Roanoke - Wedowee News, Views and More

by: Kelly Caldwell

Have you looked at real estate in Wedowee lately? Well, let me tell you there is a lot to choose from. I looked on www.ezmls.com today and there are more than 600 listings being advertised for sale in Wedowee. I would be willing to bet more than 95 percent of those are considered lake property in some shape, form or fashion.

It seems like everyone is "trying" to sell their lake property. Now, granted some of those listings are off-water properties in waterfront areas, but good gracious that's a lot.

"Trying" is failing with honor according to a real estate guru I met at a conference in Las Vegas last year and that is exactly what is going on here. People are trying to sell property, but the prices are so high buyers aren't looking.

This isn't the fast and furious market of three years ago when seller's could name their price and a bidding war would happen. THIS IS A BUYER'S MARKET PEOPLE!!!!! Which means, if you want to sell you have to price accordingly. Most of the properties have been listed for more than a year (some two or three) and nine times out of 10 the list price hasn't adjusted.

What does this tell me? Somebody is stubborn... Not sure if its the agent, the seller or a combination of both, but one things is for sure, someone is going to get real if they want to sell any REAL ESTATE on Lake Wedowee.

While I was on the website, I looked up sold listings. The thing that amazed me was there were only 19 properties to sell this year compared to 74 properties for the same time frame a year ago. Every day a comparable sale expires and proving the worth will continue to get harder. Banks are tightening their purse strings and appraisals are getting the fine-tooth comb treatment.

So, I am sure the buyers out there are wondering what all this means to you. Well, to be honest, this lake is yours for the taking. It is time to hook up with a great "Buyer's" agent and challenge these prices. If you are ready, willing and able you might just find a great deal.

A buyer's agent is an agent that represents YOU. She is your advocate in the transaction and will fight for you every step of the way. She will also be knowledgeable about the listings on the market as well as what has sold. She will also keep you up to date on the market conditions as they change.

One thing my mom and I are going to start is the "Leisel and Kelly Hot Properties List" which can be emailed directly to you. It will contain the properties we think are the best deals currently on the market and properties that may be worth challenging.

Click here to sign up and receive Leisel & Kelly's "Hot" Property List.

By Kelly Caldwell

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful...

I'm sure a lot of you have heard that joke before and that's my lame attempt at being funny this week.

Lake Wedowee continues to be near full pool and now is the time to really enjoy it. Which is a huge surprise considering we still have some drought issues going on around here. Last year is when the plug was pulled on this giant bath tub and by Fourth of July we were 5.5 feet below full pool and it was drying up a little bit each and every day.
Hopefully that will not be the case this year because we are so far holding are own in the water battle and mother nature is helping us out with frequent afternoon showers.

After witnessing some of the worst conditions this lake has ever experienced last year, it has been a welcome relief to see things back to normal.The boat traffic is definitely back and I think the only time WM Grocery is empty of customers on the weekends is when the store is not open for business. I have driven by numerous times during business hours, and that place is always packed with cars.

After so many businesses struggled to keep their doors open during the drought of 2007, it is happy days again for those businesses that made it through.

Let's all celebrate coming over to this big fish pond and play in the water because a lot of you know that if you come over once, you will keep coming back.

The newest issue of Lake Wedowee Life has hit the streets.  Best so far with Shane White on the cover.  Learn about this amazing young man and his determination to live life to its fullest. 

 Lake Wedowee Life is a FREE publication and is available all over the Lake Wedowee area.  For information on a yearly mail subscription visit http://www.LakeWedoweeLife.com

 When you are showing property you never know what the potential buyer will remember...

This weekend I was negotiating a contract at Sunset Point on Lake Weddowee when the buyer started talking about another agent she had called in this area a few weeks ago. According to this source, the agent proceeded to tell her it was stupid for her to buy at Sunset Point because of how fast things depreciate. She went on to say he told her it may look great now but wait 10 years and it will make your head spin as to the condition those "trailers" are in.

Well, to be perfectly honest, the conversation took me by surprise. Especially when she went on to say, the agent proceeded to "pester" (her word, not mine) her to see one of his listings that happened to also be a trailer. She did not like his arrogance in the matter and she said he did not seem helpful.

To be honest I am not sure if I wanted to laugh or cry after this revelation. On the one hand, this agent, because of his arrogance, handed a sale to me on a sliver platter (which is not the first time this agent has done this to our company), but what he and a lot of other agents are doing is wrong. It is unethical to "steer" a person from one property to another for his own personal gain. It's kind of like the television show Charmed, the witches couldn't use their powers for personal gain without consequense. In this case, he lost commission because he tried to use his influence over the buyer for his own purposes. We could file a professional complaint about it, but in the end we are the ones getting the sale and welcoming a new neighbor to Sunset Point.

Sunset Point on Lake Wedowee has been around for close to five years, (1/2 way to the head spinning 10 year mark for those keeping score) and it's never looked better. The homeowners take pride in the development and work together to make it great!

Sunset Point has evolved into this quaint little neighborhood where the families care about one another. They have get-togethers numerous times a year and it really is the neighborhood of old where children play without parents worrying about their safety as well as the community coming together for block parties, pig roasts or card games.

The owners at Sunset Point are very protective of their properties, and love the simplicity of their way of living on the lake. It is not uncommon to have pajama day at the Point or a neighbor helping another put their boat away.

Sunset Point was designed with the moderate income family in mind. Not everyone can afford to pay upwards of $500,000 for a lake house and Sunset Point is a perfect alternative for people who want to enjoy lake living.

What is sad for that agent is that he only thought of what was best for himself instead of what was best for the buyer. If more real estate agents would take a step back and think of something other than the commission, we might be able to help more people find what they want and change the impression of real estate agents at the same time.

What do you think?

I was surfing the net today and found and interesting vote reported on al.com. It seems the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that would allow for towns of any size to vote itself wet. For Wedowee, this turn of events could be huge!! Granted, it is still a far way from becoming law but it is a great first step.

The measure passed, 46 to 38 but what was interesting is our state representative was passionately against the bill according to the article on al.com.

How it stands now any city in a dry county with a population of 7,000 or more can vote to legalize alcohol sales, but with only 800 residents (from the last census count) Wedowee doesn't have a hope of voting itself wet.

However, if this measure passes the senate (which is where it has been sent for debate) and then Gov. Riley signs it into law, the people of Wedowee could have the decision making powers in this situation.

Some of you may know the wet-dry debate came up in Randolph County prior to the last election. Petitions were circulated and many people signed them. However, it was not managed properly and not enough signatures were acquired to get the measure on the ballot.

If this change in law does happen, it could pave the way for the town of Wedowee and its residents to make the decision whether or not it wants to sale alcohol or not. The economic impact if it happens could be huge, IF it is managed properly.

Only time will tell....

Gov. Bob Riley will be at two groundbreaking ceremonies in Chambers County today at the Cusseta Industrial Park.

Company executives from AJIN USA and MP Tech America along with local community leaders will also be on hand for the event. Both companies are associated with Kia, the auto company building a plant in West Point, GA.

The companies will ceate 700 new jobs in Chambers County.

This is significant not only to the people of Chambers County but also neighboring Randolph County.

We should all be celebrating this great news!

Buyers ask me all the time, “When is the best time of the year to buy a home on Lake Wedowee?” The answer becomes obvious when considering supply and demand. A limited number of lake-front properties are available or will ever become available. Of those for sale, an even more limited number meet the needs of the prospective buyer. When is the right time to buy? As soon as you find the home you desire. The one that fits your lifestyle may come along only once in a lifetime

The Media's focus on nation-wide foreclosure rates and tightening mortgage requirements has lead to some prospective buyers hesitancy to buy because of what they refer to as “current market conditions.” Some are less confident in their ability to get financing on second homes and lake lots. Contrary to common perception, many buyers are enjoying better mortgage options and rates than ever before, and they have more properties to choose from. The national downturn has created a perfect buying opportunity for smart investors.

Lower pool offers buyers greater insight

While some buyers may complain about low lake levels, it is really good to see lake homes and lots when the lake is down. It provides buyers with an unrestricted view of the property and the lay of the lake. Is a dock placed far enough out in the water? Is a quiet and peaceful cove affected by drought? Is the new beach, revealed by the low water level, gently sloped, perfect for children? How does the lake front compare community by community? Observing property at lower water levels provides purchasers with an exceptional opportunity to see what is otherwise easily overlooked in a quick tour of the lake and home.

I cannot remember a better time to buy real estate on Lake Wedowee, taking advantage of choice, opportunity,and special insight, during this prime real estate buying time. If you are currently looking for Lake Wedowee real estate please give Kelly or me a call. We will work very hard to find you the perfect lake front property.

Note that this information is outdated.

Randolph County Professional Womens Luncheon, Sponsored by the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Guest Speaker Kim Benefield

When/Where: 03/19/08 at Southern Union Community College