The Real Estate Book of Georgia’s Lake Country: Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair - Vol 25#4
SONOMA COVE MODEL BUILT IN 2022
Oh what a house! Nearly ALL of the additional options available are in this home. After close improvements include, Custom Blinds and shades, Epoxy flooring, Space-Makers Closets, slate patio, Stone fireplace, Fencing, outdoor lighting, motorized Awnings, Storm doors, and added mature trees. $748,900
POPULAR BLUFFTON COTTAGE
The many extra's include hardwoods throughout, newer HVAC system, crown molding, trey ceilings, granite countertops, 4 ft extension in garage. Open Concept Eat-in Kitchen. Office that can be used as a 3rd BR. Screened Porch and Extending Patio. $519,900
DEL WEBB NAPA VALLEY MODEL WITH MANY EXTRAS!
What a house! 4 BR, 3 BA, Custom Plantation Shutters, Shades, 5" Hardwood plank flooring in main living areas. Open concept Gourmet eat- in kitchen. Fireplace, Office /Flex room, Master suite has zero entry shower, Loft with media room and Sun Room. $699,900
BETTER THAN NEW, POPULAR DEL WEBB TAFT MODEL
Built in 2022, additional Sunroom and Screened porch on a quiet cul de sac corner lot. Numerous upgrades throughout the Kitchen. Hardwoods throughout, custom closets, custom lighting. Office/Flex room and fenced yard.
THE DEL WEBB SURREY CREST MODEL
2 BR, 2 BA, Office/Flex room and additional Sunroom. Large eat-in Kitchen! Hardwoods throughout entire main living area, electric fireplace, Brand-New Carpeting in bedrooms, freshly painted interior. Huge flagstone patio surrounded by mature landscaping. $424,900
DEL WEBB'S NOIR COAST ON A GREAT LOT
Huge Eat-in Kitchen. All new LVP flooring throughout the main living areas. Additional Windows added, 5 inch baseboards, extended 4 ft garage with finished floors. Large Living/Dining area with additional Sunroom. Sunsetter Awning on a very private patio. $389,900
NEWLISTING
DEL WEBB'S NOIR COAST MODEL
2 BR/2 BA with screened room and fenced-in yard to watch the beautiful sunsets. Huge Eat-in Kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout, custom lighting/ fans. Optional sunroom added to the Living room and Dining area. 2+ garage. $416,500
NEWLISTING
DEL WEBB'S MUIRFIELD VILLA
Lock & Leave! This home sits on a beautiful lot with a private back yard and mature trees! Some of the upgrades include a Screened porch, patio, front porch, upgraded granite counter-tops, attic storage, all appliances, ceiling fans, and blinds throughout. $319,700
1101 SHOAL CREEK COURT - $2,695,000
5 Bedroom / 5 Bath - Lakefront - Long southern views down the Richland creek side of the Lake
1060 CARNOUSTIE DRIVE - $1,199,000
One-of-a-kind luxury estate home on a pond built by Harbor Club's own Patriot Builders! Excellent craftsmanship, quality details & upgrades throughout.
1051 PINEHURST DRIVE - $1,050,000
Magnificent golf panoramas! The Belvedere Estate home on finished terrace level.
5 Bed/4.5 Bath. 3 car garage. Screened porch w/fireplace. Waterford Homes.
2031 PINE VALLEY COURT - $950,000
4 Bedroom/4 Bath, 3 car garage estate on idyllic pond setting. Wonderful screened in porch. Emmeline Plan by Waterford Homes
1491 LAKE DRIVE - $401,300
Phase II of The Enclave at Heron Ridge by My Home Communities. A great way to get your place in a gated golf/lake community or downsize into the life style you deserve.
1441 LAKE DRIVE - $610,500
FINAL NEW HOME OPPORTUNITY in Heron Ridge by Waterford Homes. The Amelia Plan features 4 BR/3BA with a golf cart garage overlooking a large flat/open/wooded lot.
WATERFORD HOMES
Final opportunity in Heron Ridge in the $600s, Estate Homes from $950s MY HOME COMMUNITIES
NOW SELLING! Homes in The Enclave at Heron Ridge from the high $300s
Circa 1910, One of a kind craftsman cottage style home with 2BR/1BA. This homes historical integrity is uncompromised. The kitchen has vinyl plank flooring, tile backsplash & solid surface countertops. Intricate detailing can be found throughout: wood floors, 12-paned windows, coffered ceilings, 3 fireplaces and 12 ft ceilings. Fenced back yard. MLS#68278 $244,500
A well appointed open floor plan home in the gated golf community of Harbor Club on beautiful Lake Oconee. With the great room overlooking the wooded backyard, the living space is complimented with gas log fireplace. There are several unique features throughout. Inviting outdoor space has screened porch, deck w/hot tub, fire pits & lovely mini-gardens. MLS#68070 $579,900
A traditional updated brick ranch with up to 4BR /1.5 BA. Living room w/masonry fireplace, Dining Room, Stainless appliances. Hardwood, LVP Flooring & ceiling fans are located throughout the home. MLS#66906 $274,900
S O L D L D
Well-maintained home with split floor plan featuring 3BR/2BA. Brand new LVP flooring and both bathrooms have been updated. Very Convenient Lake Area location. MLS#67440 $312,000
Historical 3BR/2BA Charmer with shaker shingle siding has many updates & amenities. Located in the heart of downtown Siloam on 3.11 acres. MLS#67344 $274,900
This updated historical home in city of Greensboro has 2BR/1BA. Oversized Living Room that opens to the Dining room through beautiful French doors. Convenient location. MLS#67030 $249,900
S O L D L D
New home at the charming Maddox Station neighborhood. Maddox Station places you just minutes from downtown Eatonton and between the stunning shores of Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair. MLS#68214 $333,290
HARBOR CLUB
GREENSBORO
UNION POINT
OCONEE MEADOWS
EATONTON
#1 Residential Golf Course in Georgia – Golfweek 2025
TEXT: RBKXSBW TO: 52187
This unique (3.17 ac) estate lot offers privacy plus a generous building envelope to build your custom dream home. Approved for a max dock and a full $60,000 Cuscowilla Golf Membership is included in the price. Lot 8 COVEY DRIVE - $2,500,000
TEXT: RBKYRDB TO: 52187
Stunning 4 BR - 3.5 BA Lake access home in Eagle's Rest. Walking distance to the private boat docks and Lakeside Park. 114 WINGSPAN WAY - $825,000
TEXT: RBKWVNB TO: 52187
Relax and enjoy the main lake and golf views from this Fully Furnished top floor condo in Sojourn at Cuscowilla. 304 SOJOURN - $945,000
TEXT: RBKYZZD TO: 52187
Fully furnished and fully renovated 5 BR / 4 BA farm-style cottage in Parkside. Close to the boat docks and Clubhouse. 152 PARKSIDE LANE - $999,000
TEXT: RBKTRRY TO: 52187
Premium building lot in the Woodlands. This lot offers a gentle slope and a stunning view of a pond, the 15th tee, the #18 and #1 fairways.
TEXT: RBKWLXT TO: 52187
This large (0.73) acre building lot has a gentle slope, an assigned boat slip and a full $60,000 Cuscowilla Golf Membership is included in the price.
#1 Residential Golf Course in Georgia – Golfweek 2025
TEXT: RBKVRHY TO: 52187
132 LONG LEAF LANE - $1,075,000
Like New Golf Cottage in The Grove at Cuscowilla! This recently updated Cottage is located on a private pond that overlooks the 14th golf hole and offers fabulous sunsets
204 SOJOURN - $649,900
TEXT: RBKGTBK TO: 52187 Lakefront 3 Bedroom / 3 Bath Condo with Huge Big Water Views
TEXT: RBKWFRG TO: 52187
the Main Lake Views from Spectacular, Updated, 3 BR / 3 BA Corner Condo in Sojourn at Cuscowilla 105 SOJOURN - $749,000
TEXT: RBKZRKZ TO: 52187
100 INDIAN TRAIL - $995,000
Nestled among the serene pines in the heart of Cuscowilla, this delightful Lake Access home is a true gem. Boasting 4 BR / 3.5 BA, the property sits on a spacious lot with picturesque wooded views.
TEXT: RBKVKXD TO: 52187
223 Eagles Way - $495,000
Premium Building Lot Available in Eagle's Rest. This level building lot offers a seasonal Lake view and an assigned boat slip
TEXT: RBKYRYZ TO: 52187 Fully furnished Golf Cottage on the 18th fairway, 3 BR - 3 BA with pond views and a Full Golf Membership included in the price. 125 SECOFFEE DRIVE - $795,000
Virtual Staging — vs — Real Staging:
WHAT WORKS BEST IN 2025?
In the ever-evolving world of real estate, presentation remains one of the most critical factors in a successful home sale. As we move further into 2025, both virtual staging and real staging have solidified their roles in the selling process. But which one delivers the most value in today’s market? The answer depends on several key factors—including the property type, target buyer, and marketing strategy.
Virtual staging involves digitally furnishing and decorating property photos using software. It allows empty or outdated spaces to be reimagined with fresh, modern design—without ever lifting a physical object. One of the biggest advantages of virtual staging is its costeffectiveness. While traditional staging can cost thousands of dollars, virtual staging typically ranges from $30 to $100 per image, making it a budget-friendly option for sellers and agents.
In 2025, virtual staging has become more realistic and customizable than ever before, thanks to advancements in AI and 3D rendering. It’s a perfect fit for online marketing, where highquality listing photos can make or break buyer interest. Buyers scrolling through listing sites want to see the potential of a home instantly. Virtual staging provides that vision—especially in vacant homes or new builds where it’s otherwise hard to imagine how a space might look furnished.
However, while virtual staging is excellent for grabbing attention online, real staging still plays an important role in the physical experience of a home. Walking through a tastefully staged property gives buyers a tangible sense of
scale, flow, and comfort. They can see how furniture fits, feel the atmosphere, and connect emotionally with the space. For in-person showings, real staging often makes a stronger impression than a digitally enhanced photo.
That said, real staging comes with a higher price tag and more logistics. Furniture rental, delivery, setup, and removal all take time and resources. In slower markets or with more modest homes, the return on investment might not always be worth it. On the other hand, for luxury properties or competitive neighborhoods, real staging can be the factor that sets a listing apart.
In 2025, the smartest strategy is often a hybrid approach. Use virtual staging to make a strong first impression online—where nearly every buyer starts their search—and selectively use real staging for key rooms or high-impact showings. This blended method allows sellers to capture digital interest while still providing an engaging in-person experience.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the goals of the sale. If speed, budget, and digital appeal are top priorities, virtual staging is the way to go. If creating an emotional connection and highlighting a home’s livability in person is crucial, real staging may be the better fit.
In today’s tech-savvy, fast-moving market, both staging methods have their place. By understanding the strengths of each—and how to use them together—agents and sellers can craft a more effective, efficient, and appealing selling strategy.
5BR • 5 FULL BA, 2 HALF BA • REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE
HEWATT • 843-540-5623
3BR
|
• 2BA • CUSCOWILLA
O'NEAL • 706-988-5698
EXPERIENCE | GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT HOME?
LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT HOME?
Thinking of upgrading? See what else is out there!
Contact a trusted TREB REALTOR® with market knowledge in your area
Find a new home in your price range
Find out what your home is worth
Best Places to Invest in Luxury Real Estate in 2025
As we progress through 2025, the luxury real estate market is evolving, shaped by global mobility, shifting lifestyle priorities, and an emphasis on quality, experience, and exclusivity. While cities like New York, London, and Hong Kong remain classic luxury hubs, today’s high-end investors are also looking toward lifestyle-driven markets that offer prestige, privacy, and long-term value.
1. Miami, Florida
Miami continues to thrive as a luxury haven with international appeal. High-networth buyers are drawn to its waterfront properties, vibrant culture, and favorable tax environment. Neighborhoods like Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Sunny Isles are seeing strong interest from both domestic and international buyers.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale’s luxury market is booming in 2025, thanks to its warm climate, desert beauty, and high-end golf and wellness communities. Private estates and gated developments are particularly attractive to buyers looking for space, privacy, and resort-style living.
3. Aspen, Colorado
Luxury investors are still flocking to Aspen for its alpine charm, year-round appeal, and elite reputation. Ski-in/ski-out properties and secluded mountain retreats are in high demand, with limited inventory continuing to push prices upward.
4. West Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach County has become a quiet powerhouse for luxury living. As ultra-wealthy buyers seek coastal elegance outside the urban core, West Palm Beach offers stunning properties, ocean access, and exclusivity—without the Miami hustle.
5. Napa Valley, California
Napa offers a unique blend of luxury, lifestyle, and land. High-end buyers are investing in vineyard estates and private retreats that offer both privacy and potential income. The area’s beauty, culinary scene, and exclusivity make it a prime pick in 2025.
6. Park City, Utah
Park City is no longer just a ski destination—it’s a year-round luxury market with a growing high-net-worth population. Custom-built mountain homes and modern chalets with views and amenities are highly sought-after, especially in gated communities.
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
With no state income tax and incredible natural surroundings, Jackson Hole has become a magnet for ultra-wealthy individuals seeking privacy and recreation. Highend ranch properties and mountain estates are in high demand, making it a luxury market to watch.
8. The Hamptons, New York
Always a staple in luxury real estate, The Hamptons continue to attract affluent buyers seeking summer retreats and prestigious addresses. Limited land and high demand keep prices elevated and investment potential strong.
In 2025, luxury real estate investors are drawn to destinations that offer more than just square footage—they want experience, wellness, security, and long-term value. These markets deliver all of that and more.
TEXT: RBKWWRS TO: 52187
HARBOR CLUB: Exclusive luxury in this spacious 4 BR/4.5 BA floor plan with a picturesque view. Soaring ceilings throughout, custom finishes and fixtures make this craftsman style home the perfect choice for your lake home desires!
TEXT: RBKXDGT TO: 52187
HARBOR CLUB: This spacious ranch on a full basement is situated on .76 acres and overlooks one of the glistening neighborhood ponds. Inside you will find soaring ceilings, custom upgrades, engineered hardwoods, 4 BR/3.5 BA and a 3 car garage. This water view haven is awaiting you, just in time for the upcoming lake season
TEXT: RBKYHLG TO: 52187
HARBOR CLUB: Relax and gaze upon the peaceful water view of this interior Premium home site. This highly sought after "Hudson" floor plan provides an open and airy layout which is fabulous for entertaining and relaxing.
TEXT: RBKZKMM TO: 52187
OSPREY POYNTE - $1,099,900
HARBOR CLUB: Experience the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and breathtaking lake living in this stunning custom crafted ranch. Featuring fountain and golf views, this new construction home checks all the boxes for refined lake living.
TEXT: RBKZKML TO: 52187
CLUB DRIVE - $999,900
HARBOR CLUB: This new construction 4 BR/3.5 BA luxury home checks off all the boxes for refined lake living. Inside, you'll find soaring ceilings and custom upgrades throughout. The home is nestled on a huge 1.19 acre lot overlooking a pond.
GIVE YOUR HOME A SPRING MAKEOVER
As the gray days of winter give way to the burgeoning spring, with its chartreuse green shoots of grass and leaves, you’ll want to bring your home out of the winter doldrums, too. Give your decor a shot of springtime with easy ideas that will bring your home into sunnier days and make it feel as bright and vibrant as the outdoors.
WINTER PURGE
Give winter the heave-ho by picking up the remnants of winter throughout the house. Grab those dark pillows, heavy plaids or other vestiges of winter, and pack them away in the attic or closet. In their place, add smart pops of bright color in the living room, kitchen and bedroom.
A pretty pale lavender throw on the sofa or chair will keep you cozy and look fresh. In the bedroom, replace dark comforters with soft, airy cotton blankets in light or neutral colors. Put out new towels in the bathrooms in bright and happy shades. For an extra springtime touch, place a pretty candle in a soft scent in a pastel glass holder.
In the kitchen, replace dark dishtowels and hot pads with light, bright options featuring cheery prints. Add a white pitcher or vase on the counter. and fill it with a colorful bunch of flowers, like tulips. Or, for more fragrance, put out a pot of hyacinths for a beautifully scented kitchen. If you have a kitchen window, add some pots of ivy or fresh herbs. Set the table with a pretty runner, napkins and colorful glasses. Add a pot of daffodils or ivy in a pretty white pot in the center, or fill sugar and creamer pitchers with pots of delicate flowers.
SPRING INFLUENCE
Bring the changing seasons into your house with a springtime display of bulbs, plants, birds, rabbits and pots of greenery. Even a glass bottle with a simple branch evokes the feeling of spring.
Purchase greenery at your local florist or market to fill vases. Be sure to give your bookshelves and side tables some springtime touches with figurines of spring, such as a pair of playful rabbits or bowl of pastel eggs. Tuck in little spring accessories on shelves, bedside tables and in window sills. Freshen up your fireplace with a collection of forced bulbs or branches on the hearth or on the mantel top.
Give your foyer a spring makeover with a brightlycolored lamp, a vase of flowers or a collection of mirrors to add extra light in your entryway. In the powder room, add some flower-shaped soaps or a stem of flowers. Full of spring fever? Consider adding a peel-and-stick wallpaper with floral or spring motifs.
On the porch, make spring and visitors feel welcome by adding potted plants and bushels of daffodils, greenery and a cheery doormat. Place a basket of spring flowers, such as peonies, near your front door for seasonal spruce-up. Your home will feel fresh and ready to embrace the spring season.
DECORATING WITH BLACK BRINGS ELEGANCE, DEPT H
There’s a color that is at once all colors, yet it’s the one most feared in decorating. That color is black.
Although black isn’t a color highly regarded for walls, black is coming into favor for decorative use in surprising ways. There are several guidelines for decorating with this shade that are important to know so that everything looks balanced and you keep the hue from becoming too harsh. But if you’re looking to make an impact that shows your decorative fearlessness, black is your color.
HEAVYWEIGHT
There’s no doubting the drama and intensity of the color black. It’s strong and elegant and can be used in any decorating style. Having black accents and accessories is a chic way to add gravitas to your room and unify it. Unless, you want the room to be dark, if you use black paint on the walls, you’ll want to balance the room by having a bright, clear white for the ceiling and trim paint.
When you have black walls, play up the color by adding strong, bright accents. Artwork with bold colors pops against a black wall. Good lighting is also important to keep the room from becoming depressing. Layer in lighting with lamps, wall sconces, and chandeliers. If black walls are too much of a stretch, try adding dark floors.
BLACK BOOST
There are some places where black simply shines. From front doors to interior doors, a rich, glossy black is as gorgeous and elegant as it gets. Black doors and window frames are especially popular in the modern farmhouse design, but black has always been a classic.
Take the black-and-white checkerboard floors. It’s a clean, timeless look.
Today, though, black is coming into its own in the new black stainless appliances. These appliances read metal but without the glare and look fabulous against dark or black painted cabinets. Black is also showing up in bathroom fixtures and as a metal option on shower frames. The black color disappears into the background and looks clean and contemporary
EXPERIMENT
If you’re ready to express your decorating derring-do, black is the go-to colo r. Give a powder bathroom a coat of black paint or try a black patterned wallpaper. Pair with sparkling lighting fixtures and bright white trim and a glossy interior door. Or, go in contrast with white wallpaper featuring a black pattern and finish out the room with black trim.
In a study, what could be more introspective than black? Try an almost-black such as Farrow and Ball Off Black (www.farrowball.com). Pair with a dramatic lighting fixture and leather tufted sofa for a room that invites you to linger.
In the kitchen, give your island cabinets a coat of black to update it and give it more weight. Instead of white open cabinets, paint the wall behind open shelves or cabinets with black so dishes pop. Give barstools a coat of black or paint the pantry door black. Give window and table linens a black and white color scheme. It makes the perfect backdrop for colorful dishes.
As technology continues to integrate seamlessly into our daily lives, the definition of a "dream home" is evolving. In 2025, smart home features are no longer a luxury—they’re an expectation, especially among younger buyers and techsavvy homeowners.
Today’s buyers are looking for homes that offer convenience, efficiency, security, and sustainability, all powered by smart technology. From voice-controlled lighting and climate control to smart security systems and energy-saving appliances, these features aren’t just nice to have—they’re becoming essential selling points.
At the top of most buyers’ wish lists are smart thermostats, which allow homeowners to control heating and cooling from their phones, saving energy and reducing utility bills. Similarly, smart lighting systems that adjust based on occupancy or natural light levels add comfort while promoting energy efficiency.
Security is another major priority. Buyers in 2025 often expect homes to be equipped with smart locks, doorbell cameras, and motion sensors that can be monitored remotely. These features offer peace of mind and can easily
integrate with smartphones or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Smart kitchens and appliances are also gaining popularity. Refrigerators that track inventory and suggest grocery lists, ovens that can be preheated remotely, and dishwashers that run during off-peak hours are just a few examples of how technology is making everyday life easier.
Another growing trend is whole-home automation—where multiple systems like lighting, entertainment, climate, and security can be controlled from a single hub or app. Buyers appreciate the ability to personalize and automate their environment with just a few taps or voice commands.
Finally, sustainability plays a big role in buyer decisions. Homes that feature solar panels, energy-monitoring systems, and water-saving tech are highly attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
In 2025, smart homes aren’t just futuristic—they’re expected. Sellers and developers who incorporate the right mix of smart features are more likely to attract attention, command higher prices, and meet the evolving demands of today’s modern buyer.
