The Lake and Home Group Blog

BEAUTIFUL HOME IN LAKE HARTWELL COMMUNITY

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

1109 BAY DR, FAIR PLAY, SC - WOW! Nothing quite like this… a 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Ranch Style, 3000+ Square Foot, Home in a Lake Hartwell Community with “Nothing to Spare”. Where they could have spent a Nickel, they spent a Dime. Quality and Upgrades throughout including: Four sided Brick with Hardy Plank Trim, Three Car Attached Garage with room for Storage, Circular Cement Driveway that goes through a Detached 19’X 45’ Insulated Garage so you can store your Boat or Storage, Huge Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Master Bedroom and Bath Suite on Main with Sun Room, Great Room with Fireplace, 56” Built in TV, and Double Trey Ceilings in Great Room and Master Bedroom - All of this and only 2 minutes from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Glenn Ferry, Lake Hartwell Boat Landing and Community Dock and Exit #4 off I-85.

Other Key Features and Upgrades include: All Garages and Interior Walls in the Home are Insulated, Upgraded Crown Molding throughout, Rocking Chair Covered Front Porch, Covered Back Porch and Patio, Home is wired for Sound System, all Windows are Energy Efficient, Buried 1000 Gal Propane Tank, 2 Renai Tankless Water Heaters, Central Vacuum System, Irrigation System, Kitchenaid Architech Series Appliances, Convection Oven, Upgraded Gas Stovetop with Warming Drawer, Medallion Cabinetry in Kitchen and Bathrooms, Oversize Shower Entrance with Double Shower Heads in Master Bath Suite, His and Hers Walk-in Closets, Plantation Shutters, and 400 Amp Electric Service for Home. So, if you're looking for Lake Hartwell Real Estate, this Home definitely has a “WOW” factor.

Contact Jay Hufnagel, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , Keller Williams Realty, sayjay@bellsouth.net , 864-287-7530 for this property or other Lake Hartwell Homes for Sale.

STUNNING LAKE LANIER HOME IN BEAUTIFUL LAKE COMMUNITY

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

This Gorgeous Lake Lanier 4 Bedroom and 3.5 Bath Home at 7475 Kingfisher Lane in Dawsonville, Georgia is located in Lakes Edge Subdivision. Located just minutes from Hwy 400, this beautiful Lake Lanier Home has everything you’re looking for - Huge Great Room with Fireplace, Formal Dining Room, Huge Kitchen with Breakfast Bar and Area, and a Keeping Room with Stone Fireplace. You’ll love the large Master Bedroom (on the Main Floor) with Sitting Area that overlooks the big Private Back Yard that borders the US Army Corps of Engineers property of Lake Lanier. The Master Bath Suite includes a Double Vanity, Garden Tub and Separate Walk-in Marble Shower. The unfinished Basement is huge and just waiting to be transformed into a Showcase Terrace Level with two more Bedrooms, Full Bath, Media Room, Bonus Room and Entertainment Area.

All of this and you’re just a 2 minute walk to a Community Multi-Slip, Party Deck, Dock in Deep Water of Lake Lanier. Invite your Family and Friends to enjoy your Beautiful Home and the Quality of Lake Living.

Other Key Features and Upgrades in this Beautiful Lake Lanier Home include: Room for Large Swimming Pool in Backyard, 13 feet Ceilings in Basement, Upgraded Marble Baths throughout home, Granite Countertops in Kitchen and Baths, Extended Wrap around Deck, Fireplaces have Floor to Ceiling Stone Treatment, Hardwood Floors throughout Home (Upstairs and Downstairs), Tank less Water Heater, Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Steel Commercial Appliances, Wolf six (6) Burner Stove, Bosch Front Load Laundry Appliances, Extra Windows in Keeping Room, Wall of Windows in Great Room, Granite Buffet Shelf in Dining Room, Iron Railings and Cat Walk, Iron Railings on Deck and Decorative Columns, Extra Canned Lights, Stone Steps to Backyard, Surround Sound Wiring and Custom Walk-in California Closets.

Virtual Tour of this Beautiful Lake Lanier Home

If you're looking for Lake Lanier Real Estate don't miss seeing this home.

Contact Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net , 770-757-2799.

SHORT SALES TO BE HOT ITEM THIS YEAR

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

First, I’ll try to explain what a short sale is. A short sale happens when the net proceeds from the sale of a property are not enough to cover a seller’s mortgage and closing costs (such as real estate commissions, property and misc. taxes, etc.). Plus the seller is unable or unwilling to cover the difference. In many cases, the lender agrees to accept less than the total amount due and will release or satisfy the mortgage and the note. The words Preforeclosure or Pre-Foreclosure sales are sometimes used in place of a short sale.

The cause for a short sale can be due to a variety of reasons. Property owners (Mortgagors) may be in default on their mortgage due to employment issues, divorce, medical challenges, death, unexpected debt and other hardships. Some may have bought at the top of the real estate market and now find themselves “upside down” on their mortgage. Others may have drained equity out of their property through refinancing. In any case, they find themselves unable to make their payments and faced potential foreclosure.

One of the key requirements in buying a short sale is having patience. Many potential home buyers find that short sale listings take forever and never close. Many Real Estate Agents, experienced in listing or assisting in the buying of short sales, question whether it’s really worth the time. That may change.

Recently, there was a great article in the January 31, 2010, AJC homefinder section of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) by John Adams, “Big News on Short Sales”. John talks about a new rule that is going into effect in April that will force many of the big lenders to respond to short sales within 10 business days of getting an offer. This new rule will solve one of the biggest challenges that face buyers wanting to buy a short sale. Today, many buyers wait weeks and months to hear back whether a loan servicer (lender) has accepted or countered their offer. It also affects the property owner which in many cases face foreclosure before the deal is accepted.

Shown below is a great video talking about Short Sales and explaining the new rules going into effect in April, 2010.

WILL FEDERAL GUIDELINES SPEED SHORT SALES?

Realtor TV

So, expect to see big changes in the amount of interest in buying short sales this year. At a recent seminar by the Law Firm of O’Kelley & Sorohan, Joe O’Kelley Jr stated that we can expect the distressed property challenge to continue for at least another two years. Currently, close to 50% of homes sold are distressed. That’s bad news for many home owners, but great news for home buyers and investors.

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, sayjay@bellsouth.net , 770-757-2799, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com

ARE YOU READY FOR TAX TIME?

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Did you buy or sell Real Estate in 2009? If you did, or planning to buy or sell in 2010 you may want to read Grant Ballew’s message below and his "10 Big Deductions too many people miss" article (email me sayjay@bellsouth.net to receive a copy of this). Grant is a Senior Mortgage Consultant from WR Starkey Mortgage. Here’s a note that I received from him this afternoon.

I hope this email finds you doing well. I can’t believe that we are already in February. I am fortunate to be in the business I am, I love what I do! Please take a couple minutes to read this email.

Most people have heard about the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers, but did you know you may qualify for an extra tax deduction after your refinance? People who refinanced in 2009 may qualify for a special deduction of thousands of dollars.

If you do your own taxes, you may want to review IRS Publication 936. Or ask your tax person about prepaid finance charge deductions. To calculate this deduction you will need the HUD and the Truth In Lending Statement from the loan we paid off at your closing, so bring those documents with you to meet with your tax professional.

Another important deduction to keep in mind is the federal deduction you get for paying state and local taxes. For many borrowers, this can include the intangible tax you paid on your recent mortgage, last year’s state income tax, and the ad valorem tax you paid for your automobile.

Your financial well being is important to me, so always seek personal tax advice from a professional.　

Grant Ballew

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , 770-757-2799

2009 LAKE HARTWELL HOME SALES IMPROVE

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Real Estate activity with waterfront Lake Hartwell homes have started to warm up. Now if we can get the weather to warm a little, things would be really great. As you know, the lake level has come up with all the rain we’ve been getting. Plus, with the Stock Market and Consumer Confidence growing it’s just a matter of time before lake property and second homes become a priority again. I’m averaging about four showings a week with potential lake property buyers that want to take advantage of the “great deals”.

Lake Hartwell Home sales improved 15% over 2008. That’s a strong indicator that we’re moving in the right direction. Average Sale prices have decreased by 22% with most buyers looking in the $200,000 to $350,000 range.

Unfortunately, lake lots have not had the success that homes have had. Lenders have not been willing to open up the way that they used to for lot purchases. Plus, buyers that may have wanted to build, are now finding that they can buy a resale much cheaper then spending the money to build. Many lake lot owners wanting to sell are willing to take big losses just to move their property.

Here are statistics for the 2009 “waterfront” Real Estate activity on Lake Hartwell. This list does not include condos and townhomes (source: SC Western Upstate MLS and does not include FSBO and non Upstate MLS listings):

2009

Homes Sold - 65

Average Days on the Market – 161

Average List Price - $404,822

Average Sale Price - 359,514

Sale vs. List Price – 88.8%

Note: List Price is the last price reflected in the MLS listing and may not be the Original List price. Also, some properties may have been listed multiple times.

Current Active Listings - 278

Current Homes Pending (under contract) - 13

Waterfront Lots Sold - 15

Average Days on the Market – 205

Average List Price – $160,753

Average Sale Price - 140,946

Sale vs. List Price – 87.8%

Current Active Listings - 221

Current Lots Pending (under contract) - 0

If you’d like to receive an actual list of the homes/lots that have sold in 2008, please click on the link below or email Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, at sayjay@bellsouth.net.

Homes Sold

Click Here for Homes Sold or Under Contract

Lots Sold

Click Here for Lake Lots Sold or Under Contract

The time to buy lake property is now ….”they’re not making any more of it”.

By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, 770-757-2799, just “Say Jay” for Real Estate

LAKE LANIER 2009 HOME SALES SURPASS 2008

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

At this time last year the lake was 17’ down from full pool and the thought that the lake would fill to full pool was just wishful thinking. Wow, what a difference a year makes! All it took was a lot of prayer, near record rainfalls, and today we’re at full pool. Lake home owners are optimistic again, and there’s an increase in Real Estate activity for Lakefront property.

Here's some great news! 2009 sales of Waterfront Lake Homes saw an increase of 12% over 2008 sales. That’s not much, but it signals things are improving. Plus, buyers are getting great bargains. Last year the average sale price was approximately 88% of the original list price. This year that figure has dropped to 80%. Every lake home buyer that I talk to wants the same thing – “a great deal”. As 2010 begins and the inventory improves, indicators show that buyers will get what they want.

Here are statistics for 2009 “waterfront” Lake Lanier Real Estate. This list does not include condos and townhouses. (Based on information from the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) and does not include FSBO and non FMLS listings):

2009

Homes Sold 105

Average Days on the Market 160

Original Average List Price $717,882

Average Sale Price 577,185

Sale vs. List Price 80%

Current Active Listings 475

Current Homes Pending (under contract) 19

Waterfront Lots Sold 8

Average Days on the Market – 150

Average List Price – $355,462

Average Sale Price - 310,987

Sale vs. List Price – 87%

Current Active Listings - 111

Current Lots Pending (under contract) - 5

If you’d like to receive an actual list of the homes/lots that have sold, please click on the link below or email Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, at sayjay@bellsouth.net.

Homes Sold

Buyer Full Report
CMA Buyer

Lots Sold

Buyer Full Report
CMA Buyer

The time to buy lake property is now ….”they’re not making any more of it”.

By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , 770-757-2799, just “Say Jay” for Real Estate

Does your "real" home value match your tax bill?

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

In many areas of the country property values have declined by over 20%, but few counties have reassessed home values and reduced tax bills. Property owners are starting to ask, “Why”? More and more of these owners are appealing their tax bills and want big reductions.

For example, three weeks ago I was asked by a lake lot owner (and seller) to do a comparative market analysis on this property and let him know if his taxes were similar to others that were on the market for the same price. Two years ago his lake lot was on the market for close to $260,000. Today, his lot is listed for less then $150,000 and still hasn’t sold. Here are two paragraphs from a letter that accompanied the analysis:

1. When comparing this subdivision to others in the same price range, it appears taxes, appraisals and assessments are totally out of line. For example, your total tax appraisal (according to the CRS Property Report, through the MLS) is shown at $151,530. After pulling other similar “Active” listings in the same price range ($145-150k) the average total tax appraisal was approximately $108k. That’s a pretty significant difference, (and those are probably high for the existing housing market and economy).

2. Values have clearly declined as seen in the last 11 months of Sales and Listing activity. As of today’s date, November 22, 2009, according to the SC Western Upstate MLS, only 9 lake lots have sold, out of 254 “Active” listings. When you compare the sale price to the list price, lots sold for just 62% of the “original” list price (this doesn’t reflect list prices, which could have been even higher, on earlier listings of those properties).

This property owner was told by the Assessors office that if they went out and reassessed his lot it could come back even higher. It appears that this scare tactic is being used quite frequently. In his case, it’s not going to work …he’s determined to have his day in court.

I urge you to look up some old issues ( December 7 – 11, 2009) of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). During this week the AJC ran a weeklong series on the “Property Tax Meltdown”. After each article they concluded with, “What you can do now – How to lower your tax bill – Returns and Appeals 101”. Following many of their tips could save you thousands of dollars.

Maybe you’ve already appealed your taxes. If so, I’d be interested in hearing your story.

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net or 770-757-2799.

Anderson's Western Upstate KW Office is Up and Running

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Back in August I blogged about Keller Williams Realty (KW) planning an office in Anderson, South Carolina. It wasn’t too long after that blog, that the office became a reality. Tommy Stevenson, Operating Principle (OP), for the Market Center has hired Jan Rogers as Team Leader.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Tommy commented that “Things are going very well”. They hoped to have over 82 Agents (Keller Williams and other realty company participants) attend a Lead Generation class that they were sponsoring at Tri-county Tech. Currently, they have 73 Agents working out of the Market Center (Anderson and Powdersville). Not bad for an office just a couple months old.

The main office location is at 4107 Liberty Highway, formerly Terri's Team Real Estate office. Terri is now with KW (still located at the Liberty Highway address) and a big part of their success.

It’s obvious that many Agents in the Lake Hartwell and Anderson areas are taking a look at what KW has to offer. Take a look at www.careersworthhaving.com . You’ll read about Keller Williams history, the philosophy of the company, training goals, opportunities, and why they’re growing so fast. For additional information on Keller Williams or the Anderson office, feel free to contact me at sayjay@bellsouth.com .

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.sayjaylakeandhome.com , just Say Jay for Real Estate, 864-287-7530.

Senate And House Vote To Pass and Expand Homebuyer Credit

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMT

This is great news for “First Time Home Buyers” and potential “Move-Up Buyers” to receive the Homebuyer Tax Credit.

First Time Home Buyers will receive up to an $8000 Tax Credit if they sign a Purchase Agreement by April 30, 2010 and Close by June 30, 2010, and Move-Up Buyers will qualify for up to $6500. Unfortunately, as nice as this is, Vacation Homes don’t qualify for the credit. Click here for Qualifications.

But, I expect when this is signed by President Obama, that this will “fire up” the housing market even more then what the "current" tax credit has done.

For those of you that haven’t taken advantage of this opportunity (and may qualify), now is the time to start looking. Click here for some more information from RIS Media (The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems).

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, www.sayjaylakeandhome.com .

ARE YOU STILL CONCERNED ABOUT LAKE HARTWELL'S WATER LEVEL?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Recently, I received a couple of emails stating that the US Army Corps of Engineers is accepting comments on reducing the water flow this winter. About three years ago, the Corps did the same thing for Lake Lanier in Georgia. Out of over 10,000 Lake Lanier home owners, only 300 – 400 sent comments. That’s sad! Here’s an opportunity to voice your thoughts. Please see the email messages below for contact information.

Email Dated October 20, 2009

There is a Public Comment period open until October 31^st for a temporary provision to reduce the amount of water released this winter. These comments can be made via email, US mail, or fax.

Send comments to:

US Army Corps of Engineers

Savannah District, Savannah Planning Unit

ATTN: Mr. William Bailey

PO Box 889

Savannah, GA 31402-0889

Fax: 912 652 5787

william.g.bailey@usace.army.mil

Sample comment: I am a member of the Lake Hartwell Association and a full time resident on the lake. I strongly urge the Corps to maintain reduced flow rates until the Upstate lakes have reached full pool levels or until there is clear evidence of adverse impacts to the basin (we have certainly experienced our share of clear and severe impacts to Lake Hartwell in recent years). The historic drought of recent years has taught us that we must take every measure to conserve the precious water resources of Hartwell Lake and the Savannah River Basin.

Email Dated October 12, 2009

If you have not done so yet please send an email to Col. Kertis of the Corps immediately. We need to get as many emails to him as possible before the deadline for public comment is over on October 30. Tell him in your own words how you feel about the Corps continuing to ignore our economic and recreational losses around the lakes. How you feel about them refusing to correct the drought plan so we don't have a repeat of the mess we had last year. In your own words remind him how they almost lost control of the lakes completely in the last drought and Save Our Lakes Now proposal would prevent that happening in the future. If you had a bad experience during the last drought such as being unable to use your dock, etc. you may want to throw in a comment or two about that.

The Colonel's email address is edward.kertis@usace.army.mil.

Please Click here for Current Lake Level Information.

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , 864-287-7530.

Lake Homes are Still Selling

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Homes on the lake are still selling, but Sellers are finding that Buyers want huge discounts. And, lake home owners are starting to get the message… if you really don’t have to sell or want to sell “real bad”, now may not be the best time to put it on the market. The days are gone (at least for a while) where overpriced homes are on the market, “just to see if someone will bite”. They’re not biting, and if they did, appraisals aren’t supporting prices that are above, hard to find, comparables.

See for yourself! Listed below are links showing the actual waterfront homes sold and under contract since July 1, 2009. Pay close attention to the difference from the Original List Price to the Actual Sales Price. What use to be 95 – 98%, is now 80 – 85%. It’s definitely time to buy!

Lake Lanier (34 Homes Sold, 21 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $599,504)

Buyer Full Page
CMA Page

Note: Source is FMLS and does not include For Sale By Owners (FSBO) or non FMLS properties.

Lake Hartwell (27 Homes Sold, 8 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $356,922)

Click Here to View Listings

Lake Keowee (19 Homes Sold, 13 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $650,936)

Click Here to View Listings

Note: Source for Hartwell and Keowee is SC Western Upstate MLS and does not include FSBO and non Upstate MLS properties.

The time to buy lake property is now ….”They’re not making any more of it”.

By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net ,770-757-2799, just “Say Jay” for Real Estate

LAKE LANIER IS FULL

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Lake Lanier is finally full as of October 14, 2009. That’s about 5 years since it was at the 1071 mark. Who would have thought we would be looking at a full lake after seeing it last year when people were referring to it as Lanier Pond. All it took was about a foot more then average rainfall for the year and close to 6” of rain in the last 15 days.

You can’t pick up a Newspaper around here today without reading the good news. Also, the web is buzzing about how people are amazed at the speed the lake came up and the new appearance. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has written to the US Army Corps of Engineers asking them to increase the “Full” level so more water can be stored at times when we’re in a drought. Here’s hoping and praying that we can keep this precious commodity at the level it is today….for the good of everyone.

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , 770-757-2799.

US Army Corps of Engineers sends out "shotgun" Letter

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:51:00 GMT

Sandy Campbell, Chief Ranger of Shoreline Management (US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District), sent out a “shotgun” letter on September 18^th to Lake Hartwell property owners reminding them that the “ghost” dock deadline for installation is January 1, 2010. Here is an excerpt from that letter:

“This letter is a reminder of the upcoming deadline for dock installation on Lake Hartwell. If you have a permit that was issued over one year ago and have not installed your dock, this is a very important notice for you. The deadline for dock installation is January 1, 2010.

Property owners who have not yet installed their “ghost” docks fall under this installation deadline. The term “ghost dock” refers to dock permits which were issued under previous Shoreline Management Plans (SMP’s) which did not require docks to be installed. The current 2007 Hartwell SMP, implemented on June 26, 2006, required docks to be installed within one year of issuance. Due to the recent drought this date was extended to January 1, 2010. Docks issued under the 2007 Hartwell SMP that are past their one year installation deadline are also held to the January 1, 2010 deadline. We continue to urge those who have adequate water depth to install their dock to avoid a back-log of dock installations at the end of the year. If your dock is currently in pace, please contact our office so we can update our files accordingly.”

The bottom line is … if you’ve got a dock permit and no dock installed, you’d better do something quick, or you may have to reapply under the current permit issuance criteria, which may cause you to lose your dock re-issuance ability, location and size of your dock.

Fortunately with the recent rain we’ve experienced, many lake property owners that haven’t installed their docks due to low water levels, will now be able to have that done. For further information on the Shore Management Plan (SMP) contact the US Army Corps of Engineers at 1-888-893-0678.

Also, if interested, please feel free to email Jay Hufnagel at sayjay@bellsouth.net for a copy of the complete letter.

Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , Lake Hartwell Property Owner, 770-757-2799.

Which Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is Best for Lake Hartwell

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Currently there are two primary Multiple Listing Service (MLS) companies that serve Lake Hartwell (Georgia MLS and South Carolina Western Upstate MLS). As you may know, Lake Hartwell has over 962 miles of shoreline, and about 70% of that is in South Carolina. So…which one serves Buyers and Sellers the best?

It depends on who you talk to. Brokers that work out of Georgia (GA), and prioritize the GA side of the lake, would say GAMLS is the best. Brokers in South Carolina (SC) would say the SC Western Upstate MLS is a better choice because the majority of the lake is in SC. Fortunately; many Lake Hartwell Agents have access to both MLS systems and are licensed in both States. Based on my research and experience, the SC Western Upstate MLS has the most Lake Hartwell listings and is more “user friendly” than GAMLS. Recently I tested this assumption by sending the same property from each MLS system to a customer in Georgia. They were far more impressed by the SC Western Upstate MLS than the GAMLS system.

Personally, I use both MLS systems to market and give access to my Sellers and potential Buyers. Unfortunately, many Brokers don’t list all of their lake listings in both systems so Buyers on Auto Notification may not see all of the available properties in their search criteria. Sellers don’t get the exposure that they’re expecting.

So, if you’re a potential Buyer, what should you expect from your Buyer’s Agent? I would ask to have access to both MLS systems so I would have more options and choices. I would want to get new listings from SC Western Upstate MLS Auto-Notification, and also I would want access to GAMLS to be sure I saw all of the listings on the GA side of Lake Hartwell that may not have been entered into the SC system. As a Seller, I would make sure my property was listed in both MLS systems to get the most exposure.

In this market, Sellers need to have the maximum amount of exposure, and Buyers want to see as many comparable properties as they can to make sure they’ve made the best choice and decision.

For more information on Marketing or Buying Lake Hartwell property, please contact Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net , 770-757-2799.

Keller Williams Realty Plans New Office In Anderson

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Keller Williams Realty (KW) is in the planning stage of opening a new office in Anderson, South Carolina. Tommy Stevenson, Team Leader in the Greenville, SC KW office, will be the new Operating Principle (OP) for the office and the Western Upstate area. The Market Center will be called Keller Williams Realty Western Upstate.

Terri Anderson, from Terri’s Team Real Estate, will be the Broker in Charge (BIC) of the office until a new Broker and Team Leader is announced and trained. The main office will be located at 4107 Liberty Hwy in Anderson.

Tommy estimates that by the time the Market Center opens, sometime in September, there will be over 60 Real Estate Agents committed to the new office. Plus, he added, as with most KW Market Centers, he expects this office will be profitable in its first full month of operation. All of this coming at a great time, as Real Estate activity appears to be heating up in the Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee areas.

As you can imagine, Real Estate Agents all over the Upstate are setting new goals and looking for new opportunities. Working with KW and its “Win Win” culture may be a great way to increase their business. Here’s an excerpt from Tommy’s website: “At Keller Williams® (KW) we believe in training our associates so that they have the knowledge to build the best possible real estate team and have a successful career. When a KW Realtor® develops a system that works and is successful, they don't mind sharing it with everyone else. Our associates and leadership believe in helping you obtain your goals and want to see you get there.”

On a personal note, I’ve worked with Tommy Stevenson on many occasions, and I expect his expectations are well within his grasp. Within the next couple of months, expect to see hundreds of red KW signs in front of homes for sale throughout the Upstate.

For more information on Keller Williams Realty and Real Estate in the Upstate, please contact Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net or 864-287-7530.

Lake Lanier - Whose water is it anyway?

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Come on …. Think about it. Isn’t it common sense that, if water runs through your property, you should be able to use it for appropriate purposes? I can’t believe all the hoopla over the use of Lake Lanier’s water. Even before the lake was built in 1956 water from the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers was used by the people that inhabited the area around the river banks. It’s hard to imagine that Congress, when they originally set up the purposes for the lake, would want to exclude all of the municipalities that surround the lake, from using its water. A recent article from the Gainesville Times (July 30, 2009) ran an opinion column by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (recently sent out by the 1071 Coalition Group to their membership). In the article, Cagle said “Georgia has a fundamental right to the water that originates from its rivers and rain.”

Again … think about it. If you put a rain barrel under your roof gutters, doesn’t it make sense that you should be able to use the water that drains into it as you see fit. Let’s hope, if this challenge isn’t worked out shortly, that the 435 Congressmen that will vote on this use the same common sense. What do you think?

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net , 770-757-2799.

2009 "Year to Date" Lake Home Sales

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Who would of “thunk it”? The lakes are getting close to full pool and we’re “still” getting more rain. With the increase in the water levels, lake activity and home sales are starting to heat up. Buyers are getting tremendous deals and taking advantage of huge discounts in the market.

See for yourself! Listed below are links showing the actual waterfront homes sold and under contract since the first of the year.

Lake Lanier (35 Homes Sold, 16 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $497,854)

Buyer Full Page
CMA Page

Lake Hartwell (22 Homes Sold, 11 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $391,678)

Click Here to View Listings

Lake Keowee (30 Homes Sold, 8 Pending or Under Contract, Avg. Sale Price $808,106)

Click Here to View Listings

Note: Statistics and Listing Information was gathered from SC Western Upstate MLS and Georgia FMLS. Closings documented on other MLS groups and FSBO sales may not be included in the above Statistics. Links have been updated to July 6, 2009 and will last for 30 days.

The time to buy lake property is now ….”they’re not making any more of it”.

By: Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net ,770-757-2799, just “Say Jay” for Real Estate

Lake Lanier Waterfront Home with Boathouse

Thu, 28 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT

"Rare" Boathouse with Party Deck

This Stunning Four (4) Bedroom, Three (3) Bath, Waterfront Home at 3445 Point View Circle in Gainesville, Georgia is located on Deep Water of the Chattahoochee Channel of Lake Lanier and has a Single Slip Boathouse Dock (with Party Deck) in place. Enjoy "Wall of Windows" in this Beautiful Home with Views of Open Water and the Gainesville Bridge in the Distance. Entertain Guests on your Large Deck overlooking the Lake. Then go for a 5 minute boat ride to Gainesville Marina to enjoy a nice meal and gas up your boat. This home features an Exceptional Design with many Outstanding Details, Upgrades, and Highlights throughout, including Hardwood Floors, Soaring Ceilings, Two (2) Story Stone Fireplace in the Great Room, and a Large Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops. Master Suite in Loft with an “Unbelievable” Huge Master Bath, Bonus Sun Rooms off the Kitchen and Loft Area, and it’s only a Short Walk to the Water’s Edge. Make this Your Dream Lake Home today. Offered at only $524,900.

Call or Email Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners, 770-757-2799, sayjay@bellsouth.net , for more Details and Schedule a Showing.

Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition Kicks Off Meeting May 9th

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Mark your calendar to attend the first organizational meeting for The Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition organization. The meeting will be held May 9^th in the Lonnie R. Burns Fine Arts Center at the Hart County High School in Hartwell, Georgia.

Here is a short video and a Press Release explaining why there’s a need for this organization:

Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition Seeks Answers to Outdated Lake Level Management Policies

First organizational meeting to be held May 9th at Hart County High School

For those who have enjoyed the beauty and recreational opportunities afforded by
Lake Hartwell, it has been a painful experience to see the level of the lake drop so dramatically in recent years. But few who see the lake’s exposed docks and dry inlets understand that the drought that brought on the problem is not the sole contributor to conditions as they are today. Worse, most do not understand that as the drought comes to an end, the lake’s water level management is still a matter of uncharted waters.

To address this concern, the steering committee of the newly formed Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition invites all interested citizens, businesses and stakeholders to participate in the initial launch of a new grassroots organization on Saturday, May 9. This informative session will be held from 10 – 12 pm in the Fine Arts Center of the Hart County High School and will address critical problems associated with recent drought issues and the impact of lake level management on the economy and ecosystems of Upstate South Carolina and Georgia.

The Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition currently includes a diverse group of volunteer business leaders representing northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina who have long recognized that the current lake level management plan adopted by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) does not satisfy the current or future needs of stakeholders along the Savannah River Basin. One critical goal of the 660 Coalition is to facilitate the scientific research needed to develop an updated plan that will provide elected officials with the information they need in order to change the almost 50 year-old Corps plan.

Most agree that If Lake Hartwell were at full pool today, it would be no less vulnerable
to the next dry weather cycle or lake level management philosophy and that any plan update must reflect lessons learned from the current drought situation.

A key issue to be explained at the inaugural May 9 meeting will be the need to
revise the current lake level management policy by using full pool (660 feet) as
the trigger point for implementation of the drought management plan.

Mike Gray, owner/broker - Hartwell Lake Prop Realty, has been a tireless advocate for retooling lake level management policy on Lake Hartwell. Gray claims
that there is little or no rationale for current lake level output.

“Why do we drop our water level 14 feet during a severe drought before decreasing the output to an agreed upon minimum level? Would you believe we can’t find anyone downstream who can document scientifically or with engineering studies what their water flow needs are? That’s why we want to organize a group of people from both states to question and provide documentation,” Gray said.

The Lake Hartwell 660 Coalition will be created as a 501c4 tax exempt organization

and will be enlisting all stakeholders at the grass roots level from both states in the
Upper Savannah Basin. It is dedicated to maintaining water levels in Lake Hartwell

that sustain water supply, recreation, and economic prosperity through the advocacy
of appropriate, science-based water releases necessary for the Savannah River Basin.
All attendees are encouraged to become regular supporters and if possible, to serve
on the communications, research or education committees that will be formed to focus on future lake level policy.

Additional information is available by calling John Noell @ 706.377.4660.

As with Lake Lanier, north of Atlanta, every foot we are down has a significant impact on the economies of all the counties and cities that border the lake. Like the 1071 Coalition Group (Lake Lanier's Organization), the 660 Coalition organization and its stakeholders will be proactive in making the public and our leaders more aware of the need to “retool” Lake Hartwell and The Savannah River Basin Lake Level Management Plan.

As Lisa Kishoni (a lake home owner) stated recently, “Lake Hartwell is the economic engine for a large part of Northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina”.

Also, check out what M.J. Kneiser stated in the Independent-Mail on April 27, 2009.

I hope to see you there!

By Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net or 770-757-2799.

Lake Hartwell "Two for One"

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Two for One - A Fantastic Lake Lot and a Roof over your Head. If your “Bucket List” includes owning Lake Hartwell Property at a Great Price (under $200k), Swimming and Boating in Deep Water from your large Covered Single Slip Dock, Beautiful Views, and a short Walk to the Lake, then this Lake Hartwell property may be just for you.

This Waterfront Lot has an old 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Trailer sitting very close to the Shoreline that you can enjoy until you Build the Lake Home of your Dreams. Located at 152 Robinhood Rd, Townville, South Carolina and nestled in a quiet cove off the Seneca Channel, this Lot is only 5 minutes from Exit #11 off I-85 in South Carolina, 15 minutes from Anderson Shopping and Restaurants, and a short Boat Ride to Portman Marina. Here you can park and gas up your Boat and Dine at The Galley and Nami Restaurants. Life doesn’t get much better than this! Hurry, this one won’t last long. Just reduced to $195,000.

Contact Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, www.SayJayLakeandHome.com , sayjay@bellsouth.net , or 864-287-7530.