BETTER THAN A FORECLOSURE! FULLY FURNISHED 4 BEDROOM-2 BATH LAKE HOME! BUILDING IS SET UP AS A DUPLEX WITH INTERIOR ENTRY! GREAT FOR 2 FAMILIES OR TEENS! 2 KITCHENS, LIVING ROOMS AND 2 FIREPLACES PLUS 4 BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHS. GREAT SOUTH LAKE LOCATION AT THE ENTRANCE TO AQUALAND MARINA. 1 DEEDED SLIP IN THE COMMUNITY DOCK! HURRY FOR THE BEST DEAL ON THE LAKE!

LISTING INFORMATION AND PICTURES COURTESY OF TERESA SMITH, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA PARTNERS.

Great cottage on Chestatee Bay! Charming 2/2 that would be a great for a weekender or a full time for a couple. Nice open floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the great room and a wood burning stove for those chilly winter nights. Enjoy 3 seasons in the huge sunroom overlooking the lake as well as a fabulous deck for grilling and entertaining! Great storage and workroom in the terrace level~ Living on Lake Lanier can begin immediately in this furnished cottage just waiting for you!

LISTING INFORMATION AND PICTURES COURTESY OF TERESA SMITH, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA PARTNERS.

LOVELY LAKE LANIER HOME WITH GRANDFATHERED ROAD TO LAKE. DOCK TO BE SOLD SEPARATELY. 3/2 ON THE MAIN LEVEL WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN. GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING! LOWER LEVEL OFFER A SUNROOM, REC ROOM WITH FIREPLACE AND 2ND KITCHEN, BEDROOM AND BATH. EASY WALK TO THE LAKE. POTENTIAL SHORT SALE! PLEASE BRING AN OFFER SO WE CAN GET THIS PROCESS STARTED!

LISTING INFORMATION AND PICTURES COURTESY OF TERESA SMITH, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA PARTNERS.

REMARKABLE 4/5.5 ON FULL BASEMENT IN LAKE/GOLF COMMUNITY, HARDWOOD FLOORS ON MAIN & TILE FLOORING IN ALL BATHS. KITCHEN HAS OVERSIZED ISLAND W/ GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, WET BAR & OPENS TO FIRESIDE KEEPING ROOM. MASTER SUITE ON MAIN W/ HIS & HERS VANITIES & CLOSETS. OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS INCLUDE LARGE FRONT PORCH W/ FIREPLACE. MUST BE PREQUALIFIED W/ SUNTRUST PRIOR TO SUBMITTING OFFERS. NO EXCEPTIONS. SEE PRIVATE REMARKS BEFORE SUBMITTING AN OFFER. PLS ALLOW 2-3 BUSINESS DAYS FOR SELLER RESPONSE. SOLD 'AS-IS'. LISTING INFORMATION AND PICTURES COURTESY OF TERESA SMITH, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA PARTNERS.

WHAT A PERFECT LAKE HOME! IT IS WHAT EVERYONE DREAMS OF...VAULTED CEILINGS, WIDE OPOEN FLOOR PLAN, AMAZING UNOBSTRUCTED LAKEVIEWS, A FULL FINISHED BASEMENT FOR GUESTS OR TEENS. BETTER THAN NEW CRAFTSMAN-STYLE LAKE HOME. 3 FINISHED FLOORS, BEAUTIFUL YEAR-ROUND VIEWS AND DROUGHT-PROOF WATER. TOP QUALITY THROUGHOUT. LET LAKE LANIER ENTERTAIN YOU. 24X28 S/S DOCK W/PARTY DECK. SUNSET VIEWS. CALL FOR A SHOWING TODAY! LISTING INFORMATION AND PICTURES COURTESY OF TERESA SMITH, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY ATLANTA PARTNERS.

Greetings!

The lake has risen a foot just since last Saturday. The current level is 1062 and more rain is on the way. As a courtesy, particularly to our members who don't live on the lake full-time, we want to advise everyone that the lake level has changed significantly and is expected to increase further in the next few weeks. Stay aware of your dock cables and anchor poles and be sure they are adjusted adequately. The Corps of Engineers publishes a short-term forecast online which can be viewed at:

Link to lake level forecast

(Once you are on this webpage, click "ACF Lake Elevation and 5-Week Forecast" and then, click "Lanier" for the chart to display.)

Click here for Lake Hartwell Water Level information and projections.

Contact Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, Lake and Home Group for more information on Buying or Selling on the lake.

Yesterday, at a Listing appointment, I was asked – “When do you think Lake Hartwell Real Estate will level off and start to improve”. As you can imagine, that’s not the first time I’ve been asked that question. Actually, current statistics point to the fact that we’re there or getting very close. Based on 2011 and current numbers, I predict 2012 will continue to stabilize, more lake homes will be sold, and confidence in buying second homes will improve. Here’s why I feel that way: 2011 Lake Hartwell Waterfront Home Sales improved 22.8% over 2010 sales, the average Sales price was almost the same as 2010 (decreasing less than 1%), and average Days on the Market increased by only 8 days (4.4%). 2012 will still bring great deals, and buyers that take advantage of low interest rates, nice inventory of homes, and a better economy, will see their goals of owning their dream lake home come true.

Here are statistics for the 2011 “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):

                                                                                 2011           

Homes Sold –                                                             140                                                                

            Average Days on the Market –                       189                 

            Average List Price -                                   $357,386             

            Average Sale Price -                                     324,850             

            Sale vs. List Price –                                         90.9%             

                        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 -                                 304                

            Current Homes Pending (under contract) -       16

If you’d like to receive an actual list of Lake Hartwell Real Estate (Waterfront Homes sold in 2011), please click on the link below or email Jay Hufnagel, Keller Williams Realty, at sayjay@bellsouth.net.

Click Here to View Listings

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 Real Estate “Dockable” Lake Home Sales saw a big increase (about 20%) over 2010 sales. That’s another fantastic year! Buyers are still getting great bargains, but we may be seeing a leveling off and possibly the bottom for Lake Lanier Real Estate. Last year the average sale price was approximately $426,271. This year that figure has increased to $456,376.  I wonder whether that signals a turn around.  Lake home buyers all want the same thing – “a great deal” and good interest rates.  Buyers should continue getting what they want in 2012. 

Here are statistics for 2011 “Dockable” 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):

                                                                                 2011           

Homes Sold                                                               170                                                     

            Average Days on the Market                         143                  

            Original Average List Price                       $559,907             

            Average Sale Price                                       456,376             

            Sale vs. List Price                                            81.5%             

            Current Active Dockable Listings                  366                 

            Current Homes Pending (under contract)         22

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

  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

253 OLD REED CREEK RD - This is Country Living at its Best! An Enlarged Ranch Style 3 BR/2BA Home on 1.24 Acres with an enlarged inground Swimming Pool, Fireplace, Large Master BR on Main, Family Room, Dining Room/Breakfast area, 2 Car Attached Garage, Separate Carport for Boat Storage, and a Nice Patio around Pool Area for Entertaining. You're within walking distance from Lake Hartwell and a 5 minute drive to the Lake Hartwell New Prospect Access Boat Ramp and Community/Courtesy Dock.  This Home has been totally Renovated and Upgraded.  Come see this Home now and “Have it All” for a great price.

Exterior

• New roof with 40 year GAF architectural shingles.
• Septic system within 5 years old.
• In ground Swimming Pool with diving board (new Liner).
• Fencing around pool.
• (2) car garage (attached).
• Plenty of attic storage available above the garage with garage access.
• 3^rd sheltered are (attached) for vehicle parking.
• Flat Lot for outdoor activities.
• Slab in rear of home for building or even basketball play.  Wire stubbed in for building use.
• Public water will be available in 2012.
• Lake access Approximately 2 miles away.
• Just 4 miles out of town.

Interior

• Newly painted throughout with neutral colors.
• Re finished hardwoods through main  area.
• New carpeted bedrooms.

• New Trane heat pump (within 3 years).
• Open interior design
• Fireplace to living area with gas logs.
• Private master suite.
• Bay window in Front great for plants and Christmas tree.
• Automatic thermostat

Kitchen

Major renovation completed Summer 2011 includes:

• New cabinets & countertops
• Stainless tub sink
• New appliances
• New lighting fixtures
• “Under Cabinet” microwave
• New flooring

• Large open area
• Breakfast counter  area

Plenty of cabinet space for storage.

Just a reminder, the public comments on the Governor's Water Supply Program (GWSP) are due by 5:00PM on Monday, 12/5/2011. The Lake Lanier Association asks all persons in support of the 1073 full pool concept to submit a public comment indicating their support.  

Comments may be entered on the GWSP website at http://www.georgiawatersupply.org/. Public comment guidance and submission information is also available on the GWSP website.

Below is a copy and paste of the text of the public comment submitted by the Lake Lanier Association. LLA members are welcome to create their own comments using this information, but please do not simply copy and paste this text into your response. We think personally crafted messages from our members will be more effective than a generic response.

--------------------

The Lake Lanier Association has been an advocate for Lake Lanier for over 45 years. Our thousands of members as well as thousands of volunteers have focused on keeping Lake Lanier clean and full. Our annual Shore Sweep program has removed an estimated 500 tons of debris from the lake over the 23 years of its existence. Our association has advocated successfully for cleaner discharges into Lake Lanier from waste water treatment plants that discharge into the lake.Our track record as an advocate for the lake is long and consistent.

With over 7.5 million annual visitors, the importance of Lake Lanier to the economic fabric of the entire State of Georgia is well documented as well as its contribution to the quality of life. The Governor's Water Supply Program is a unique opportunity for the State of Georgia to focus on how Lake Lanier can contribute an even greater value to the residents and businesses of the state.

We want to call attention to the Project Types authorized under the GSWP:

1) Project Type

The GWSP may provide financing for water supply projects, including:

* expanding existing water supply, amenity or flood control reservoirs for water supply;

* converting flood control or amenity reservoirs to water supply reservoirs;

* increasing safe yield of existing water supply reservoirs through the addition of pump storage capability;

* removing sediment from existing water supply reservoir to increase safe yield;

* establishing new water supply reservoirs;

* interconnecting water systems for supply and/or supply redundancy;

* drilling new wells, including for direct potable use or streamflow augmentation that protects or enhances water

supply;

* reopening inactive wells;

* desalination;

* developing aquifer storage and recovery capability; and

* indirect potable reuse systems.

The two highlighted Project Types are directly related to a low cost way for Lake Lanier to contribute to the purpose of the GSWP as stated:

• PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNOR'S WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM

The purpose of the Governor's Water Supply Program (GWSP) is to align and mobilize the resources of the state of Georgia to assist local governments with developing new sources of water supply adequate to meet future water demands.

We would like to comment of two of the Project types:

• expanding existing water supply, amenity or flood control reservoirs for water supply

Through a coordinated program with the Georgia Congressional Delegation and the Corps of Engineers the full pool level of Lake Lanier could be raised by 2 feet. This would result in an additional 26 billion gallons of water storage. Since this volume of water would be above the current conservation layer, 100% of the water could be used for authorized purposes, as well as further insuring Lake Lanier as a source of water during droughts. This will increase the volume of water above the Conservation Zone by 7% and exceeds the amount of water contemplated by the new reservoir projects.

The decision by the 11th Circuit Appeal Court to set aside Judge Magnuson's ruling and to direct the Corps of Engineers to include water supply as an authorized use of Lake Lanier provides a unique opportunity to address this important issue. While new reservoir construction is expensive and requires considerable time, increasing Lake Lanier by 2 feet is relative inexpensive and can occur much faster.

Gwinnett, Forsyth and Dawson Counties as well as the State of Georgia Legislature have passed resolutions supporting raising Lake Lanier by 2 feet. Copies of those resolutions are attached.

The second project we would like to comment on is:

• removing sediment from existing water supply reservoir to increase safe yield

It is a natural occurrence that sediment builds up in lakes. Eventually sediment accumulates to the point of impacting the functions of the reservoir. Over the 50 year life of Lake Lanier, estimates vary as to the amount of sedimentation. Some estimate as high as 10% - 15%. If that were to be the case, then the total volume of water in Lake Lanier would have decreased by 61 - 92 billion gallons since the Corps of Engineers management of the reservoirs is based on action zones linked to total elevation of the lake.

Even though some of this sedimentation would have occurred below the Conservation Zone, nonetheless, much of it is above the Conservation Zone and therefore decreases the volume of water available for water supply and other authorized purposes.

Both of these Project Types have the impact of increasing the volume of water that is available for safe yield. The Lake Lanier Association recommends the formation of a special committee as part of the authorization of the GSWP to develop a project that will:

1. Establish the cost parameters associated with raising the full pool of Lake Lanier by 2 feet.
2. Establish the process steps necessary to move the project through the necessary Congressional and federal agencies.
3. Conduct bathometric studies to better define the amount of sedimentation in Lake Lanier
4. Establish the costs and benefits associated with removing sedimentation in the lake.
5. Work with the Corps of Engineers to define Congressional authorization parameters associated with sediment removal.

Lake Lanier Association is anxious to work with the Georgia Water Supply Program to assist achieving the goals of ensuring Georgia's water supply future.

This Awesome Lake Hartwell Waterfront Home, THAT NEVER LOST WATER DURING THE WORST DROUGHT, is Nestled in a Quiet Cove off the Seneca Channel and has a Deep Water Single Slip Dock in place. Enjoy Beautiful Wide Open Views of the Water from Just about Every Room in this Charming Doublewide that has been enhanced with Custom Features including Hardwood Floors. Entertain Guests on your Large Deck with Screened-in Porch overlooking the Lake. Highlights include Vaulted Ceiling,  Large Kitchen with Breakfast Area, and a very Short Walk to the Water’s Edge. Fantastic Location... minutes from I-85 exit 11, Portman Marina, The Galley and Nami Restaurants.

From the Water your response will be... "Wow, Spectacular, now this is a Lake Home". Most of the Rooms in this Beautiful Home  look over a Large Lake Hartwell Cove and a Single Slip Covered Dock.

It's a very Short Gentle Walk to the Lake. Inside you'll find Everything you want in a Dream Lake Home, Huge Family Room with Views and Fireplace, Master Bedroom on Main with Sitting Area, plus an Additional Bedroom that can be used as a Study on the Main.  Downstairs on the Terrace Level you'll see a Large Bedroom, Full Bath, Work Shop and Entertainment Area. Outside you'll find a Huge 2 Car Detached Garage with Large Apartment with Bedroom and Full Bath on the second Floor. Enjoy the Multiple Decks surrounding this home where you can Entertain, enjoy your Coffee, Read, or Relax in your Hot Tub watching the Calm waters of Lake Hartwell.  Come see this Right now at 124 Indian Hills Dr, Westminster, SC. Offered at only $449,000.

From the Road this Waterfront Home is deceiving. From the Water your response will be... "Wow, Spectacular, now this is a Lake Home". Most of the Rooms in this Beautiful Home  look over a Large Lake Hartwell Cove and a Single Slip Covered Dock.  It's a very Short Gentle Walk to the Lake. Inside you'll find Everything you want in a Dream Lake Home, Huge Family Room with Views and Fireplace, Master Bedroom on Main with Sitting Area, plus an Additional Bedroom that can be used as a Study on the Main.  Downstairs on the Terrace Level you'll see a Large Bedroom, Full Bath, Work Shop and Entertainment Area. Outside you'll find a Huge 2 Car Detached Garage with Large Apartment with Bedroom and Full Bath on the second Floor. Enjoy the Multiple Decks surrounding this home where you can Entertain, enjoy your Coffee, Read, or Relax in your Hot Tub watching the Calm waters of Lake Hartwell.  Come see this Right now!

Are the following items important to you in a Lake Home - Affordable price, Deep Cove off the Big Water of Lake Hartwell, Single Slip Covered Dock, Rip Rapped Shore Line, Over an Acre of Wooded land, Access to Big Water Marina, Great Striper Fishing within a minute of your Dock, Close Corps Line to Shore, 2 car detached Garage, and a Charming Lake Home to enjoy while you’re planning to build your Dream Lake Home closer to the Water? Then this Property may be for you. Because of the tremendous price of this 3 BR, 2 BA Ranch Style Home and Land, it is being sold “as is”. Compare this home and lake frontage to any others on the market in the same price range, and you’ll see why, in my opinion, “this is a Steal”. 

Here's some great information that I just received from the Lake Lanier Association (LLA):

Just a reminder, the September LLA Social will be held Thursday, September 15th starting at 6:00PM at Fish Tales Lakeside Grill at Hideaway Bay Marina. Come by car or by boat. 6300 Mitchell Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. Print out this email to use as a coupon at Fishtales the night of the event.

Buy one entree, get the 2nd half price. Second item must be of equal or lessor value. Cannot be combined with any other offer including restaurant.com. One coupon allowed per table.

Also, we are looking for volunteers to help with advance shoreline scouting for the Shore Sweep event taking place on Saturday, September 24th. We have several shoreline areas of the lake that we would like an advance team to look at via boat and mark on a map the locations of Styrofoam or other debris that need to be picked up during Shore Sweep. This is a terrific way for people that may not have the availability or physical capability to help on Shore Sweep Saturday to still participate in this community event. If you would be available to help by being an advance scout, please email us at lakeinfo@lakelanier.org to see if there is a remaining area of shoreline for you to help map.

"As you may have noticed, the lake has dropped over a foot in the last two weeks. The current level is 1064.87 and the projections show a downward trend into the fall. A number of docks are in the process of being stranded and damaged as a result of declining water levels. As a courtesy, particularly to our members who don't live on the lake full-time, we want to advise everyone that the lake level has changed significantly and is expected to decline further in the next few weeks. Stay aware of your dock and boat to avoid unnecessary damage from the declining water level. The Corps of Engineers publishes a short-term forecast online which can be viewed at:

Link to lake level forecast

(Once you are on this webpage, click "ACF Lake Elevation and 5-Week Forecast" and then, click "Lanier" for the chart to display.)

Also, with Labor Day weekend approaching, we want to encourage all our members to be especially cautious around the lake and on the water. There have been several tragic situations resulting in fatalities on the lake this summer, so we encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with boating safety guidelines, watch out for other boaters, and take care when swimming."

By the way, it's still a great time to buy Real Estate on the lake.

Bring the Horses and Boats. Unheard-of Lake Hartwell Estate Home featuring rink, barn w/ 5 stalls, tackroom & office. Riding ring and pastures. Double-slip boat dock w/ drive access. Incredible executive home w/ four stories, 7 Bedrooms and 7.5 Baths. Custom-built. Breathtaking master suite. Library. Den. Wrap-around porch. Too many Highlights to mention so come preview this home. Listing Courtesy of Farrell & Beaty Group, Keller Williams Realty.

Buyer Full Report
    CMA Buyer