Summer in September

Generally, by this time of year, we get a fairly substantial cool down in these early months of fall. But this year isn't like most. Our summer was kind of non-existent, and now each day feels like late July or early August.

In some ways we should be pleased that the snow isn't falling yet. But most of us - at least the ones who have to work or go to school each day - kind of feel like we got a little bit gypped. But this may be what the lakeshore real estate market needed!

Many of our agents at Lakehomes.com are as busy as they have been all year long...in fact, busier. And many of the lower priced sales we saw in the first half of the year have given way to higher priced transactions. It seems that quite a few of the buyers who got busy doing other things during the summer months - or maybe weren't real motivated because of the weather - now have a strong interest in finding a lake place before the winter winds head our way. Of course, with the way this has played out so far, we may still be boating in January this year!

This still isn't an easy market for a lot of sellers. To get much interest, you have to be priced extremely well in this current real estate climate. With a huge selection of lake properties available, most buyers have a vast amount of waterfront cabins, homes and lots to choose from. So unless your place is extemely unique - or priced very well - it will just blend in with the others.

Most likely, fall and winter will show up in time. But until then, there are some excellent opportunities for buyers - both in great values and a large amount of inventory to pick through. If you are even considering finding a lake place for a year-round home or seasonal getaway, you probably won't find a better time to make it happen.