By Dave Wagenblatt
One of the most wonderful things about living at Grand Lake, OK is our backyard. Actually our backyard is Grand Lake, OK. From our deck, we look east from Monkey Island across the main lake toward Patricia Island. One day a light came on in my head, and I realized and appreciated all the changing beauty Debbie and I get to witness… Nature at its best! The fiery red/orange morning sunrises and the evening full moon shimmering across the lake are so tranquil. This serene setting will certainly add happy years to our lives. The changing of the seasons adds to the experience. The term, “Spring has Sprung”, takes on a new meaning and dimension with the dogwoods and redbuds blooming. Activity is all around, as there will soon be new life. We also enjoy the privilege of viewing the wildlife up close. Birds are everywhere, but beyond the usual robins, wrens, blackbirds, cardinals, bluebirds, gold finches, and hummingbirds, there is more. We also have seen egrets, blue herons, mallards, geese, sea gulls, pelicans and even American Bald Eagles which winter here. There’s even more. We see chipmunks, gray squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons and occasionally a wild turkey, red fox or deer.
Fire in the Morning ... a Grand Lake Sunrise ....... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt
Our backyard comes complete with other entertainment. Summer brings the peak of activity. People from all over the United States come to the lake to escape, relax and have fun. People want to enjoy a brief get-a-way from their everyday duties and responsibilities. All the water sports can be seen in our back yard: swimming, skiing, fishing, sailing, and boating. We also watch the Cherokee Queen cruise by, giving tours or dinner parties along the Grand Lake shores. The Cherokee Queen is a Mississippi style paddle boat reminiscent of the Mark Twain era, which starts from Sail Boat Bridge traveling to the tip of Monkey Island and then back again.
Fall is our favorite time of year, if we had to choose one. (We actually love each season here.) After Labor Day, activity starts to slow down. The air will soon be turning crisp bringing a new freshness. The leaves will turn color, and the fall migration will begin. Fall festivals are coming, such as the Grand Lake Rally, a “Taste of Grand” fund raiser, the Fall Wine Festival, and the Pelican Festival. There is always something to look forward to at Grand Lake. And there is our back yard. It’s the same backyard, but it changes with each season. Each day is different with something new to discover. How lucky can you get? It’s like winning a lottery in life.
Monkey Island Sparkles on Grand Lake OK .... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt
The winters are still fantastic as we sit in front of our fireplace and look out through our picture window at our magnificent backyard….. Of course, I mean Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. It’s like living in the middle of a picture on a Hallmark card, 365 days per year. In wishing you the best, it means that we wish you could have a “backyard” like ours. As we say on our websites… If you’re lucky enough to live at Grand Lake, you’re lucky enough!
Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK.
Grand Lake Lakefront Home, House or Condo?
Have You Considered This?
October 13th, 2008 Dave Wagenblatt Posted in Grand Lake Real Estate, Grove OK, Monkey Island OK |
Many people don’t realize that there are gated communities on Grand Lake, OK which have free standing homes but are organized under condominium by-laws. Typically people think of a condo as a townhouse or an apartment type set up. So don’t let that term stop you from investigating that possibility while looking for a lakefront home on Grand Lake. In addition, there are things usually covered by the monthly or annual dues which you pay for anyway. Things which many haven’t considered. Things like part of the insurance, water, sewer, trash, a boat slip and maintainance/upkeep on the grounds. Many have pool and tennis courts as well and some a clubhouse. By the time you add up the cost to have all this done it turns out it costs about the same anyway. Here is the thing that turns the tide. You don’t have to do it yourself, you get to come to the lake and have fun!!!. All the by-laws are a little different so be sure to check them and ask your Realtor for more information. These Gated communities such as Newport Village, Brighton Bay, St.James Club, White Chapel, Main Stay, Beacon Hill, Heritage Point, The Chateaus, Vintage, etc., are located all around the lake including Monkey Island, Grove, Ketchum, Duck Creek and other areas. While some are actually condo bylaws, some are planned unit developments where only the grounds, streets, etc. are maintained for you. Either way, a lot of folks are enjoying their amenities.
BUYING A LAKE HOME?......BE CAREFUL!
Caveat Emptor.
by Dave wagenblatt
When you go to purchase a lake front home there are many things possible which you don’t typically see when buying a home in the city. This article is about the Grand Lake, OK real estate market. The first thing is you usually don’t have any idea of what the home market values are at Grand Lake and there is a very broad range things to consider. This is why you should work with an experienced, knowledgeable Realtor. Just as with doctors and lawyers some are better than others and some are outstanding. You don’t want someone who is just after a sale. You don’t want someone who won’t listen and you don’t want someone who doesn’t give you choices. You want someone who will inform and educate you so you will be comfortable with the decision you make. Part of this process includes the realtor sharing insight into some of the subjective part of the value of a lake front home and that can only come from experience and working the entire lake area. For instance, all lake front property is not created equal. One part of this is the view. Is the home located with a main lake view, cove view, or bluff view? What do you see? And the list goes on and on with this and more potential traps for people who don’t know.
If you’re going to invest in a lake front home at Grand Lake, for your peace of mind, contact Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt The Get “Grand” Results Team with REMAX Executives at 918-257-8381 or email davewagenblatt@remax.net. Be sure to check out their websites for the most extensive source of information on Grand Lake from Grove, OK to the dam.
