Family Traditions - Create them at your home on the lake!
Family traditions often form in tandem with the holiday season. They are the things we do over and over as families. These are the special practices family members often look forward to each year. More than that, though, traditions can help establish values. They nurture family relationships and create a sense of belonging.
And your home is where so many of these traditions take place. This holiday, consider what it might look like to create the perfect place for years of fond memories.
One of the primary reasons families choose to build their dream home is based around this very concept. The idea of a house where family can gather and enjoy one another’s company feels especially important during the holiday season. It is a time when generations come together and celebrate life and one another.
Living the lake lifestyle is about creating this sense of community and enjoyment all year long. Whether it’s boating or jet skiing in the summer or gathering around the Christmas tree and watching the snow fall on the frozen lake in winter—traditions naturally form.
Is this the year you’re ready to build the home of your dreams and create memories for years to come? If so, we would love to help you find your perfect lot.
How to get a boat slip at Geist or Morse Marina
We get several questions each week through the website from property owners (or perspective property owners) on how they can have access to a boat slip or dock if they don’t have waterfront property. Luckily, the process is very straightforward. Just lease a slip from one of our marinas.
Step 1: The marinas re-open from the holidays the second week of January, at which time pricing for the upcoming season will be updated on the website, along with the new slip contract. At that time, you can complete a contract, pay a deposit and get your name on the wait list for the upcoming season. You can reach Geist Marina at 317-849-8455 or at this link: https://www.geistmarina.com/contact
You can reach Morse Marina at 317-984-3301 or at this link: https://www.morsemarina.com/contact
Step 2: Current slip customers have until March 15th to renew their slip for the coming season, so after the 15th the marinas will know which slips are available.
Step 3: The marinas will then assign any available slips to new customers, in the order the contracts were received.
Currently, there are over 550 slips at Geist Marina and over 350 slips at Morse Marina.
For more information, feel free to visit either marina’s website:
GEIST: https://www.geistmarina.com/boat-slips
MORSE: https://www.morsemarina.com/boat-slips
Building the Perfect Home vs Buying
With the real estate market being incredibly "hot" right now, many people are looking to build, rather than buy, their perfect home. In fact, new home construction was up 6.7% in May, up from the initial 1% projection.
And there are many benefits to building rather than buying.
Firstly, with the real estate buying market, there's currently a shortage of inventory, leading to inflated prices, and thus, either the buyer paying more for what they want or getting less home for the same price. With building, the price of your home is more accurate to what you get and less affected by the shortage of inventory on the market. Additionally, with interest rates continuing the climb, this only compounds the higher prices.
Additionally, you can customize what you want - it truly is your dream home, rather than trying to find your dream home on the market (then over-paying for it) or find something "close enough" and deal with the imperfections.
New homes are also more energy efficient - from the insulation, to roofing and everything in between -- all of which will save you money in the long run (and in the short term as well, as many of these may include tax deductions).
While the experience of building instead of buying in different, in that you get to customize everything, the financial side of the building process is very similar to that of the buying process - so rest assured that you won't need to familiarize yourself with an entirely new process. Lastly, with our lots, we offer special in-house lot financing.
In this real estate market, building your next home may be a better solution than settling for buying.
Looking to build? Ask Rob about our special in-house financing for finding your perfect homesite!
Featuring Lake Clearwater in Anderson
Located in Anderson, just 50 minutes North of downtown Indianapolis, Lake Clearwater offers lakefront living for less. With growth planned for over 100 home sites, there's ample room for everyone wanting to enjoy the lake lifestyle.
The gorgeous lake is a beautiful blue, fed by a spring:
And there are still many homesites available on water, as well as off the water (some are displayed in the picture above).
The adjacent Lake Killbuck is slightly larger and also has many available lots (pictured above).
Click Here to Download the Lake Clearwater Lot Map: Lot Map
Lots are starting at $38k
For additional pictures, as well as fly-over video, click here: Clearwater in Anderson
Interested in a lot on Lake Clearwater or Killbuck? Give Rob a call at 317.845.0270 ext 104 and we'll help you find the perfect lot for your dream home.
4 Reasons to Build a New Home
If you're looking to move this year, building a new home may be a good (and more affordable) option than you think. Whether it's on the water or off, The Marina II Corporation has many options for finding the perfect lot.
Here are our top four reasons to build a new home.
1. Innovative Technology: We've written about it before, but technology is continually improving. One such innovation is known as Advanced Framing and optimizes your home's ability to be energy efficient and maintain its temperature, which ultimately saves you money in heating and cooling costs. There are also "cool roofs" which use reflective materials to reduce the amount of light (and thus heat) taken in by your house - also helping to maintain the temperature.
The most publicized advancement in technology, however, has yet to hit the market: the Tesla Solar Roof and Powerwall. According to Tesla, production will ramp up in mid-2018, but there are also many other solar options that offer the same benefits and are currently available. (If you have questions, let us know.) These options can reduce your energy usage by up to 70% and are consistently becoming more and more affordable.
2. Less Repairs: When building your dream home, you also have the benefit of not having to worry about repairs. A new home often comes with a warranty from the builder, and is, simply, new. That means new appliances, new HVAC system, new roof - all of which eliminate the headache of repairs or replacements, so you won't have to even think about these for years.
3. Better Health Benefits: New construction also allows for better health benefits. Between the new technology and the simple fact that it is new, you don't have to worry about many of the health problems (such as mold) that could occur in a typical home sale. A good inspector will help you avoid this, however, but building your dream home can help alleviate the headache of worrying about it.
4. Total Customization: It seems obvious, but building a new home allows you the ability to customized everything, from the floor plan to the neighborhood and the lot. Off-water, on-water, family-centered, natural views - anything is possible.
There are many more benefits to building, including tax incentives and others.
If you want this to be the year you build your dream home, give Rob a call at 317.845.0270 ext 104.
Custom Kitchen Upgrades You'll Want During the Holidays
It's said that he kitchen is the heart of the home, and that sentiment rings even truer around the holidays. Families spend so much time in the kitchen this time of year that it becomes the area of your home where memories are made. Instead of becoming frustrated with lack-of-space or less-than-optimal cooking conditions, so many of our clients have chosen to build their dream home and gift themselves their perfect kitchen.
When building a custom home, you have the opportunity to construct each room to meet your specific needs. Here are some favorite kitchen upgrades that are especially useful during the holiday season:
Double Ovens
It goes without saying that double ovens become a must-have in the midst of Thanksgiving preparations. With two ovens, it's also easy to whip up multiple batches of gingerbread for your cookie exchange. However, double ovens aren't just useful this time of year. Enjoy them year-round and allow yourself the luxury of cooking dinner and dessert all at once. With extra baking space and the ability to set each one at a different temperature, it makes cooking for your family and guests a breeze.
Dual Dish Washers
While many people consider adding in an extra oven, few think about making space for an extra dish washer. But, it can make all the difference when it comes to clean-up. Around the holidays, you can assign one for heavy-duty jobs with pots and pans while the other can gently wash your fine china. If you enjoy entertaining or have a house full of kids and their friends, an extra dish washer can save you time and keep your sink clear of clutter.
Center Island/ Extra Counter Space
With holiday baking and platters of side dishes, you'll need space to work and put your food before it's served. A center island is the perfect way to give you the extra space you need and give your kitchen that "WOW" factor. Consider making your center island a statement piece with a high-quality stone countertop. Adding bar stools gives your island extra functionality. It can be used as another eating area for kids at breakfast, grazing guests, or a welcome seat for cherished kitchen chats.
Walk-in Pantry
A walk-in pantry is one of those coveted kitchen must-haves any time of the year. It gives you extra space to store baking goods, cans, or even your large holiday serving platters. And, it's always nice to know exactly where something is when you're looking for it in the kitchen. If you want to make your pantry even more luxurious, consider adding a few shallow drawers to store table linens or chargers.
Induction Cook top
New to America, but very popular in Europe, induction cook tops are beginning to win-over many home owners. They have several benefits including a much faster heating and cook-time than a traditional gas or electric stove-top. Plus, they are very energy efficient. When you're in the midst of big holiday meals, it's nice to know you won't have to wait as long for your water to boil. And added bonus? They're much safer for your home, preventing fewer fires and burns to curious little hands.
Why Fall is a Great Time to Find Your Dream Home's Lot
With the official start of fall just passing a couple weeks ago, it actually is the perfect time to look at lots around Geist, Morse, or Clearwater in Anderson. Why? Here are several reasons:
- Interest Rates: With interest rates still being fairly low, that means it's still a great time to buy any piece of property.
- Beat the Weather: Fall provides a great opportunity for looking at properties. It's a simple notion, but it's not a sweltering Indiana summer or a freezing winter. That way, when walking around potential lots, you're comfortable. Additionally, many of our communities offer wonderful settings during the fall where you can experience nature's beauty.
- Year End Tax Breaks: With the year nearing its end, people are starting to think about taxes. With mortgage interest and property taxes deductible, purchasing property (if you were planning on it anyway) before the end of the year can help reduce your tax burden come April.
- School Schedule: With the school year back in full swing, it provides a great opportunity between summer break and winter break for you to find the perfect lot for your dream home. You won't have to worry about entertaining the kids while looking for property.
- Get the Process Started Before the Holidays: If you find your dream lot, you can know during the holiday season that your dream home is on its way, providing another joy to look forward to.
Looking for the perfect lot for your dream home this fall? Check out our communities or contact Rob and we'll help you start your new lake life!
Drone Footage from Geist
Kayaking Tips for Beginners
Looking to get out on the lake for some adventure, exercise or solitude? Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the lake. It's relatively easy to learn, and doesn't require the same amount of equipment and skills as driving a motorboat. With the tips below, you'll be paddling your way to fun in no time!
Know How to Hold the Paddle
You only have 1 paddle in a kayak, but if you don't hold it right, you might find yourself unable to move. Hold the paddle with two hands, just over shoulder-width apart and use the concave part of the paddle should be facing you. A good rule of thumb is to keep your knuckles in line with the blades.
Dress Appropriately
Since you will be out on the water, it's always smart to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and possibly a hat. Make sure you have on water shoes or sandals with secure straps. It's likely that you'll be stepping into the water to get yourself moving, and you won't want your shoes to float away from you. Also, remember to dress for the water rather than the weather. Just in case you happen to flip (or just get splashed), wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes.
Consider packing a change of clothes for when you're done kayaking.
Know Rescue Procedures
It's unlikely that your kayak will capsize on the calm waters of the lake, especially if you stay close to shore and out of the wake-zones. But, it is always best to be prepared. Make sure to stay with your boat if you capsize. Travel with an experienced kayak-er who can teach you what to do in case of an emergency, or review safety procedures with an instructor beforehand. Wearing a life preserver is also always a good choice.
Don't Kayak Alone
Whether you rent a tandem kayak for two or venture out with a partner in two single kayaks, the safest way to enjoy this lake activity is with someone else.
If you don't have a kayak of your own, you can always rent one. Geist Marina has dual and single kayak rentals starting at just $10. So get out there and enjoy the water!
4 Reasons to Build a Custom Home on Your Lake Lot
Once you find your perfect lot, the next step is to start to build your dream home. Here are a few things to consider when deciding the direction to go when building. We suggest going the custom route in our communities. Here's why:
1. Builder Experience: Most builders, in order to call themselves "Custom Home Builders," typically have years of experience under their belt. Therefore, you're working with a builder who knows the ins and outs of working and building on the lake - what works and what won't.
2. Efficiency and Technology: We've written about this before, but technology in homebuilding is always improving. Using a custom builder allows you to pick and choose the top of the line technology and can make your home incredibly energy efficient. From solar panels to self-tinting windows, updated technology can save you time, money, and effort - truly making your new home in to your dream home.
3. Customization: This goes without saying, but if you don't use a custom home builder, you may be locked into certain features that you can't get away from. With a custom builder, you can pick everything, down to the last detail. (Want ideas? Check out this post on Useful Kitchen Upgrades)
4. Durability: Most custom homes come with service and warranties that last well beyond that of their non-custom "cousins." For your dream home, in a custom home, you won't have to worry when something breaks - it will be taken care of.
Need help finding the perfect builder or the lot for your dream home? Just give Rob a call at (317) 845-0270 ext. 104 and we'll help you get started building the home of your dreams.