Family Boating at Grand Lake. This was off the tip of Monkey Island

It continues to amaze me when I get an email or call from people who want to know if there are any foreclosures here at Grand Lake. There are a few, but typically they are not lakefront homes and they are in pretty poor condition. The national news media has brain washed the country into believing the real estate market is horrible everywhere, so listen to what follows carefully. Real estate markets are localized meaning what is happening in San Diego, CA is not the same as in New York City or Tampa, FL and certainly not Grand Lake in Northeastern Oklahoma.

We have a couple of different markets here that can be somewhat intertwined because of the lake. On one hand there is your typical residential property where homes are located in the towns or cities around Grand Lake and the homes are not waterfront. This market has slowed some, but prices have not fallen like other parts of the country. One primary reason is that we never had the huge price run ups of 20% or 30%  per year like some other areas around the country did. Prices in this market have remained flat to raising  just a little. Then we have the lakefront market where prices continue to go up at a steady pace which can run in the 5% to 15% range depending on a number of factors. Look at some previous articles I have written regarding some of these to help you understand further.

Our real estate business in 2008 was better than 2007 and although nothing is certain, so far it appears 2009 will be better than 2008. In January we closed a million dollars in sales. February was slower, but activity continued to increase. March is off to a good start and we have more clients coming to the area in the future. One constant comment we hear is that “I’m better off with my lake home investment than the stock market and my family and friends get to enjoy it as well”. Lenders have tightened requirements for financing, but there is money available. For instance, second home mortgages now require 20% down. We can put you in touch with several banks and mortgage companies familiar with the area to help you, should you need it.

So if you’re thinking about a lakefront home for either a primary residence, a retirement home, or a second / vacation home… Grand Lake Oklahoma is probably the best area in the country to be and it is still very affordable compared to other parts of the country. The time couldn’t be better! In addition, last year on MSN, Oklahoma was ranked 50th in the total amount of taxes residents pay compared to the other states. Come join the new “Sooner Run” to Grand Lake and enjoy life to it’s fullest.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

View from a gated community home on Monkey Island

Monkey Island on Grand Lake Oklahoma has been a favorite for people for generations and for a number of reasons. One of these is that there are more gated communities , where the upkeep is part of the dues, on Monkey Island than other parts of the lake. This allows you to come to the lake to play and not have to mow grass, trim trees, and bushes, and do a number of the chores associated with owning a home. For people looking to find a home for sale in one of these areas, we created a map showing the location, information about the community, and a list with information on any homes for sale listed in the MLS. We tried to be very creative in a name for it so it has become www.MonkeyIslandMap.com. Go Figure! You’ll see Brighton Bay, Newport Village, St. James Club, Shangri-La, White Chapel and more.

Championship Shangri-la Golf Course on Monkey Island

Now more reasons about why to choose Monkey Island if you want to have fun. There are events through-out the year including the Kroak Off, Monkey Island Senior’s Prom, Fall Wine Festival and more. Then one of Grand Lake’s favorite places to eat and party,  as well as the home of the Mistress of Mischief, is the Shebang. There are two fine golf courses, horseback riding (and girls’ camp), Marinas, Parasailing, boating, and fishing.  Oh yes..  you’ll also find Debbie and I on Monkey Island, when we are not showing property at other popular areas of this fabulous lake. Here is another creative name we came up with to provide more information about Monkey Island. It is www.MonkeyIslandOklahoma.com. Wow.. That was tough.

Grand Lake is about the “funnest ” place in the world so take a look around this blog and our websites to discover Grand Lake for yourself. Better yet come to the lake and see for yourself.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community, visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

We keep telling people that the lakefront home real estate market at Grand Lake, OK is still very good. We have had good sustained growth for a number of years and expect that to continue. We just never had the crazy things happen that other parts of the country had with 20%, 30% or even 40% annual growth. That was a balloon that had to pop, in those areas,  and it did.  Since we didn’t see that dramatic increase, we have not experienced a fall in market pricing.

REMAX OKLAHOMA RANKINGS FEBRUARY 2009

Debbie and I live and work at Grand Lake in Oklahoma as Realtors with REMAX Executives. Our Owner/Broker’s office is actually in Tulsa, however we do all of our real estate business here at Grand Lake, and have for many years. Most people don’t realize that REMAX offices are independently owned and operated franchises, so sometimes people may look for us at the office in Grove. They will not find us there, and need to call us directly at 918-257-8381, where we office. The reason I mention this is because we just received some information we wanted to share.  It makes us feel good that all the hard work we do in taking care of people and business is working. The REMAX Sales Rankings YTD were sent and Debbie and I were ranked 7th in the entire state of Oklahoma and first in our Tulsa Office which ranked 2nd. As I mentioned, this was all done at Grand Lake.

Grand Lake, in our opinion is the best place in the world to live. We invite you to look at all the articles about the areas and fun things to do and see as well as the events, wildlife and more. Be sure to look throught the web sites too such as www.GetGrandResults.com, www.SurfGrandLake.com or www.OfficialGrandLake.com. Come see us at the lake but be careful. You might just want to stay.

Aerial View of Patricia Island Estates at Grand Lake

The Grand Lake and Grove area has been named as one the the top areas in the country to retire. Quality of life is certainly part of the equation and Patricia Island Estates figures heavily in that mix. Located in Northeast Oklahoma’s “Green Country” and Grove, OK. This deveopment is on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees and is also built around a championship quality golf course. There are cuurently about 15 homes available including new contruction and existing properties both on lakefront and on the golf course. Prices range from the low $200’s to over $1,000,000.

Real estate values in this part of the country have not been affected like they have been on either coast. They have remained steady thougth this period and actually have increased. Of course lakefront homes have continued go up in value and we feel they are a good investment and will be for a long time to come.

Patricia Island Estates Home Listed in Grove, OK

Grand Lake is a favorite for water and wild life lovers. The Lake is 67 miles long and has 1,300 miles of shorline. You can have the best of both worlds with both Golf… and Grand Lake to Play. Life couldn’t be sweeter.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

New Listing in Wildwood Farms in Grove, OK at Grand Lake

We just listed a very nice home in Grove, OK at Grand Lake. This beautiful home on a very nice peaceful setting is located in Wildwood Farms on approximately 1 acre with a seasonal lakeview. There are 3 bedrooms plus an office which could be a 4th bedroom, 2 baths, fireplace and an inground swimming pool with a slide. There pool area is privacy fenced and professionally landscaped. The owner is only asking $239,000.  Wildwood farms is just a couple minutes from the Patricia Island golf course and the Quail Run golf course. The Grand Lake Real Estate market has remained very good even with all the things going on with our economy.

You can see all the MLS listings for the Grand Lake area on a map which we created showing the relative location to Grand Lake. It is a huge lake being over 60 miles long and having 1,300 miles of shoreline. The area has been named by the Wall Street Journal and Rand McNally as one of th top retirement areas in the country. There was also a recent article by the New York Times about Grove and Grand Lake.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Grand Lake in Winter 2-2-2009

Yes, there is no doubt that a lakefront home at Grand Lake in Oklahoma is a high demand item even when the rest of the country goes on and on about how terrible the real estate market is. We just have not seen a decline in lakefront home values. There are not enough good choices out there. Some are too aggressive in the asking price for what a property might be, so be sure to work with an experienced Realtor when searching for your perfect lake property. A good Realtor will explain the market to you and even better, show different types of properties in order to give you a feel for the market. They want you to be able to make an informed decision. Grand Lake waterfront homes are a good investment.

Are you interested in a lake home? Grand Lake is one of the best areas in the country for this. You can actually own up to the water’s edge and own your own privite dock. Take a look around this blog and at web sites we have telling and showing information about all the things there are to offer here.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Grand Lake Winter Day... See the Ducks

Today, we are staying inside as much as we can because of the winter storm that is stretching from Oklahoma to the east coast. Here at Grand Lake we had some freezing rain and sleet but it doesn’t seem too bad….yet, anyway.  One of the nice things about living here, is that we know in a matter of days the weather will warm, the ice will be gone, and we could play golf if we wanted to. Of course, we fish year round and on a day like today you could be inside an enclosed, heated fishing dock…. Oklahoma’s version of ice fishing up north.

Next week is the area’s largest boat show which is held in Tulsa. It has everything imaginable.  Northeast Oklahoma, often referred to as “Green Country” has plenty of lakes and Grand Lake is the Grand Daddy and favorite for Oklahomans and visitors from all over the country.

Did you know that Oklahoma ranks in the top five states as far as fresh water surface area is concerned? Surprised? In addition in the past, the Wall Street Journal and Rand McNally have ranked the Grand Lake area in the top ten retirement areas in the country. Surprised? Here’s something else you may not know. Oklahoma ranks 50th in the amount of total taxes paid per capita. Pretty good stuff. When you add in the great friendly people, moderate weather, stable economy, it’s just a place you want to be whether to visit or to come stay.

We’re getting a lot of activity on our web sites with people looking for lakefront homes. The real estate market has remained in good shape here. It’s a good Investment. Non- lakefront homes have pretty much held their value and lakefront homes have continued to appreciate. If you’re in the market for one, be sure to read about Grand Lake real estate in this blog to learn about some things which could save you a lot of money, time, and potential trouble.  It’s nothing to be afraid of… just to be aware of. Get a full time experienced Realtor to help.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

You could have this view of Grand Lake from Newport Village on Monkey Island.

Don’t waste any time getting to Grand Lake to get a lakefront home in Newport Village on Monkey Island in Oklahoma. This is a new listing. The last two listings we have had here went under contract in less than 2 weeks and calls continued to come in. Newport Village homes on Monkey Island at Grand Lake are in demand. 
Monkey Island, OK - Cute, Cozy, Cottage.  Lakefront home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 32′ boatslip, & 2 PWC Pads in a highly desirable gated community, Newport Village. Full time caretaker. Amenities include pool, tennis court, lighted basketball court, sand volleyball court and playground. Monkey Island at it’s best. Monkey Island is about in the middle of the 67 Mile long water playground and is one of the favorite places for people to  enjoy the lake life and all there is to offer. Gated Communities at Grand Lake are very popular because most are free standing homes set up under condominium bylaws so the grounds, pools, tennis courts and more are taken care of. You just come to the lake and have fun. In addition to this, Grand Lake homes are a great investment. So check out Grand lake and come see us because you too can live and have fun at the best lake in the land. Invest in yourself and your family.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Grand Lake view from a lakefront home

With all the wild swings, no wonder people are uncertain in the investment world of stocks and bonds on Wall Street. Try thinking outside the box and about this. They are not making any more lakefront property and Grand Lake in Oklahoma still has some of the most affordable waterfront homes in the country. This is in addition to all the other things the lake and area have to offer. Not only have values continued to go up making Grand Lake, OK  homes a good investment ,the future appears to have the same outlook. Now here is something to add to that mix. Purchasing a Grand Lake, lakefront home can also be an investment in yourself, your family, your retirement, and your future. Here’s more… You get to actually enjoy your investment and probably get a tax write off too! Talk about a Win – Win opportunity. As with any investment or major puchase be sure get “expert counsel”, meaning a good Realtor familiar with the lake and real estate market. Grand Lake is large having 1,300 miles of shoreline and is over 60 miles long. There are are a number of different things which affect the value of lake front homes. There is lots of information available in this blog and other web sites about Grand Lake. It’s a great lake, a great lifestyle, and a great investment.

Aerial View of a Grand Lake Home

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Grand Lake Eagle as Seen from Monkey Island

Because there was so much interest in my last post  “Grand Lake Map“ , where we made it easier to find your lakefront home,  I decided to follow up with this. It seems there are a lot of people who dream of having a lakefront home. Grand Lake is the premier lake in Oklahoma being over 60 miles long and having 1,300 miles of shoreline.  In this blog you will find links to information on Gated Communities and condos at Grand Lake and another map. The Map is Monkey Island and the links will take you to a web page with pictures, a map for location and links to show homes currently listed in the Grand Lake MLS actively for sale. You will also find a little write up about each place. I chose the Monkey Island map because there are more gated communities located there on Grand lake than other areas.  Some people are not interested in a condo or gated arrangement. If not, there is another article ” Have You Considered This?” which might be worth a quick read.

Debbie & I live on Monkey Island and love the lifestyle. In fact, I wrote an article which is about my back yard which I hope you will enjoy. Life is pretty good. So… Come to Grand Lake and enjoy all it has to offer.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com