Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Lake Lanier Real Estate Experts
Living on Lake Lanier has been transforming real estate experiences on Georgia's Lake Lanier for over two decades. Our team specializes in matching exceptional homes with exceptional people, prioritizing relationships over transactions while delivering personalized service tailored to each client's unique needs. With a combined sales volume exceeding $350 million, we bring deep expertise in lakefront properties, including specialized knowledge of dock permits, septic systems, and local community intricacies. Our proven track record includes successful representation on HGTV's Lakefront Bargain Hunt and American Dream TV, demonstrating our market leadership.We maintain rigorous professional standards through continuous education, industry certifications, and adherence to ethical real estate practices. Our commitment extends beyond transactions, offering comprehensive guidance through every phase of property ownership. The team's local roots and extensive vendor network ensure clients receive unparalleled support for all lake-specific requirements. We maintain transparent communication throughout every transaction, backed by verifiable results from satisfied clients across residential and luxury property markets.
Services
Home Buying
Property Selling
Market Valuation
Lakefront Specialist
Relocation Services
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized Lake Lanier market expertise
- Proven success in competitive luxury property transactions
- Comprehensive lake-specific knowledge including dock permits and water access
- Extensive network of trusted local service providers
- Personalized approach prioritizing client relationships over transactions
What people say
Exceptional knowledge
Professional service
Stress-free experience
Market expertise
Personalized approach
Services
Home Buying
Our expert team guides buyers through every step of acquiring lakefront and residential properties. We leverage deep market knowledge to identify ideal matches based on lifestyle needs, offering negotiation expertise and comprehensive due diligence support. Our process includes detailed property comparisons, market analysis, and access to exclusive listings.
Property Selling
Maximize your property's value with our strategic marketing approach and extensive buyer network. We provide professional staging guidance, pricing strategy development, and targeted exposure through digital and traditional channels. Our track record shows consistent achievement of premium sale prices through competitive bidding processes.
Market Valuation
Receive accurate property valuations based on comprehensive market analysis and recent comparable sales. Our in-person evaluations consider unique lakefront features, market conditions, and property-specific characteristics to determine realistic pricing strategies that balance seller expectations with market realities.
Lakefront Specialist
Benefit from specialized knowledge of lake-specific considerations including dock permits, water access regulations, and environmental requirements. Our team understands the unique aspects of lakefront living and can navigate complex shoreline regulations while identifying properties that match specific recreational and lifestyle needs.
Relocation Services
We support out-of-state buyers with comprehensive relocation guidance, including neighborhood orientation and local service provider connections. Our network of trusted professionals covers inspections, financing, and legal requirements, ensuring smooth transitions for clients moving to the Lake Lanier area from other markets.
People
Teresa Smith
Team Lead
With over two decades of Lake Lanier real estate experience, Teresa combines expert negotiation skills with strategic marketing to achieve exceptional results. Her calm demeanor and deep market knowledge have consistently delivered above-asking-price sales for clients.
Michele Kaplan
Agent
Recognized for her extensive Lake Lanier expertise, Michele excels at matching clients with properties that perfectly align with their lifestyle needs. Her extensive network ensures thorough due diligence and smooth transaction processes for both buyers and sellers.
Mackenzie Scott
Agent
Specializing in client education and market navigation, Mackenzie provides exceptional support throughout the buying and selling process. Her deep understanding of local neighborhoods and access to trusted professionals make her a valuable asset to clients.
Lisa Mitchell
Assistant
Providing essential support to the team, Lisa ensures seamless transaction coordination and client communication. Her organizational skills contribute to the efficient execution of complex real estate processes for both residential and luxury properties.
Questions
What makes Living on Lake Lanier different from other real estate teams?
Our specialized focus on Lake Lanier properties, combined with $350M+ in sales experience and local market expertise, ensures clients receive unmatched guidance for both residential and luxury waterfront properties.
Do you work with out-of-state buyers?
Yes, we specialize in assisting out-of-state clients with comprehensive relocation support, including neighborhood guidance, local service provider connections, and market-specific education throughout the buying process.
What areas do you serve?
We focus on Lake Lanier and surrounding communities including Cumming, Gainesville, Dawsonville, and Buford, with expertise in prestigious lakefront communities like Harbour Point and Chattahoochee Country Club.
How do you determine property valuations?
Our valuations combine in-person property assessments with detailed market analysis of recent comparable sales, considering unique lakefront features and current market conditions to establish realistic pricing strategies.
Can you help with lake-specific property concerns?
Yes, our team has specialized knowledge of lakefront requirements including dock permits, septic systems, and water access regulations, ensuring comprehensive guidance for all lake-specific property considerations.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Ben Scott
Jan 28, 2022
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I may be slightly biased, because I happen to be married to the best realtor I know, Mackenzie Scott, but I couldn't pass on the opportunity to brag on her! Mackenzie and I just purchased our first home in one of the craziest markets in history, and she handled it like a champ which I knew she would after seeing her work alongside all of her clients. From the pre-approval process with our lender, to the conversations I overheard her having with the listing agent, negotiations, and closing -- this girl knows her stuff! I believe her relationship skills and attention to detail gave us the leg up
Trevor Barton
Jan 23, 2022
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Michele took on the challenge of listing my home while I was actually overseas. To say that I have been impressed is a huge understatement, from acquiring a realistic local knowledge appraisal, managing ALL the intelligent repairs, cleanings and important things to any prospective byer, from soup to nuts Michele managed the entire process.
Michele prepared the property to show in its best light, she created the offering and timed the listing perfectly balancing my needs with the market.
Michele has proven herself over and over to be an agent who has the skills, desire and ability to get me to
Michele prepared the property to show in its best light, she created the offering and timed the listing perfectly balancing my needs with the market.
Michele has proven herself over and over to be an agent who has the skills, desire and ability to get me to
Debby Cain
Jan 16, 2022
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My husband and I bought our first Lake Home in 2017, and due to the hot market decided to sell in August of 2021. Despite my husband being a licensed real estate broker, we knew professional guidance was needed in this crazy housing market. We reached out to Teresa Smith due to her extensive knowledge and experience with lake homes, lakeside neighborhoods and local knowledge dealing with the US Corps of Engineers. After our initial meeting, we wanted Teresa to represent us in the sale of our home. She was both professional, personable and always available when we needed to speak/meet with her
Steven Walker
Jan 03, 2022
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Teresa and her team were absolute professionals and absolutely "in our corner" as sellers. Teresa and her team were great about protecting our time and energy throughout the processes of selling our home - from scheduling the pictures, throughout the showings, and then when negotiating with the buyers. Even though I'm sure Teresa and her team had multiple clients while she worked with us, she made us feel as though we were her only concern - she was responsive to our calls, questions, and concerns - always providing timely and thoughtful responses. Truthfully, I'm glad she was on our "side" because
Catherine Cofer
Oct 02, 2021
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Mackenzie was the absolute best - from initial conversations through to closing I could not have asked for a better realtor! She understood what I was looking for in my first home, sought options that matched my desires / needs, and was so flexible and encouraging throughout the whole process. She was professional and great at what she does - within a few weeks of us looking, she was able to find a home that fit all of my criteria, before it even went on the market!! I was able to put an offer in at listing price, with such a smooth due diligence / closing process. She was knowledge in negotiations
Tate Smith
Sep 13, 2021
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My fiance and I were first time home buyers in the craziest market in history, and we couldn't have bought that first home without Mackenzie there to navigate us through the process. She was a joy to work with, as professional as they come, and one of the hardest working people we've ever met. We highly recommend working with Mackenzie if you are looking to buy or sell! You really will feel like a priority throughout the entire process. I am happy to say my fiance and I closed on a home in July, and we have Mackenzie and KW team to thank for that!
Jacky Walker
Sep 04, 2021
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My husband and I recently sold our home with Michele who did an absolutely amazing job! ALL the details she put into my listing were top notch, from the suggestions to get my home ready, to the pictures that were taken and even the personal attention she gave us. Anytime I needed ANYTHING she was there for my family. Theres no other realtor I will ever use. Michele is not only my realtor but will be a friend for life!
