today, things have changed. Many agents are leaving the Real Estate field because of the housing industry slow down and challenges. Yesterday, at one of my closings, another agent told me that their office had lost over half of their agents over the last few months. I can understand that, but I think those that survive the current market will come out stronger. Since the first of the year, I’ve seen a positive trend of activity. Hopefully with interest rates coming down, lakes filling up with water, and more optimism with the economy, the housing market will improve.
 
In the meantime, maybe we should have a “Hug your Real Estate Agent” day”. Don’t you think?
 
By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, 770-757-2799
Add Comment

While the Lake is Down...Let's Cleanup the Ground

Saturday, January 19, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
Keep America Beautiful (KAB) of Anderson County is sponsoring a Lake Hartwell shoreline cleanup event in preparation for the 2008 ESPN BASSMasters Classic to be held on the lake, February 22 – 24th. Interested participants are invited to contact the KAB and Anderson County Waste and Environmental Enforcement departments at 864-260-1003, and let them know of your interest.
 
On February 25th they’re also inviting participants to a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Civic Center of Anderson, from 11:30am – 1:30pm.
 
With the lake level down, it’s a wonderful opportunity to clean up the lake, and show all of the fishermen and the ESPN viewers what a beautiful lake we have. I hope to see ya’ll out there.
 
Add Comment

Have you been to the Atlanta Boat Show?

Sunday, January 13, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel

 If you haven’t been to the Atlanta Boat Show yet, it’s definitely worth the trip. I went Friday and was impressed by the number of people that were there. Attendees didn’t let lake water levels or the economy stand in their way of viewing the huge display of boats, dock equipment, jet skis, and other water toys. Also, there were various displays from Real Estate, such as Keller Williams Realty (Teresa Smith and the Living on Lake Lanier team), to Insurance, Fishing, Marinas, Resorts, and Sailing Schools. Even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the DNR had booths and were handing out all kinds of goodies.

 
Oh, and don’t forget to take the kids. They have a huge fish tank on display, and you can even try your hand at catching trout out of a small pond set up in the exhibit hall.
 
Can’t make the Atlanta Show? There’s another boat show in Greenville, South Carolina January 24 to the 27th at the Carolina First Center. Go to http://www.upstatescboatshow.com/ for more information.
 
By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, 770-757-2799
Add Comment

Lake Hartwell and Keowee Waterfront Home and Lot Sales in 2007

Sunday, January 06, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
If you’re like me, seeing rain in the forecast, and hearing it fall on your roof, is much more satisfying these days then a forecast of mild temperatures and sunny skies. Slowly, the lakes are starting to rise, and if we continue to get a little rain each week, docks will start to float again and boating traffic will start to pick up. Since the 1st of the year, I’ve seen stronger interest in buyers looking for lake property. Most are looking for “good deals” and,  I expect that will continue through 2008.  
 
Here are some statistics on Lake Hartwell and Keowee “dockable” waterfront activity for 2007 (source: SC Upstate MLS and does not include FSBO and non SC Upstate MLS listed properties):
 
LAKE HARTWELL
 
Waterfront Homes Sold (excludes Condos & Townhouses) – 164
            Average Days on the Market – 130
            Average List Price - $476,294
            Average Sale Price - $451,538
 
Waterfront Lots Sold – 58 (includes 3 multiple lot sales)
            Average Days on the Market – 139
            Average List Price - $242,381
            Average Sale Price - $221,615
 
LAKE KEOWEE
 
Waterfront Homes Sold (excludes Condos & Townhouses) – 71
            Average Days on the Market – 162
            Average List Price - $891,628
            Average Sale Price - $841,547
 
Waterfront Lots Sold – 96 (includes 1 multiple lot sales)
            Average Days on the Market -  155
            Average List Price - $485,232
            Average Sales Price - $470,029
 
I’d be interested in your comments as to how these statistics compare to what your expectations were and what you would assume they would be.
 
By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, 770-757-2799
Add Comment

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home and Lot sales in 2007

Wednesday, January 02, 2008
by Jay Hufnagel
Happy New Year! Well, as you can see below, sales activity for Lake Lanier waterfront homes and lots have definitely been affected by the housing industry slow down and our Southeast drought. I expect we’ll see things picking up as the rain comes and the lake level increases. Doesn’t it make you wonder where all that rain water goes when it rains a bunch, but still the lake doesn’t go up?
 
Here’s some statistics on Lake Lanier “dockable” waterfront activity for 2007 (source: FMLS and does not include FSBO and non FMLS listed properties):
 
Waterfront Homes Sold (does not include Condos/Townhouses) – 134
            Average Days on the Market – 105
            Average List Price - $698,213
            Average Sale Price - $636,038
 
Waterfront Lots Sold – 39 (excludes 3 multiple lot sales)
            Average Days on the Market – 129
            Average List Price - $374,417
            Average Sale Price - $363,202
 
Don’t forget the Lake Lanier January Super Shore Sweep on January 5th at 10:00AM. Please meet Lake Lanier Association members at Balus Creek. From there everyone will be carpooled down to Flat Creek to pick up trash bags. Grilled hot dogs will be provided for lunch. If you miss this clean up day, meet on January 19th at 10:00AM at Lanier Islands (free admission) to clean up the Cocktail Cove area. For more information, contact Vicki Barnhorst ( lakeinfo@lakelanier.org ) , Executive Director of The Lake Lanier Association.
Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 51-60 of 75

Homes By Email
How much is your home worth?
Morning Coffee
Special reports for Buyers & Sellers

Contact Information

Lake and Home Group
Keller Williams Realty
4878 Manhattan Dr.
Buford GA 30518
GA: 770-757-2799
SC: 864-287-7530
Fax: 678-318-5005
Send An Email