Real Estate
Levels are Rising!

The lake is filling and so are our neighborhoods

Forget the groundhog, in Alabama we can tell how close spring is by watching the Lake Martin water levels. On February 2, our friends up north tried to discern the arrival of spring by coaxing Punxsutawney Phil from his warm home.  Here, the Alabama Power Company, operating under time-honored guidelines, confirmed spring’s coming by starting to refill the lake on February 17.

Just a few short weeks ago, the lake was at its winter pool level of 480 feet, and by March 1, it is scheduled to be at 483 feet.  As of this writing, still in February, the level is 484.95 – ahead of schedule.  This higher level has caused lots of property owners to hit the speed dial button to local dock and seawall contractors to complete those delayed waterfront improvements.  Those are fun problems because the lake is on the rise, and we are certain of a full lake this spring.

Real Estate Picking Up
The increased lake levels have caused a flurry of real estate activity as well.  In case you have not heard, the Lake Martin area reported an 18.9% increase in waterfront residential business in 2012 over 2011 – with an increase in average property values of 4.6%.  This trend has continued into 2013 with lots of people already searching for the perfect lake place.  They want to be ready as new properties come on the market for the spring selling season. 

New Properties and New Pricing
In response to this increased activity, Russell Lands has put together its new spring inventory and pricing for Willow Glynn. This already very successful addition to the Willow Point area is considered by many to be the most beautiful property on Lake Martin.  A great deal of effort was expended to preserve the massive pine and hardwood forest in this unspoiled corner of the lake. 

All of the homes built thus far in Willow Glynn are spoken for, but we can offer an attractive selection of building sites in this terrific lake neighborhood.  There is a variety of lot sizes, views and terrain to select from, and nearly all enjoy deep water winter and summer.  You don’t need a full lake to see the value of these homesites! This process is pretty simple: pick a lot, make your offer and begin the design and construction process with one of our many approved architects and builders.

Russell Neighborhoods Continue to Thrive
New neighborhoods, such as Nichols Cove and Rose Point are building out with the new cabin product.  The Ridge continues to be a leader as a destination for Lake Martin property purchasers, especially with the new Russell Cabins at The Ridge neighborhood.  This past month, we introduced the new model for this sector along with the new Ridge Run model, and more than 500 people came by to sample the new designs.  It didn’t hurt that Chefs Rob McDaniel and Chris Hastings were on hand with their tasty treats!

We are experiencing a tremendous level of lake enthusiasm for this time of year.  Many people are looking carefully at our new designs and attractive pricing.  Lots of people agree, given the sales rate that we are enjoying.

We have a beautiful lake and wonderful neighborhoods.  And all of them are filling up!  Come and visit us soon to see if this is the right lake place for you!  Call one of our sales executives at 256.215.7011 or drop by our Discovery Center at Russell Crossroads today.