Lake Lanier Homes | Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

Fishtales Restaurant at Hideaway Bay

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:42:02 +0000

OK, so I live near Hideaway Bay Marina (formerly Starboard Marina) and I keep my boat there as well. The past year has brought so many changes with the lake levels rising 14 feet, Hideaway Bay dredging the entire marina (and changing their name…why’d they do that anyway?), and a change in restaurant ownership. The restaurant has been an unstable part of the marina for the last few years since Up the Creek went under. I personally have been waiting for a stable restaurant with good food to move into the space. The owners that took over last year really had some good food, but the place just never really took off so to speak. I’m not sure if it’s because people on the lake weren’t aware of it’s existence or if there wasn’t enough marketing of the new venue. Either way, it is not here this season….Fishtales Restaurant is. Before it officially opened, there was a lot of buzz about the owners being previous managers of Up the Creek. Well, that is really apparent when you eat there. It seems like the identical menu. That’s not really a positive thing for me, because I never really cared for the food at Up the Creek. Most of the food is heavy and fried. Hey, I don’t have a problem with fried food, but can one restaurant on the lake give us something other than this routine menu (Big Creek…this excludes you….you rock)? I was hoping a cool tapas restaurant (like with baby sliders or something like that) or pizza joint would move in. Why doesn’t anyone try something different? I am sure they will do fine there as it seems they are busy most of the time, but I don’t think I’ll be frequenting the joint, unfortunately. Oh, well…there’s always hope for next season

Lake Lanier Dock Permits and Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:32:56 +0000

We’re well into summer and everyone that enjoys Lake Lanier is just grateful to see the lake levels finally near full pool. It’s been a long couple of years for those of us that live and play on Lake Lanier. Now that we’re out of the drought period, real estate is looking good for those homes that currently have docks on the lake and those homes that will be getting dock permits in the upcoming months. The Corp of Engineers just recently announced it is holding a lottery for those homes on the shore of Lake Lanier that want a dock permit. There are only 174 dock permits remaining of the 10,615 allowed. What a fantastic opportunity for those who own a home here to increase their selling value! I encourage any of you that are in this situation to really consider applying. You have until October 13th, 2009 to submit your application. You can contact me for additional information.

Aside from the new dock permits that will be issued, those homes on the lake that currently have docks will most likely hold their value much more than say a year ago. Although there are many cool homes I can show you with lake access, one home in particular has caught my eye in the last few months. Its’ a quaint log cabin in Flowery Branch with a ton of character. I see so many homes ranging from large single family homes to authentic lofts, but this home is one of homes you just don’t forget. As I mentioned, the entire home is a log cabin. When you enter the front door from the porch you are in the main living/dining area. Immediately you get a warm, rustic feel. There’s a fabulous stone fireplace which still smells of burning wood. Upstairs overlooking this room is a open loft area that could be used as a bedroom or media room. Both bedrooms are on the main floor. Off the kitchen is a large screened in porch and an awesome backyard that is perfect for a BBQ or summer get together. Downstairs is a finished basement with a bar and a fireplace. Perfect for entertaining! I think the coolest thing about this place is that every single fixture and detail is rustic in nature….down to the trash receptacles and doorknobs! You truly feel like your in the woods in a log cabin. Although it’s not directly on the water, it does have it’s own dock on Lake Lanier that you can access with the golf cart (they are throwing this in with the sale of the house). So, all you need to do is load your coolers on the golf cart and you’re on the lake! How fantastic is that?

If you’re interested in this viewing this home or any other home on Lake Lanier, please contact me at 404.579.9307 or shoot me an email at nesa@greatlakelanierhomes.com.

Chateau Elan Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:51:01 +0000

The Legends at Chateau Elan

One of the most well known communities in Georgia is the prestigious Chateau Elan in Braselton GA. Although it is not on Lake Lanier, it is only about a 20 minute drive, so it is still pretty close to hop over too. Chateau Elan is very well known for their winery and luxury hotel, which I have done the winery tour a couple of times and although it’s a pretty cool tour, the wine itself is not so great. Anyway, I am not wine connoisseur by any means but I do know Real Estate and that is one thing that Chateau Elan delivers is high quality homes.

The homes at Chateau Elan consist of over 2000 homes and is broken up into groups which is determined by their location to the private and public golf courses and the style of home. The first group of homes are called The Legends at Chateau Elan, which these homes typically overlook the private golf course. The pricing at The Legends is higher than the other homes since it overlooks the course and most of the homes do include membership to the golf course. For homes at The Legends at Chateau Elan, the pricing will start at 1.2 million and up, however, there are couple of foreclosures right now so there are couple of homes that are available for right at 1 million!! The next set of homes is the Woodlands at Chateau Elan which are situated on the Woodlands golf course. Pricing for the Woodlands will start at $500,000 and up. An additional set of homes is Oxley Village, which personally is my favorite style of homes.

Chateau Elan Home

The homes at Oxley Village Chateau Elan were designed and built to look like an Old World Village. There are also a few new upcoming phases which will be on a smaller scale of homes, one section will have just 29 homes and another with just 42 homes.

There are also plenty of other amenities at Chateau Elan which don’t get much attention like the golf courses, but should. The Sports Club is a multi million facility which consists of a fully equipped gym, indoor basketball courts, tennis courts, indoor walking track, and activities for adults and kids. There is also an ADULT LAP POOL!!! HOLLER!

There is also an Equestrian Center, 6 restaurants on site and plenty of walking trails.

If you have been thinking about buying a Chateau Elan home, now is the time to seriously think about it. Currently, there are 16 FORECLOSURES AVAILABLE, priced between $399k to $1.9 million. Most of them fall between $500k to $800k.

See all Chateau Elan Homes For Sale

Lake Lanier Luxury Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:00:56 +0000

If you are looking for a luxury home on Lake Lanier there are plenty of homes to choose from. Personally, I have always been a big fan of the “cabin” look in a luxury home. If you like lake living then I would think a lot of people would like it to, however, it is actually pretty rare to find a luxury log cabin or features that remind of you cabin on Lake Lanier.

Lake Lanier Luxury Home

There is one particular listing that I found while searching the MLS system that has some exquisite “cabin” features and it is truly a Lake Lanier Luxury Home. This 5 bedroom home is located in the Cumberland on Lanier subdivision, which is in Gainesville off Browns Bridge Road. What kind of hardwood floors would you expect to find in a home like this?? Antique Pine Floors, of course! I love the look of pine floors, it really brings that old look feel to a home! It also has a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, vaulted wood ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen with farm sink , a pet shower in the laundry room, hammered copper sinks in all the baths, and a heated gunite pool. But what really makes a luxury home?? The outdoor space! This home has a very large screened in porch with fireplace, 2 outdoor decks and a stoned path leading down to the 900 sq.ft boat dock. All this for just 2.6 million!

What to take a video tour of this home? Click here to view!

Don’t like the cabin feel look, no problem. How about a luxury home with lofts of amenities? Like a private tennis court and a private beach? Well, you’re in luck! There is another listing in Gainesville with 5 bedrooms that has all these amenities and it is very secluded! Just take a look at the picture! This home definitely has more a traditional look on the inside but if you like to entertain, this might be the perfect home!

We also compiled a list of additoinal Lake Lanier Luxury homes which can be found by clicking here.

If you still need help with your search for a Lake Lanier home, please feel free to contact me at nesa@greatlakelanierhomes.com or 404-579.9307 – Nesa Kleinheksel – Real Estate Broker – 9 Mile Trolley Realty

Lake Lanier Rentals

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:47:35 +0000

Due to the slow housing market right now a plethora of owners are now renting their homes out instead of selling. Looking at the home rental inventory in Hall county there are over 100 homes for rent that are either on or near Lake Lanier. These are long term rentals(1 year lease) and not short term vacation rentals. Typical rental ranges are from $1,200 up to $6,000 per month.

Oakwood GA Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:36:17 +0000

The other day I stopped in to take a look at a couple of homes on the market at the Pointe West subdivision in Oakwood GA. If you are not familiar with Oakwood, GA it is sandwiched between Flowery Branch and Gainesville and is still part of Hall county. Pointe West is located off Stephens Road and is a secured gated community with tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness center. Most of the homes at Pointe West were constructed in the late 1990′s but there are a few newer homes that were built in the last couple of years too. From most of the homes there are decent views of Lake Lanier there are also a few higher priced homes that have private docks and sit right on the lake. Driving around the neighborhood, you can tell that it is very established neighborhood. I also liked the fact that most of these homes did not set too close to one another which you will find in alot of the subdivisions in Oakwood. They must have a good association too because all of the yards were nicely landscaped and did not any junk in people’s yard. All of the homes looked very well maintained and I could see that they were pretty well constructed. Most of them are constructed out of brink and stucco.

Currently, there are 6 homes on the market ranging in price from $495,000 to $1.5 million. Two of the homes are short sales and there is one that is a foreclosure. The foreclosed home is a 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath currently priced at $539,900. According to the tax records it has over 4300 sq.ft. Nice large home! It has lots of upgrades including cherry cabinets in the kitchen, 2 story foyer and trey ceilings throughout. This home once sold at $650,000 a couple of years ago, so at $539k there is instant equity. The short sales at Pointe West are priced at $495k and $539k. The home priced at $495k has about 3300 sq.ft and the main living area is an open space with coffered ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors. This house also has double decks which is great for entertaining. The other home priced at $539k also has about 4300 sq.ft. I did not go into this home but from the pics it looks really nice.
If you are looking to find a home in Oakwood GA you must check out the homes at Pointe West. Now, is a great time to pick up a quality home for a cheap price at Pointe West. Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Here is a list of homes for sale at Pointe West which contains information and pictures. If you would like to take a look at any of these, please feel free to give me a call at 404-579-9307. – Nesa Kleinheksel

Buford GA Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:04:50 +0000

Looks like another developer fell on rough times and fell into a foreclosure. This time it is over at Waterside at Lanier Springs, which is located just 2 miles from the Buford Dam Park. There are a total of 6 foreclosed homes at Waterside and they are all brand new. The lowest priced home is a 5 bedroom going for $339k and the most expensive home is a 5 bedroom for $399k, all of these homes have breen reduced by over 100k!
Waterside at Lanier Springs is a a terrific community, all of the homes are nicely appointed with quality features. It’s not your typical cookie cutter subdivsion in Bufurd! All of the homes really look like model homes even though they are foreclosures! From the coffered ceilings to the custom built ins, Waterside at Lanier Springs are a terrific deal. Plus 2 new schools will be opening in up in the fall of 2009, White Oak Elemetary and Lanier Middle School. If you would like more information about homes in Buford GA or at Waterside at Lanier Springs please contact me at nesa@greatlakelanierhomes.com or click here for more information!

Gainesville GA Homes

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:22:00 +0000

There are some really good opportunities to purchase homes located on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, GA. The other day I came across a beautiful listing at the prestigious Pointe South Subdivision. Pointe South is located off Mcever Road in the West Hall High School District. The price range for Pointe South starts from $550k up to 2 million. This particular listing is a foreclosed home that contains 6 bedrooms and 6 1/2 baths. The tax records are reporting the sq.ft around 8000 sq.ft. This house once sold at 1 million back in 2005 but is currently on the market for $729,900! Although it does not sit directly on the lake it does have wonderful views of Sunset Marina. The best feature is that is has a ton of windows with 2 levels of outdoor balcony space for entertaining. It also a 3 car garage and 2 master suites. This home was built in 2003 and is in prime condition. In a good market this home probably would sell for 1.1 million, if not more!

There are also a couple other higher priced homes at Pointe South worth mentioning as well. Both of these homes have private slip docks and have direct access to the lake, they both have deep water too! The first home is a 5 bedroom house priced at $1.59 million with a 7 car garage and a swimming pool. The second home is a 7 bedroom home priced at 1.9 million with pool and hot tub. Both homes have drastically reduced their pricing.

To sum, it is great time to purchase a home in Gainesville GA! Here is a list of all the homes for sale in Gainesville GA .

Lake Lanier Homes and Foreclosures

Nesa Kleinheksel — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:00:59 +0000

What a great time to purchase a home on or near Lake Lanier right now. Interest rates are low, home pricing is down but the water levels are starting to come back. One of the best opportunites is to pick up a home that went into foreclosure. There is usually a 50/50 chance that a foreclosed property will need some repairs but every once in awhile a foreclosure comes along that is in good condition and is move in ready. Right now we are seeing a trend of developers that are in financial trouble and projects going into foreclosure. The reason for this is due to the developer building homes before they have contracts on it, with the downturn in the market these developers got hit hard.
I also have been noticing that the inventory for homes has gone drastically as well, homeowners are starting to realize that this is not the best time to sell so the remaining homes on the market tend to be foreclosures, corporate owned or homeowners that need to sell for financial reasons or are getting relocated. I could totallly see us going from a buyers market to a sellers market just because of the lack of inventory.
I did come across one Lake Lanier home in Flowery Branch that is priced very well for everything that you get. It is a 7 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home listed at $784,000.This home was built in 1998, has a 3 car garage, swimming pool, hot tub and a single slip dock! According to the tax records it has just over 6200 sq.ft. Typically a home like this would probably be priced in the $900k range. Great house, great location! – If you would like more information on this Lake Lanier Home please contact me at nesa@greatlakelanierhomes.com or 404-579-9307. Nesa Kleinheksel – 9 Mile Trolley Realty

Four Seasons On Lake Lanier

Nesa Kleinheksel — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:38:47 +0000

If you are not familiar with the Four Seasons on Lake Lanier it is located in Flowery Branch right off Gainesferry Road. It is a newer subdivision with inventory remaining through the developer. They have dropped their pricing over the last few months and they have one home that is a really good deal. This 4 bedroom home, 4 and 1/2 bath home is currently listed at $899,900. It has lake views(well, not right now anyway), but if the lake was at full pool this home would be worth over 1.2 Million! Plus, it has rights to put in a private dock as well. I’ve been through the Four Seasons on Lake Lanier a few times and have really enjoyed the craftmanship and quality the developer put into his homes.

So, if you haven’t lost all your money in the stock market, you might want to check out this home! I have included pictures and information which you can find here.If you are interested in touring this property please feel free to contact me at 404-579-9307. – Nesa Kleinheksel