The real estate market here at Grand Lake in Northeast Oklahoma continues to be positive. Homes not on lakefront remain active as more people move into the area full time. The pricing also is holding fairly strong as well. Even with that being said, it’s not uncommon to see offers on homes which are 10%, 15% or even 20& below the asking price. There is a mistaken perception that prices have fallen here like they have in other parts of the country. It is simply not true. To see for yourself when buying a home here, look at a number of homes to compare asking prices and differences in the property. Then have your agent provide comparative information on homes which have recently sold.  From this you can get a fairly good idea what a home might actually sell for. Be sure to work with an experienced, successful, and reputable real estate agent to help with insight into the market. They usually are the individuals or  a team who advertise everywhere. It is expensive for them to do it and they couldn’t afford it unless they are successful. It’s a good way to make an initial judgement on who would be best for you to work with in both buying or selling a home in the area. Much better than just walking into an office and taking your chances.

Lakefront homes are still in high demand at Grand Lake. The number of people looking in the upper price ranges has slowed a little due to the current uncertainty of the economy, but it is still good and is getting more active as the weather warms. People are starting to think more about the lake. It’s a great place for families to be together and get together. On top of that, it is a good investment which has appreciated in value in the past. This is expected to continue in the future. You also get to enjoy your investment and possibly get a tax deduction too! That’s a win, win, win situation. You can see all the homes for sale by clicking on the View Properties button at the top left of this page.

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. If you have questions email or give us a call.

Next months issue of the Welcome Home Grand Lake Magazine will have an article about us inside. This is

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt at a recent Grand Lake Area Chamber fucntion

it.

Dave and Debbie Wagenblatt, the “Get Grand Results” Team, with RE/MAX Executives, work, and are very familiar with the entire Grand Lake Area.  Dave & Debbie say, “Many people aren’t familiar with Grand Lake and aren’t sure where they want to be.  We can give them an unbiased opinion of each area of the lake.” 

Not only are they knowledgeable about the lake, they are extremely knowledgeable about selling real estate, and marketing.  Between the two, they have over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry.  Debbie started her real estate career in 1977 after graduating from the University of Oklahoma.  Subsequently, she also spent about 18 years in the mortgage lending industry, loaning on homes, before returning back to real estate sales in 2000.    Debbie says, “That mortgage lending experience is an invaluable asset in assisting us with our real estate sales.”  Clients rave about Debbie’s common sense, honest professional approach, and extensive knowledge about real estate.

Dave on the other hand, had years of experience in marketing.  He was the manager of  market development for a billion dollar corporation and national sales manager for another large company before moving back to Oklahoma. He felt he was too young to retire, and got into real estate sales in 2003, in Tulsa.  The first individual Realtor website at Grand Lake was GetGrandResults.com, created by Stan Irvin, Debbie’s deceased former spouse. It is the Grand-daddy of them all.  Dave took off building numerous other, very popular, predominate websites, including, SurfGrandLake.com, OfficialGrandLake.com, PatriciaIslandEstates.com, to name a few.  Dave, also put systems in place which allow them to do much more than traditional agents. Dave says, “That marketing experience is also an invaluable asset in assisting us with our real estate sales.   I guess that means we just make a “grand” team.”

You must go to one of the above mentioned websites to view their story of the tragedies that came into each of their lives, and the coincidences (or divine intervention is how they look at it) that brought them together.  Of course, you must also go to those websites to see everything Grand Lake has to offer.   Together, they have become top producing Realtors at Grand Lake.  They have consistently received RE/MAX top production awards and are currently ranked 20th through March of this year, for all RE/MAX teams in the state of Oklahoma.

Lakefront home for sale at Buffalo Shores South in Grove, OK $479,900

The real estate market at Grand Lake and Grove, OK continues to remain healthy.  More people are moving to the area because of all it has to offer and the relaxed lifesyle. After all, it is all about the lake as written about in a recent New York Times article.  In addition The Wall Street Jounal and Rand McNally has rated the area as one of the top 10 retirement areas in the country. The total tax bite paid by Oklahoma residents ranks among the lowest in the United States and the cost of living is better than many other places. The homes here continue to hold their value and appreciate. Especially the lakefront homes. New developments are popping up everywhere and new home construction is doing well. There are homes available to fit almost every wallet with prices which range from under $200,000  to over $1,000,000.

Lake view home in Wildwood Farms on 1 acre with pool, $239,900

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

Arrowhead Hospitality Sweet at Tulsa Boat Show

The Tulsa Boat Show is the 5th largest boat and travel show in the country. It happens every year at this time and is a signal for everyone to get ready for lake fun. The Grand Lake presence accounts for about 60 % of this show which covers a couple of acres and is all indoors. There is every kind of boat you could imagine as well as travel trailers, campers and motor homes. Harley Davidson motorcycles, kayaks, fishing equipment and all sorts of information and brochures for Oklahoma State Parks, Real Estate and more.

A number of Grand Lakers and members of the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce chartered a bus to to see the show one evening and have some fun. When we

Boats up to 100 feet long are on display

arrived we first went to the Arrowhead Marina, Boat Sales and Yacht Club hospitality suite to have a little snack before spreading out to see all the sights.

The event reminds us that spring is quickly coming. In fact the temperature at Grand Lake is going to get into the 70′s today. The fishing is picking up and in about 3 weeks people will flock to Oklahoma’s favorite fun place… Grand Lake, OK.  Want a lakefront home at Grand Lake. You can get one. As they say.. Come to Play, Plan to Stay! 

Kayak Tank Tank at Boat Show and other displays.

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

Firewater Sunrise at Grand Lake

Look what I get to wake up to in the morning.  I am truly amazed each morning when I look out over Grand Lake and see something like this. A picture can’t do it justice so you must come see for yourself. Of course people on the other side of the lake get the flip side with the setting sun. This is just part of the natural beauty to be seen here at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Northeast Oklahoma. When I went outside to take this picture, our neighbor Larry, came out on his deck and said “ I wish I had my camera with me. You should have seen it 15 minutes ago.” Truth is I did. There are more general articles here about Grand Lake, OK and  the lake things to do and see, including one written by the New York Times.

We went to a Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (GLACC) luncheon yesterday where the Oklahoma Department of Tourism made a presentation regarding things being done to get the word out about Oklahoma. The thing which interested me most was what they are doing with a new website to be launched April 1st 2009, especially since I accepted the WEB Chair position to help promote Grand Lake. That site will be www.TravelOK.com and will have links to not only all kinds of neat things around the state, but lots to add with our Grand Lake message. The web is the information highway and the yellow pages for the 21st century. Come see us.

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

Eagle in our tree at 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

Soaring Eagle as seen from our Monkey Island Deck at Grand Lake