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Name:	Striker57 -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/27/2004 10:31:00 PM

Would anyone know of a good realator that handles Lake Martin properties? Love the area and would like to have a vacation home on the lake. A vacant lot would be nice for now since we won't be building anything for a few years. Thanks in advance.
Steven

Name:	MartyK -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 12:23:01 AM

I purchased my lot at The Ridge from Micky Phillips. She works for Russell Lands. Micky was very helpful. She has a web site at www.mickphillips.com

Name:	MartyK -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 12:43:10 AM

oops. Should be Mickyphillips.com

Name:	MartyK -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 12:47:51 AM

Double oops...(Sorry) www.Mickeyphillips.com

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 7:58:59 AM

Hey Striker, I was in the same situation when I bought. The one thing that will be important is to buy a Lake Martin place with a cabin on it. Even if it is a future tear-down. Without a cabin on the lot you will not be able to take the tax credit for mortgage interest, closing cost and property taxes. Those credits will be a big help in paying for the place. Then if you rent the place you have even a bigger tax write-off. An improved lot also helps in that you have a driveway, septic, well, electical, landscaping, and often a dock and maybe boat house. Your insurance will be higher but that is minor compared to the advantages. Also, consider using a buyer broker that works for you and not the seller when you are serious about buying. A buyer broker will save you a lot of looking time, obtain reasonable price, find mortgage lenders, closing attorney, safe-guard and help against unknown hassles (termites, property surveys, etc.), distractions, and legal problems that real estate sometimes presents. Think about it. The bottom line is that I do not think you can loose unless you make a real stupid mistake in selection of a poor location. Go back and read all the threads on this Forum about this subject. You will learn a lot from far more knowledgable folks about Lake Martin than myself.

Name:	lakebum -	Reply
Subject:	Good Points Feb..
Date:	3/28/2004 8:10:47 AM

Name:	EPK -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 3:42:45 PM

Striker, besides going back to the Forums' previous pages for related topics, I recommend Linda Shaffer at Century 21. She can be linked-to either from the Lake Martin home-page for Amy Banks, or, directly via www.lindashaffer.com.

I was in the same boat a couple years ago. Linda helped with both the purchase and sale of my lot. Only improvements was a clay/gravel driveway, some excavation, and a seawall. All work performed by Lake Martin Dock Company (excellent work). I was also planning on building a vacation home in a few years with the dock to be going-in this year then the "cabin" next year. Fortunately and gratefully (yes, it was for the better), my lifes' direction took a turn that required more attention on the homefront, thus, sold the lot a little after a year and Linda was exceptional with her assistance.

Some advice:
- found the east-side better, purely from the travelling aspect. Driving from Georgia, found The Harbors off 90 (280 to 50 to 90), just above Marin Estates. If I lived more on the west-side, e.g., B'ham, probably would've bought more towards that side of the lake. Travelling around the lake will take time so consider how often you'll be frrequenting the area and the drive-time.
- even though you trying to find a lot for more of a long-term investment, per se, interview the realtors. They are working for you so you should find the one who you feel will do the best for you.
- definitely stay on this Forum. Amazing how much info you find-out, and, its one of the most active I've seen.

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 6:54:07 PM

Some very good points but....

If he wants to retire here and build a more than a moderate house (which we don't know) then he may want to tie up the quality lot now to build the house of his wife's dreams.

Seems to me that premium lots in a quality development are going up a lot faster than lower priced cabins etc. When LM hits the "critical mass" the lot if his wife's dreams may be out of reach.

Just - uh - my humble opinion...

RR

Name:	Striker57 -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 10:24:12 PM

We will be using the house we build (purchase) on Lake Martin as a summer house when I retire (for the 2nd time). Kids will be off and on there own (hopefully) and it will just be my much better half and I for the most part. As such we are not looking for a large place, just something simple and easy to care for. Wife loves Florida and wants to be close to the family here..., so lake Martin would be my "Great Escape!" Any of ya'll retired military? I did a short time (22 years) in the Marines and retired in 96. Again we appreciate all the feedback, this is the most friendly forum I've ever visited.
Steve and Katherine

Name:	big bear -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/28/2004 11:00:37 PM

We used Shelby Pitts at Lake Breeze Reality last June when we purchased our home on the lake. She's located on hwy 63, just before the Kowliga bridge. She was very, very helpful and very knowledgeable about every aspect of lake buying and lake life. You can reach her at ShelbyPItts@eezznet.com.

Name:	lakebum -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/29/2004 7:43:11 AM

Lots of retireees arond here....alos Ft Benning and Maxwell-Gunter commissaries are in an hours reach..

But...the little cabins are also increasing very rapidly...not just the lots on the major subdivisions...might want to look at covenants and restrictions too...know my property has risen over 500% since 1993 and its not a major 'big name' subdivision..

Name:	Cletus -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/29/2004 10:54:26 AM

I would look at lake Jordan. Much better "VALUE". Also the people are not quite as snooty. Plus better fishing.

Name:	Feb -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/29/2004 11:46:53 AM

Hey Cletus, You would not have to deal with us snooty people if you hung out on the Lake Jordan Forum as opposed to this one. By the way your study hall class just ended and it is time for your PE class.

Name:	Council Roc Doc -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/29/2004 3:56:10 PM

Snooty - synonym for hard-working, educated, goal- oriented, content to pay more than their fair share of tax, freedom loving, God-fearing, ambitious, visionary, loyal to friends and family. I'll call "my friends" any and all of you SNOOTY Lake Martin property owners!

And in response to Striker... We used Ms. Dudley Poole of Remax who is knowledgable and a pleasure to work with.

Name:	FLee -	Reply
Subject:	Looking for Property
Date:	3/29/2004 5:53:29 PM

I recommend George Hammond of Lisa Hammond Realty. Have bought both a lot and a house with his help over the past 11 years. Very knowledgable about the lake and no-nonsense in his approach. Doesn't try to "sell" you but rather states the facts and lets you decide.

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