Toni Adcock - Sell Lake Martin Alabama

Thanksgiving at Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:55:28 -0600

For several years, we were weekenders commuting from Atlanta as often as possible. We usually managed to plan Thanksgiving at the lake - weather was never a factor - we just wanted to be here. One Thanksgiving Day, we were all set to fry our turkey and realized we did not have enough peanut oil! So, off we went to Piggly Wiggly in Dadeville to resupply. Unfortunately, they were sold out of peanut oil - and it looked like our turkey dinner plans were in trouble - it was too late to start cooking a bird in the oven. But wait!! Piggly Wiggly had turkeys already cooked - with dressing and gravy - what a great solution - and the food was great! Seems like the little things really remind you to count your blessings. We do have so much to be thankful for - including some terrific Lake Martin memories.

Halloween on Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:48:58 -0500

Halloween is one of my husband’s favorite holidays. It is a time to dress up in scary costumes, create haunted houses for the neighborhood children and pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters who come to call. Since Lake Martin is a rural, second home/retirement community, there isn’t an abundance of children living around the lake. Therefore we don’t have a lot of trick-or-treaters show up at our door. Actually, we haven’t had any in several years. This makes my husband sad.

So, my message to all you folks living on Lake Martin, invite your kids and grand-kids for Halloween this year. Bring them to our house. Make my husband happy, he’ll fill their bags with candy.

A Taste of the Dadeville Area…

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:34:37 -0500

What a great night for folks who came to sample a taste of 16 area restaurants on Tuesday, August 11 at Camp Civitan! The Taste of the Dadeville Area was sponsored by the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce to spotlight local restaurants and provide an entertaining evening for everyone. Music by the Brown Derby Jazz Band added a nice touch for the more than 300 attendees. Food and music were followed by a raffle for prizes and cash!

If you missed it, shame on you! This was a terrific evening - stay tuned for future events.

The Price is Right!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:10:01 -0500

Every year, buyers ask to see property on Lake Martin in a certain price range. This year, the magic number is between $300,000 and $400,000. There are several great buys that fit the bill and here are just a few.

Check my website for more information on these and other properties.

What are you waiting for?

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:21:06 -0500

Summer is almost here and Lake Martin is as busy as ever. The lake level is high and holding steady; plenty of property is for sale and quite a few places are selling. Now might be the right time to make your move if you ever wanted to buy that get-away on the lake, purchase a second home, or nail down your future retirement spot.

While you're here for the 2009 AquaPalooza signature event during the last weekend in July, call me! Coach Tuberville's beautiful lake home is still available and so are several others. Visit my website to see lake homes in every price range. Lake Martin has something for everyone.

Happy Memorial Day – Rain or Shine!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:04:07 -0500

Lake Martin is full and open for business as the official summer season begins this weekend. Road traffic is heavy, stores are busy, boat ramps are in use, and marinas are selling lots of stuff from gas to potato chips! While many family gatherings have been dampened a bit with frequent rain showers, folks are still on the water having a good time. After all, if you’re swimming , skiing, tubing, fishing, or otherwise playing in the water –a little rain can’t hurt! People at the lake always make the best of it when a holiday weekend comes around.

If you’re here, enjoy! If not, come on down.

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:40:37 -0600

DO NOT look back and say, "Why didn't I buy that place at the lake when I had the chance?" Timing is everything and now may be the best time in years to purchase property at Lake Martin. There are lots of properties to choose from, sellers seem to be negotiating, interest rates are really low, and mortgage money is available.

It is hard to move forward when all the news we hear and see is bad. But some folks are braving the bad news and are buying lake property right now. Last week, I worked with two different buyers who each obtained 4.5% financing from different lenders. They both purchased condos. By the end of this month, two more families are purchasing homes in the area, one is on the lake and one has lake access. One of these is a second home and one will be a primary residence and each one got a great interest rate.

Many sellers are asking reasonable prices for their lake places and they are open to offers. So, if you're looking in a certain price range, look at prices a little higher than your upper limit. And, for goodness sake, hire a REALTOR® to help you find the best place at the best price on Lake Martin!

Spring Forward, Fall Back

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:23:41 -0600

Every year, there seems to be a "popular" price range when buyers are looking for property at Lake Martin. In 2008, the magic number averaged between $300K and $400K. Often that price range was not realistic for buyers' needs and wants - and they spent more. It will be interesting to see what price ranges folks shop for in 2009. In the meantime, here are some statistics from the Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service:

In 2008, 131 waterfront homes sold on Lake Martin:

Under $500K - 65 sales

$500K to $1M - 36 sales

Over $1M - 24 sales

** 6 sales did not publish the price

Today, 382 waterfront homes are for sale on Lake Martins:

Under $500K - 188

$500K to $1M - 135

Over $1M - 59

For those thinking of purchasing waterfront property at Lake Martin, things couldn't be much better. There are many places to choose from, interest rates are really low, and sellers are a bit more likely to negotiate. If you don't have a REALTOR®, find one! Don't miss out on a terrific opportunity to own a little piece of heaven at Lake Martin.

It's that time again...again!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:01:37 -0600

The holidays are upon us and the shoreline at Lake Martin is beginning to show. Those who love this lake are especially thankful for the high water levels throughout the spring, summer and fall. Alabama Power Company has done a great job of managing and maintaining the lake level this year and their efforts are appreciated.

According to news reports, the folks at Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona and Lake Hartwell will suffer extremely low water levels for years to come as the City of Atlanta continues to draw from these reservoirs. When added to the drought conditions in the southeast, this is going to be a bad situation for the foreseeable future.

Lake Martin will continue to be the area of choice for the residents of Georgia whether for a short vacation, a second home, or retirement - just as it was for me. We have 700+ miles of shoreline -much of it is undeveloped; the water is clean and deep, people are friendly in this "small-town" atmosphere, and it just feels like home.

So - enjoy your turkey and football games - then Come on Down!

Lake Living at its Best!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:37:23 -0500

Be sure to take a look at the August issue of Lake Martin Living for a great article on one of my listings (page 13). The article features a great story about the owners and fabulous pictures taken by Matt & Sol of del Sol Photography.

You also need to see the August issue of LAKE Magazine featuring my listing in The Preserve at Stoney Ridge with more photos by Matt & Sol of del Sol Photography!Both of these magazine issues are available online. Living at Lake Martin is wonderful - and in homes like these - it's awesome!

See a slideshow here ...

Making Memories at Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:42:16 -0500

Lake Martin is all about families. We were lucky enough to have both of our children and their spouses here for a few days last weekend. What a pleasure to see them all enjoying the lake as much as they did as kids. There was plenty of time for swimming, skiing, digging for fishing worms, catching fish, getting some sun, and cooking out.

Speaking of lucky enough…we were fortunate to find our place at Lake Martin when our kids were young. We came every weekend winter and summer and we spent hours fixing up our old cabin. Anyone with a second home knows that one requirement is having 2 of everything (tools, groceries, and more) – one for the lake and one for the primary residence. Of course, we usually managed to have both hammers and bottles of ketchup at the same house!

The kids did help with all our projects – but they also had time for fun. Fishing, swimming, building forts on an island, building a raft out of old styrofoam and deck boards, learning to ski, and more. They also learned boating safety, good lake manners, to wave at other boaters, and always to stop and help folks with a problem.

We retold lots of stories and laughed a lot! Memories are as good as the real thing!

Real Estate Reality Check at Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:10:13 -0500

A recent article in a Real Estate magazine really said it all – paraphrased: ...we feel younger than our age; we weigh less than the scales indicate (if we ever got on them); we feel fine – so there’s no need to go to the doctor...In terms of real estate prices in the Lake Martin area, we may all need a reality check!

Sellers naturally believe their property is valuable. Here’s the bad news - it’s only worth what a buyer will pay. In 2007, sales at Lake Martin were not as brisk as in previous years and many blamed that on the low water levels. However, in 2008 the lake is nearly full, potential buyers are coming to the lake, but sales are still not as brisk as in the past.

In my opinion, buyers are shopping but they are "kicking the tires" and looking for "a steal." Everyone wants that! Some prices have adjusted downwards, but we’re not seeing any "fire sales" and foreclosures are pretty rare here.

If you’re a seller, consider dropping your price by as much as 5%. If the buyers are looking for a "buyer’s market" why not give it to them? Otherwise, recognize that your home may stay on the market a little longer. If you’re a buyer, make an offer – it might just be accepted!

Most Important – buyers and sellers need to consult with their Realtor®. Both sides need to make sure their expectations are realistic! In the Lake Martin Real Estate market, we need to remember:

Buyers don’t have to buy and Sellers don’t have to sell.

Alphabet Soup in Real Estate

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:52:34 -0500

Have you noticed letters behind the names of some real estate agents? These 3 and 4 letter codes represent various designations and certifications earned by a REALTOR®. They also signify a substantial amount of time, effort and expense on the part of the individual who attained these letters. Here are some that you may have seen:

ABR Accredited Buyer Representative

CRS Certified Residential Specialist

GRI Graduate Realtor Institute

One of the newest certifications is RSPS - Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, this is a course designed especially for the resort, retirement and second-home professional who understands the unique needs of this market. Today, 1 out of 3 homes sold is a second-home in vacation, recreation or investment markets. If you're searching for an agent to assist you in buying or selling property at Lake Martin, check out the letters behind his or her name!

Memorial Day at Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:52:09 -0500

You can tell that summer is nearly here! The roads are busier, the grocery stores are busy with folks buying supplies, the gas stations have more cars and boats than usual, and the restaurants are full! Where did all these people come from?

We expect this holiday weekend at Lake Martin will be one of the busiest ever. The Marine Police will be out in full force helping to keep our waterway safe; the marinas are stocking up for the crowds; and the many visitors to our area are looking forward to a great weekend.

The weather should be great – a few afternoon showers – but otherwise, sunny skies. The lake is full and as clean and clear as we’ve ever seen it. So, ENJOY this beautiful weekend in this wonderful place. And, when you have the chance, stop to remember those that have given of themselves so that we could be here on Memorial Day. I’ll be thinking of my Mom & Dad who were both pilots in World War II.

What about a Condo at Lake Martin?

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:09:04 -0500

Several years ago, I heard someone say that Lake Martin isn’t really the place for condos and they’ll never catch on here like they have at the beach. Wrong!

We have several condominium complexes on the lake and these appeal to a certain group of buyers who don’t want to do any chores such as cutting the grass, repairing the dock, patching a leaky roof, etc. They just want to enjoy the lake! In addition to having a place that requires little upkeep, some buyers are interested in earning a few dollars in rental income. Many of the condo units on Lake Martin may be used for short or long-term rentals; however, some do not allow any rentals, so be sure to investigate all the restrictions if you’re in the market for a condo.

Who said it would take years…

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:32:11 -0500

to fill Lake Martin following the drought of 2007? Well, they were wrong!

The lake is nearly full, and it looks like life as we know it has returned to normal. Local restaurants and businesses are already seeing an increase in the number of customers, and lots of boats and jet skis have been out on the water. If you doubted Mother Nature, come take a look for yourself. We still need more rain to keep the lake level high, so keep up the rain dances. And, when you have a chance – thank Alabama Power for managing the lake levels so that we could reach full pool so early this year.

The water’s beautiful, wish you were here!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:25:27 -0600

Lake Martin is on the rise…and while you may have heard that the real estate market is down, buyers are still coming here to find the perfect spot on the lake – whether it’s a cabin or a castle. Hopefully, your lake place is just around the corner, too.

An Inch is as Good as a Foot…

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:05:54 -0600

At least that's how we look at it when watching the water level rise at Lake Martin. Alabama Power obtained a variance from FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) to start raising the lake in January instead of February this year.

Lake Martin - Who, What, Where, Why?

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:25:28 -0600

Who’s buying at Lake Martin? According to NAR – the National Association of Realtors®, the younger side of the Baby Boomers will be driving this market for the next 10 years.

What are buyers looking for at Lake Martin? A second home for vacations and a possible retirement spot. ...

What's a Buyer to do?

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:40:08 -0500

Be ready! Get your financing in place first. Know how much you can spend and shop accordingly. If you see what you like and it's in your price range, don't spend a lot of time thinking about it. If you like it, someone else will too. Even if the property has been on the market for 6 months or more, the law of averages says that several buyers will show interest in the same property at the same time.

Be realistic! ... read more at sellLakeMartin.com...

85 Honeysuckle Lane on Lake Martin

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:34:21 -0500

Unique properties come along rarely. Even with the drought and the water level at "winter pool" (down 10 feet), this property must be seen to be appreciated! Looking for the perfect retirement home or private weekend get-away? Look no more:
85 Honeysuckle Lane

Thinking of Buying or Selling at Lake Martin? It’s a Balancing Act!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:44:24 -0500

We have more waterfront properties on the market today then ever before…300 homes, 100 condos, and 119 lots are for sale on Lake Martin as of August 7, 2007 according to our Multiple Listing Service. This means that buyers have more to choose from – and they are watching to see what the market is going to do here at the lake.

If you’re considering investing, now is a great time to shop for Lake Martin property! If you’re selling, be realistic in pricing and marketing your property. You need to know what properties are selling for now – not last year. Pricing strategy is important. Aggressive marketing is vital. Internet presence is everything – most of today’s buyers shop online before they show up in person.

Whether buying or selling, get educated - review the ad magazines; study the internet; hire an internet savvy REALTOR® and ask for a CMA (comparative market analysis.). Do your homework - get the most for your money and don’t leave money on the table.

Lake Martin HOBOs need you!

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:07:56 -0500

The HOBOs Board of Directors first meeting was held this week. In order to achieve some of the goals (water quality, water level, shoreline development/zoning, lake cleanup, etc.) a number of committees are being formed. Further, the lake has been divided into 12 areas. Each area needs an Area Manager to recruit new members, maintain good relations with the community, and carry out the various action plans for HOBOs.

You can help by joining as an individual, a family, a business, or a sponsor. Serving on a committee or as an Area Manager will be rewarding and not too time consuming! So go to the HOBO website or click on this link today!

Lake Martin HOBOs

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 10:10:21 -0500

Want a great opportunity to become involved in your community? Join the Lake Martin HOBOs (Home Owners and Boat Owners). You don’t have to “own” anything to join. However, if you care about the Lake Martin area and want to participate in various activities supporting this special place, the HOBO’s might just be the way to do it!

This newly formed organization is growing larger every day. Annual dues are affordable at $15.00 for an individual and $25.00 for a family. There are also various membership levels for businesses. The next meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at the CACC Health Education Auditorium in Alexander City. If you haven’t attended any previous meetings, try to come to this one. Everyone is welcome.

Here is the Mission Statement:
The organization’s mission is to work together with home owners, boat owners, local businesses, local, state and federal agencies and others to foster long term partnerships to preserve, protect and enhance the overall quality of life of all living things in and around Lake Martin – The Crown Jewel of the South, including, but not limited to, water levels and quality, shoreline preservation, fishing, wildlife, recreational activities and the safety of all boaters.

For more information, check out the website at: www.lakemartin.org

Drought woes

Toni Adcock (RE/MAX Lake Martin Properties) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 09:47:09 -0500

The water level at Lake Martin is dropping due to the drought conditions. Currently, it is 8 feet below full pool. This presents a new look and some obstacles to everyone. The good news...beaches on the shoreline and the islands are exposed and potential buyers can get a good look at what's in front of a particular property. The bad news...some docks are out of the water; a few boat ramps cannot be used; and there are some unmarked hazards for boaters.

The lake level is controlled by Alabama Power Company. They, in turn, must comply with certain federal guidelines that require a minimum flow rate beyond Martin Dam. Unfortunately, the Tallapoosa River and all the streams that feed it (and Lake Martin) are substantially lower because of the drought. There is less water coming in to the lake and water still must leave the lake. In addition, we have the heat factor which contributes to evaporation. All told, there's not much we can do to change the water level this summer.

Even with lower lake levels, this is still a beautiful place -over 40,000 acres of surface area, 700+ miles of shoreline (mostly undeveloped), sandy beaches, clear blue water, bald eagles, red foxes, wild turkeys, great blue herons, coyotes, and lots more provide just the right ingredients for some terrific memories.