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Lake Life – “Is A Cottage Right For You?”

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As some of you might have noticed, I’ve been absent from the newsletter for the past couple of weeks. Truth be told, our office has been extremely busy preparing an incredible lineup of spring auctions. I am also really excited about the residential and commercial properties that we have listed this spring and also the properties that will soon be coming on the market.

With the warmer weather finally here, it’s that time of year when lake dreams start to surface. I’ve had several conversations recently with clients asking: “Should I buy a lake cottage?” It’s a great question—and like most things in real estate, the answer is: it depends.

Owning a lake cottage can be one of the most rewarding investments, both financially and emotionally. Lazy mornings on the dock, summer evenings by the fire, and weekend getaways with friends and family create memories that last a lifetime. Our family has a cottage at Lake Wawasee, and the memories we make each summer are absolutely priceless. But I’ll be the first to tell you—it’s not all fun and games.

What You Need to Consider

  • Double the Expenses: Two homes mean double the utilities, maintenance, insurance, and unexpected repairs. Don’t forget boat gas, boat insurance, groceries, and a never-ending pile of laundry (especially towels).
  • Time and Commitment: A lake home is not just a weekend retreat—it’s also a lot of cooking, entertaining, cleaning, and caretaking.
  • Investment Value: On the flip side, lake homes tend to hold their value well and are typically in strong demand, especially in Northern Indiana. Plus, if you don’t plan to use it every weekend, many owners successfully rent their cottages seasonally to help offset costs.

Types of Lakes in Northern Indiana

  1. All-Sports Lakes: These allow high-speed boating, tubing, skiing, and jet skiing all day long. Perfect for families who want action and entertainment on the water.
  2. Modified All-Sports Lakes: These allow high-speed boating only during designated hours (often 1–5 PM), making mornings and evenings more peaceful for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.
  3. Fishing/Non-Motorized Lakes: These are ideal for people seeking peace and quiet. They typically have speed restrictions and limit boat size, offering a serene, nature-focused environment.

Most Popular Lakes in Northern Indiana

Here are a few standout lakes worth considering:

  • Lake Wawasee (Syracuse, IN): Indiana’s largest natural lake, known for its upscale homes, vibrant boating scene, and active summer social life. It’s a true all-sports lake and highly desirable.
    Average lakefront cottage: $1.0 M –$4.0M+
  • Lake James (Angola, IN): A large, all-sports lake with deep water, sandbars, and access to the chain of lakes in Pokagon State Park. A great mix of cottages and luxury homes.
    Average price: $750,000–$2.0M +
  • Clear Lake (Fremont, IN): A spring-fed, crystal-clear lake that’s ideal for swimming and boating. One of the cleanest lakes in the region.
    Average price: $700,000–$1.5M+
  • Lake Tippecanoe (Leesburg, IN): Indiana’s deepest natural lake and a haven for water enthusiasts. It connects to James Lake and Oswego Lake for additional boating territory.
    Average price: $700,000–$1.5M
  • Shriner Lake (Columbia City, IN): A smaller but beautiful all-sports lake with more modestly priced homes and a close-knit feel.
    Average price: $300,000–$600,000
  • Sylvan Lake (Rome City, IN): Offers over 600 acres of water, popular for boating, tubing, and fishing. It’s one of the more affordable lakefront options in the region.
    Average price: $300,000–$700,000
  • Webster Lake (North Webster, IN): Known for the Dixie Boat and charming community feel. A mix of seasonal cottages and year-round homes.
    Average price: $400,000–$900,000
  • Hamilton Lake (Hamilton, IN): A growing hot spot with a good mix of all-sports recreation and peaceful areas. Great for families.
    Average price: $500,000–$1.5M

* Prices listed are lake averages to be used only as a guide. Cottages may sell for more or less than the average prices listed, depending on location, frontage, condition, and amenities.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a place on the water, make sure you do your research, talk with professionals, and truly understand your goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed getaway, Northern Indiana has a lake that fits.

As always, keep dreaming big, investing wisely, and remember—whether it’s homes, businesses, treasures, or transitions, we’re here to help you move forward.

Until next time,
Brandon Steffen

Spring into Action: Getting Your Home Ready to Sell – “If I Can Smell It – I Can’t Sell It”

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As I sit down to write this article on Tuesday evening, I’m reminded of how unpredictable spring weather can be. It’s chilly outside, and I can’t help but wonder—what happened to the nice weather we had over the past few weeks that gave us a glimpse of hope? Many of you are either enjoying spring break, preparing for it, or just returning home. Spring break often signals two things in my world: first, that we’ll be mowing grass in just a few weeks, and second, that people are starting to think about buying and selling real estate or thinking about having an auction. With that comes a flurry of activity, and we’re already starting to see people reaching out about listing their properties and scheduling their spring and summer auctions.

I’m excited to share that we already have some great properties and auctions coming up in the next several months, but before we start the season, I wanted to talk about getting your home ready for the market.

When I first got into real estate, a seasoned pro gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me. She said, “Brandon, if I can smell it, I can’t sell it.” While it’s a humorous saying, there’s definitely a lot of truth behind it. Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of homes—some pristine, others in need of a little TLC. As you prepare to sell, you might be wondering what exactly you should be doing to get your home ready to put it on the market. After nearly thirty years in the business, here is my advice……

There are generally two types of sellers:

  1. The Immaculate Seller – This seller’s home is spotless, and you could literally put a “For Sale” sign in their yard any time. They typically ask, “What can I do to improve my home?”
  2. The Tidy-Up Seller – This seller’s home might need a little more attention before it’s ready to hit the market. And that’s perfectly okay! Sometimes, a little guidance is all it takes to transform a home into a buyer’s dream.

So, to help guide you, here’s my list of Brandon’s Must-Dos to get your home ready for sale:

1. Give Your Home a Deep Clean
This one’s a no-brainer. If buyers see a clean home, they’ll be more likely to imagine themselves living there. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as these are places that buyers scrutinize the most.

2. Make Sure Everything’s Tidy for Showings
When showing your home or preparing for a photographer to take pictures, make sure beds are made, countertops are wiped down, and there are no dirty dishes in the sink. And here’s a tip that I see overlooked far too often—make sure the toilet seat is down. It’s a small detail, but trust me, it makes a big difference!

3. Organize Your Closets
Buyers will open every closet they can find. Make sure they don’t have to fight to shut the doors! Keep them neat, and make sure that they are not too full.

4. Consider Renting a Storage Unit
If your home is cluttered with too much furniture, toys, or other belongings, consider renting a storage unit. A clean, decluttered home will allow buyers to visualize their own things in the space.

5. Let the Light In
Before showings, open all your blinds and turn on all the lights. Natural light can make your home feel more inviting, and well-lit spaces will appear more spacious.

6. Take Care of Your Pets
If you have pets, try to ensure they’re not home during the showings. Tidy up pet toys, food bowls, and cages, and keep pet odors to a minimum. A clean, neutral space will make it easier for potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home.

7. Enhance Your Curb Appeal
Spring is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to spruce up your landscaping. Fresh mulch, mowed lawns, and a tidy yard can make a significant impact on the first impression your home makes.

I recently sold my own home, and I followed every step on the list I’ve shared with you. It can definitely be a lot of work, but trust me, it pays off. The more effort you put into preparing your home, the better the results you’ll get.

Here’s a final tip: If your home isn’t getting showings, when you leave for work, try leaving the bed unmade, leave dishes in the sink, and leave clothes on the floor. I guarantee you’ll have three showings that day! It’s a little tongue-in-cheek, but I’ve seen it happen more than once. 😊

Whether you’re planning to sell this spring or summer, or you’re just getting started, it’s never too early to begin preparing your property for the market. Remember, the more you do to make your home shine, the better your chances of selling for top dollar.

As always, keep dreaming big, investing wisely, and remember—whether it’s homes, businesses, treasures, or transitions, we’re here to help you move forward.

Cheers, Brandon Steffen