Lakefront Living

Growing up on the lake, I feel like I've become somewhat of a "professional" in judging lakefront houses. (Stick with me here). You see, a lot can go into one's home-buying decision, but when you're purchasing on the lake, I think it really comes down to one thing: What does the house look like from the back? This is important because you want to know what the house looks like from the lake! After all, your new home is probably going to be seen by more people from the water than from the street. "Curb appeal" now is about what the home looks like from the back and, in my opinion, is even more important than what the property looks like from the front.

Currently, in Sumner County, there are 82 properties listed as "lakefront" (72 of which either have docks currently or have dock permits!). That's the highest number of lakefront homes on the market that I believe I've ever seen at one time. Possibly this is because the springtime always yields more housing inventory as people are ready to sell their homes and move in time for the new school year. At any rate, you can snag a lakefront home for as low as $139,900 ($255,000 if you want a dock) or, if your budget allows, you can spend a cool $4.999M. The options range from mid-century ranches on half-acre lots to palatial new construction homes with infinity pools that overlook Old Hickory herself. 

With so many options on the market, I digress to my initial thought: when choosing a lakefront home, take a second look at the home's "curb appeal" from the back! I remember as a kid passing by all the beautiful homes on the lake and picking out my favorite by which one had the most decks or the most inviting greenery. I still do this today! As I was flipping through the pictures of current inventory, I couldn't help but be attracted to this beauty: 272 Hidden Lake Road. 

With 4,098 sq. ft., this large house features THREE decks plus a patio and a dock and is situated nicely on the main channel. Certainly this is the kind of home one I would have pointed out to my parents as a kid as the object of my affection, not even having seen the front of the home or the inside. For sellers, the real lesson here is this: When selling your lakefront home, keep in mind that the importance of curb appeal is just as important from the lake as it is from the street. What is seen by passers-by as they house-hunt from the wake of Old Hickory is crucial in selling your home!

For buyers interested in lakefront property, you're in luck! Whatever your taste, there's currently plenty of inventory to suite any homebuyer's need, so get out on the lake and let your home search begin!