A Weekend at Indian Lake

Indian Lake, Ohio, is known for its numerous islands across the center of the lake, home to a large wildlife area, with many inlets and bays along a 30 mile coast. Spending weekends at Indian Lake is a common tradition held by many friends and families, and for good reason! The outdoor activities are endless and allow your family to make cherishable memories while enjoying time together. Whether you're considering purchasing a waterfront home or planning a weekend trip, stay tuned to discover what makes Indian Lake a popular destination getaway.

Water Activities

This 5,800 acre lake offers unlimited horsepower boating, giving you the option to relax and sunbathe or rev up the engine for tubing in the zoned area. Indian Lake features five boat ramps and many boat docks to rent, providing an easy and safe storage for your boat. Water skiing is another popular activity among the lake, pros and newbies welcome!

Fishing and Hunting

Do you consider yourself a fishing connoisseur? Indian Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, catfish, and more! Large wetlands remain on the northeastern part of the lake, where navigational channels have been cut through the area to allow boats. Soak in the sunset and nature sounds while fishing peacefully. Hunting is also permitted in designated areas only. Be sure to renew your hunting or fishing license before casting away!

Swimming and Boating

If you had the option to go to a beach every weekend, why wouldn't you?! Indian Lake offers two public beaches for swimming and relaxation, but be sure to pack the sunscreen! The four designated boating and swimming areas are South Walnut Isle, Little Walnut Isle, Hermit Island, and Snow Island.

Camping and Hiking

Did you know there are over 4,000 campsites near the lake? The Indian Lake State Park offers 500 family campsites suitable for tents or trailers just Northwest of the lake. If you're looking for electrical hookups, full-service hookups, or campsites for pets, there is something for everyone!

Hiking at Indian Lake is another outdoor activity enjoyed by many. Take a break from the water and immerse yourself in mother nature. The Cherokee Trail and the Pew Island Trail are both great paths, offering fresh air and stunning lake views.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

Questions to Ask When Buying an Indian Lake House

Waterfront homes hold a beauty unlike any other naturally appealing to most buyers. Although waterfront homes easily grab the eye, not many people consider the responsibilities that come with purchasing a lake house. At Choice Properties, we want you to enjoy the fun experience Indian Lake has to offer which is why we firmly believe buyers should research more on waterfront properties. We have listed questions to ask when buying an Indian Lake home, allowing you to be fully prepared throughout this exciting process!

Can You Get a Loan?

The first question to ask is the probability of getting a mortgage loan for a waterfront home. Since it's a vacation home, mortgage loans are usually higher and may take longer than residential homes, so it's important to tackle this step early on. Discussing credit score and credit history with a loan provider allows you to set a budget for your Indian Lake Home. Once you obtain your loan, our expert agents will work beside you to show you the best homes in your price range.

What Do You Want in a Lake House?

Consider making a list of must-have items you crave in a lake house, as well as those you can live without will help narrow down your search. For example, how close to the water you want to be? Do you prefer a small, quaint cabin or a large house with a dock? Taking time to discuss the amount of space and bedrooms you will need helps weed out unrealistic homes. It's important to keep an open mind when touring potential homes as it may be challenging to find a complete list of must-haves in one space.

Have You Factored in Other Expenses?

The fun and memories made are definitely worth the cost, but don't forget to factor in other expenses as well. Waterfront properties often have a higher maintenance checklist than residential homes, including dock upkeep, rusting items and wearing out do to the proximity of water. These expenses can easily be avoided by taking care of possessions and tackling any issues at the first sign.

What Insurance Have You Researched?

Have you been researching insurance plans? Because waterfront homes are more susceptible to damage from natural disasters, such as flooding, insurance rates are typically more expensive. Keep insurance rates in mind as you calculate overall budget and expenses.

Does the Property Fulfill Your Lifestyle?

Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is if the property fulfills your lifestyle needs. In the excitement that comes with buying a waterfront home, it can be easy to lose sight of why you want to live near the water in the first place. For example, a home on a lake beach may require you to travel to a nearby dock to store and use your boat. If you don't mind traveling a few miles to get to your boat, then a dock can be ruled out! Your happiness is the final factor in determining the lake house you desire.

Choice Properties understands your needs and desires when it comes to the home search. We are here to help you define what you want, seek the best property and move forward feeling educated and able to make good decisions throughout the process. You can trust us to help you navigate it with the best real estate agents working for you. Call us to get started on your dream home search today.

What To Do If You Inherit Property In Indian Lake Ohio

Inheriting property is not an easy process. You may think that it's like winning the lottery, like getting a reward with little or no detriment, but the fact is that it's not that simple. There are many challenges that you will face if you inherit property. However, should you inherit property in Indian Lake Ohio, you will also see benefits, such as the value of your home going up, because the area is a desirable lakefront, and people are always looking to buy near the water.

Regardless, it can be tricky to navigate the emotions when you are inheriting property from a loved one you have lost. It is up to you to decide whether to accept or refuse this inheritance, and whether you want to use that property to live in or rent out or even sell. We have some insights to help you make those decisions.

Is There A Will?

Before anything else can happen, you need to determine whether there is a valid will. If there is one, then the probate process needs to be followed, and any outstanding debts paid. Without a will, the courts will follow the relevant laws of intestacy. Should there be a will, and its intention is for you to benefit from the property, then it is advisable to work with the executor of the estate as well as a trusted real estate expert. Find out if the deceased owes more on the mortgage than the property is worth, or if there are outstanding liens or taxes on the property, so you don't end up losing money by accepting the inheritance.

The good news here is that the state of Ohio doesn't levy estate or inheritance taxes, so you won't have to pay any for your Indian Lake Ohio property. However, there may be federal taxes to be paid.

Selling or Renting

Indian Lake Ohio is a location that is very much in demand. Even if the home you have inherited is not in great shape, the location can more than make up for it. You will probably be able to sell fast and for a good price. Or you might find that the home is up to date with improvements and repairs and you could make a good rental income while you decide whether or not to sell. After a few years of renting, you may even want to move into the home yourself. There are a lot of options available to you with your inheritance. Take some time and speak to experts like Choice Properties before you make the final decision.

Ultimately, what you do with your newly inherited property in Indian Lake Ohio is up to you. Different options work for different people. You may decide to keep the property for sentimental reasons, or for financial reasons. You may decide to sell for those same reasons. Whatever you want to do, get an appraisal first and find a good property agent. At Choice Properties, our experts will be able to guide you and answer any questions you may have, to help you make the right decision.  

For more information on speaking with our award winning real estates at Choice Properties, give us a call! 

Invest in Vacation Property with Our Beautiful Indian Lake Cottages for Sale

Indian Lake is a very popular vacation spot. People come from all over the country for its exceptional campground, boating and swimming facilities. If you've visited the area, then you've likely seen some Indian Lake cottages for sale. Now, we don't normally think of vacation properties as investment opportunities, but they can be one of the best investments to make. Indian Lake cottages for sale can definitely be an investment to think about.

Advantages of Indian Lake Cottages for Sale

Apart from the obvious benefits of having a permanent vacation destination in a beautiful rural setting like Indian Lake, owning a vacation property has other advantages for savvy investors.

Tangible Use

A vacation property is an asset that has practical uses. Of course you can rent it out, but you can also use it yourself at your convenience. It's not just sitting there, unused. Rental income is always welcome, and less disruptive in a second home.

Rise in Value

Looking at Indian Lake cottages for sale, you can be sure that they will rise in value over time. Especially when the market is in speculation mode, the value increase can be phenomenal.

Potential Retirement Home

Many buyers are buying second homes early in life, and not waiting for retirement. If this is your plan, then you'll know in good time whether the area is where you want to retire. And you'll be comfortable with the location, not to mention that you'll probably have paid off the mortgage by then too. There are many benefits to retiring in Indian Lake, especially in an Indian Lake cottage of your dreams.

Buyer's Market

Bad news for sellers but good news for you if you're considering Indian Lake cottages for sale. Vacation property prices have been depressed, so the timing couldn't be any better. If you've thought about investing in vacation property, now is the time to start looking.

Risks of Buying Vacation Property

Like with any property, buying a vacation property comes with its own set of risks. Typically, vacation homes have wider price swings. During real estate boom times, vacation homes can shoot up in price much faster than residential property, and conversely it can fall much faster too.

There are also income tax considerations. The IRS has specific rules regarding vacation properties. The number of days that you occupy a vacation property for personal use is what classifies it as a vacation home or an investment property. This makes a difference on whether you can deduct mortgage interest and real estate taxes on your income tax return, or whether you can deduct all expenses.

Buying a vacation property in an appealing spot like Indian Lake can be tempting. There are many great homes for sale here,
and you're bound to find one you love. Keep the risks in mind and you'll make a great investment.

Speak with a qualified Indian Lake Real Estate Agent today
to get a tour of the available Indian Lake Cottages for Sale that might interest you!

Selling a home in Indian Lakes does not have to be a hassle. Most places are experiencing a buyer's market with slower prices. Sellers must be prepared for an average of four months to sell a home. Learn ten tips for selling an Indian Lake home on the current market.

10 Steps to Selling Your Indian Lake Home

Recognize every market's differences

Every town, city and area will have a different trend. Regional markets are more important to look at than national markets. Try the following tips to review the Indian Lake market:

• Speak with a handful of professionals

• Do research

• Listen to gut instinct

Home inspection

Get a home inspected before calling a real estate agent. Early warning signs such as big repairs to be made can make the difference on deciding to buy a property. If a problem is discovered, it can be fixed prior to selling to help resale value.

Shape Up

Potential buyers will be interested in a home that looks and feels good. Six weeks prior to putting a home on the market is a great time to do the following:

• Fresh coat of paint

• Pressure-washing of the front walk and porch, polishing and general clean up

• Put in new mulch, landscaping elements and flowers to freshen up the look of the front

Marketing plan

Think about whether to find a real estate agent or do the selling without one. Selling without an agent can save the real estate commission but potential buyers may feel without an agent there are some disadvantages to buying the home.

Check into relocation company

Some companies may provide a list of real estate pros who will work with a person at a discount. If selling in a tight market, every little bit helps.

Interview real estate agents

Interview a few agents to ask opinions before putting the home on the market. Experience speaks volumes so look for agents with loads of experience selling in the area.

Set a price

People who overprice homes are wasting buyer's time as similar homes can be looked up on real estate apps online. Track actual sales prices and set it accordingly.

Understand the price

Many sellers won't make as much as neighbors who sell a home. It may be wise to wait a bit to sell until the price goes up as it is not advisable to undervalue a home.

Get rid of junk

Buyers will be fussy. Throw things out, store or donate that are not needed. Clear out clutter as buyers look for space and light.

Stay on top of the market

Be aware of market changes. Keep looking at comps and see trends before others do. The real estate market should be approached with cautious optimism.

Choice Properties real estate agents are able to assist sellers with putting a home on the market. Contact one of our experienced agents to find out how we can assist you in selling your property in Indian Lake.