Buying a lake home presents additional challenges a normal home doesn't; in Georgia those challenges can be formidable. Two major players influence lake homes in Georgia; the US Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia Power. The Corps of Engineers regulates and manages multiple lakes across Georgia, flood control is a significant responsibility of theirs. Georgia Power is the largest non-governmental provider of recreational facilities in Georgia. Power generation is their key role and one that they do exceptionally well. In North Georgia, the Tennessee Valley Authority has influence over the lakes close to the Tennessee border, using them for power generation and flood control. All have a role when it comes to buying a lake home in Georgia.
Value of lake homes is derived from several sources; all contribute, are critical and each must be understood by home buyers and owners. As with any home, the characteristics and features of the home itself are important. But other critical considerations for lake homes include
- location on the lake
- views
- terrain
- accessibility to the water
- docks
- access to major highways and roads
Who manages the lake is a critical value influence. The Corps Of Engineers has exceptionally strict jurisdiction over the docks, shorelines and areas leading to their lakes. Strict to the point of owners doing nothing, even landscape clean up, without permission. The shorelines are Corps property, not homeowners. Georgia Power has similar deep interests; homes on their lakes have land leases granted to the owners. The company retains ownership of the land and leases it back to the owner of the structure.
This video is a look at Allatoona Lake and touches on a few of the things to consider when looking to buy a lake home....
Allatoona Lake is a Corps lake and an integral part of the flood control plan for NW Georgia and neighboring states. At full pool, it covers more than 12,000 acres and has 270 miles of shoreline. The Corps owns about 25K acres around the lake as well. During the winter months, Allatoona is drained a good deal to allow runoff from seasonal rains a place to collect. There are few docks on this lake, fewer still that retain year round access when the lake levels drop. Understanding the positive and negative aspects of each lake is critical, as is understand the general characteristics of the real estate market for the area in general.
No two lakes are the same, no two lake homes are the same. It's critical to understand all aspects of a lake home because the variables that create value and appeal are many. Work with professionals that understand this.
The Hank Miller Team puts 35+ years of full time sales & appraisal experience to work for you. Act with complete confidence & make sound, decisive real estate decisions. 678-428-8276 and info@hmtatlanta.com Posted by Hank Miller on
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