If you’re anything like us, dreaming of lakefront living could practically be a full-time job. Maybe you’ve been wishing for a great summer getaway for your family. Or you’ve always wanted a home right on the water—all year long. What happens when you’ve finally given in to those dreams and you’re ready to get your taste of the lake life? The next step is simple: start hunting for houses for sale on Lake Keowee.

However, we suggest you fully understand when it’s the right time to start looking, too. We have the insider’s knowledge that will help you determine the best time to house hunt as you give in to your dream of purchasing waterfront property.

Change your perception of spring

Real estate experts all agree that spring is the ideal time to start looking for a residential home, but is that the case with lakefront living, too? Spring is usually recommended by Realtors as the time to put homes on the market, which is when you’ll see the highest number of newly listed homes. And that typically means it’s the ideal time of year to start house hunting.

However, that same logic may not be true for the waterfront property market. In fact, buying a lake home is very different compared to a more traditional purchase, and that’s absolutely the case when looking for houses for sale on Lake Keowee.

Research shows that nearly 40% of sales happen after the peak summer season is over, making the most optimal time to buy lakefront property between October and the end of December. Why? Usually, homeowners try to get the most out of one last summer, waiting until after Labor Day to put it on the market.

Plus, you’ll want to know what the property looks like during the non-peak months to get an accurate picture. If you are happy with it in the winter, you’re pretty much guaranteed to love it all year long—especially during the summer months. When the lake shimmers into your kitchen window on a hot summer day, you’ll know you made the right choice.

Also, if there seem to be several waterfront properties on the market at prices that seem too good to be true, that may be a sign of a weak market. Make sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of your purchase!

Get a great deal on a lake house

We suggest following these four steps to get your optimal lakefront home.

1: Find a real estate agent with waterfront property experience
If you have a Realtor that knows the market, you’re already on the right path. Partnering with a trusted buyer’s agent who knows the area and the ins and outs of a lake house will provide you with unparalleled value for finding the perfect home. They fully understand waterfront properties and can negotiate a great deal on your desired home. Don’t tackle it on your own, either. A buyer’s agent has the expertise you can rely on.

2: Assess your wants and desires
Start with a well thought-through wish list. Make sure it’s in-hand when you sit down with your agent to determine what you want and need in a property. Don’t forget to consider your budget, too. Be as transparent as possible with your agent and make sure you know what you’re willing to give up in order to find the right home—if that’s necessary—so you don’t get frustrated in the process. From there, you can begin the search for the perfect home.

3. Find a lender
Your agent can help you evaluate and determine the right financing option for your situation. You will likely have specific goals and a distinct financial situation to discuss. The right lender will help you feel confident with your final decision. Keep in mind that it can take around 30 days to close, so don’t forget to take that into consideration if you’re locked into a specific timeline in which you’d like to move.

4. Negotiate
Have you chosen your dream waterfront property? Then it’s time to make an offer! Your agent will do the heavy lifting there, and once the home inspection is done, he or she will pull out those negotiating skills to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Are you ready to buy your dream lake home?

We can help you get started. Begin by browsing available homes.

When you find what you’re looking for, call us (864) 868-5253 or fill out our contact form.

We’ll be in touch shortly to answer any questions you may have and to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

And most importantly, we wish you good luck with your search. We promise you’ll love it here.

Lake Keowee is known for its relaxing lakeside living. Yet beyond the extraordinary lifestyle found right on the lake is an entire world to explore. A Lake Keowee real estate purchase promises to make life truly unforgettable.

From dining to the arts to a world to explore outdoors, there’s something for everyone throughout Lake Keowee and its surrounding communities. If you’re thinking about investing in Lake Keowee real estate, we’ve got six more reasons that will convince you to call it home.

Play to Your Heart’s Content

Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a breathtaking escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains and Jocassee Gorges. This stunning natural area is filled with waterfalls, streams, and trails that are perfect for budding photographers, sportsmen, and anyone with a love of the outdoors. You’ll love taking in the sights and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Grab a backpack or your fishing poles, where bass, bream, crappie, and catfish abound.

The park also features a quarter-mile loop, the Cherokee Interpretive Trail, which provides historical and cultural insights into the Native Americans who lived and hunted in the area generations ago.

Dine at the Lighthouse Restaurant

The Lighthouse at Lake Keowee is an upscale restaurant and venue with a true southern flair. Guests to your home will be impressed when you take them to dinner by boat for this distinct dining experience. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers casual fireside dining and entertainment at its cabana. Or, for something more upscale, the upper level has a mouthwatering cuisine that’s perfectly accented by panoramic lake views from the venue’s elegant decks and porches.

Imagine finishing up dinner, hopping into your own boat, and taking a slow coast across the lake back to the comfort of your home. If that’s not living, what is?

Get Hooked on Jazz

Warmer months are a treat for music lovers in the charming former boomtown of Seneca. Every Thursday from April through October, Seneca’s historic Ram Cat Alley is home to free concerts from renowned jazz performers. Grab a lawn chair and stay awhile to experience the coolest vibes in town.

Seneca’s historic district is also home to eclectic shops, eateries, and galleries that are every bit as memorable as those Thursday evenings under the stars. You may come for the jazz, but you’ll want to stay for the entire Seneca experience.

Explore Issaqueena Falls

The history of Stumphouse Mountain goes back for generations—beyond the Civil War to the days of the Cherokee who inhabited the area. Today, Stumphouse Mountain is a protected wildlife preserve that’s open to the public. Grab a flashlight and take the kids on an exploration through Stumphouse Tunnel—the only remnant of an attempt to link the Port of Charleston to the Midwest. The tunnel is what’s left of the 1850s railroad project, which remained unfinished because of the Civil War.

Once through the tunnel, you’ll find the gorgeous Issaqueena Falls, which is a 200-foot waterfall. Named after a Cherokee maiden, the legend says the girl leaped from the mountain on her way to warn settlers of an impending attack but instead hid safely under its waters. You’re sure to fall in love with both the legend and the falls.

Go Fish!

Whether you’re a serious angler obsessed with sports fishing or a beginner who wants to try your hand at a relaxing day of fishing, Lake Keowee is the perfect place for it. Grab the kids and spend the morning teaching them the ropes. Don’t forget to drop by the Keowee Marina to buy all of the bait and tackle you may need for a productive day on the lake.

Interested in a deeper dive into your fishing experience? Some Lake Keowee resorts also offer fishing guide packages with equipment and professional experts ready to give you an unforgettable expedition.

Give Stand Up Paddleboarding a Try

If you’re new to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), it might just be your new favorite pastime. Paddleboards are a relaxing way for the whole family to get carried away for an afternoon. SUP is similar to surfing, but a paddle keeps you up on the board and steering. It’s a great full-body workout or the perfect way to forget about the stress of the every day.

For Stand Up Paddleboarding, you’ll only need a board, a paddle, and a life jacket. Don’t forget to bring your balance—and a little sense of humor if you’re a beginner, too.

Ready to explore Lake Keowee real estate options? Contact us and schedule a time to meet with an expert.

As summer begins and we’re all looking for ways to slow down and be more present, there’s never been a better time to consider making your home a true oasis. Lakefront living offers serenity and an unmatched destination for anyone wanting to bask in the beauty of nature year-round. As a Lake Keowee custom home builder, we’re here to design and build your perfect retreat.

We know the term “lake home” conjures up countless daydreams—and it should! Daydreams are exactly where you should begin. You might want a designer chef’s kitchen with a full butler’s pantry. Perhaps you’re ready for a luxurious master bathroom with dual walk-in showers and a soaking tub with a skylight. It might be a private master bedroom deck with panoramic sunset views. You truly can have it all.

However, here are some things to consider if you’re ready to build a lake house.

Lakefront Building is not Your Average Home Construction

The construction process is different when you’re building a home on a lake. You need to consult with a reputable builder of waterfront homes before your planning begins. A great home requires great communication from both us and you. But that’s not all. Total Quality Home Builders also has the proven experience to know what goes into building lakefront construction. That means we’ll provide you with the education you need to understand the process.

Location is Key

We’re not just talking about that perfect lakeview spot. There are numerous questions your builder will need to know. For example, can the property accommodate your design and house orientation? If not, you’ll need to make adjustments. You’ll also want a builder who knows how to build on constraints that come along with lakeside design. Are there any zoning restrictions? Those restrictions can vary greatly and without a professional on your side, they may be very confusing. Or maybe you’re still looking for the perfect lot. As an experienced Lake Keowee custom home builder, we can help you find the right spot.

The Lake will Influence Construction

There are a few unique situations lakes create for homebuilding that you may not be aware of on your own, which is why you should consult with the proper builder. For example, your builder will have the knowledge you need to work with water levels, protect your basement or crawlspace from moisture, or install the right foundations or a septic system for proper drainage.

As lake home builders, we have proven experience with erosion as well. Certain types of landscaping can help manage these issues, and your builder can help you determine whether you’ll need erosion control options for your beach and docks, too.

Other Design Considerations

There are a number of additional design considerations to discuss with your builder, such as privacy and noise control. If you’re close to a popular summer hotspot, you’ll want to protect yourself with the right windows and window treatments, insulation, landscaping, and other design features less-experienced builders may not fully understand. And your roofing and siding should be right for lakefront weather, too.

Keep in mind that well-planned design and construction can reduce your long-term costs of ownership and maintenance costs. And it’s why you should start this journey by planning alongside us. As your Lake Keowee custom home builder, we’re here for you and ready to make your home your place of refuge. We take great pride in our work and strive to offer a great homebuilding experience.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward building your dream lake house, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to build a home just for you.

Expert Home Builder in SC: Total Quality Home Builders

Part of having a beautiful lake home includes having a beautiful yard. Landscaping is a key part of the planning process, and if you work with Total Quality, an expert home builder in SC, the team will help you create an ideal yard to match your ideal home. But not all flowers and plants flourish near the water. Here is a guide to some of the most beautiful flowers that grow well near the fresh waters of Lake Keowee.  

Cardinal Flower. Aptly named for its red blossoms, the cardinal flower is easy to care for and also blooms white or pink. An added benefit is that it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while deer and rabbits won’t eat it.

Japanese Iris. This flower grows best in shallow water with blue, violet, lavender, pink, or white blossoms that open up to 6 inches wide.

Pickerel Weed. Pale blue or lavender-colored spiked petals surround the top of its stem, peeking out from large green leaves in the shape of arrowheads. Grows best in shallow water.

Marsh Marigold. Plant at the water’s edge and little yellow blossoms will pop up all over the plant like buttercups.

Corkscrew Rush. Not exactly a flower, but more of a bush, corkscrew rush grows well in moist soil. Its unique corkscrew-shaped leaves make it an attractive option for ground cover, as it spreads gradually over the ground.

Obedient Plant. While it is a wildflower, the obedient plant is easy to care for and blooms all summer with purple, pink, or white snapdragon-type blossoms.

Swamp Milkweed. Growing best in wet soil with plenty of sun, the swamp milkweed blooms in clusters of small pinkish-purple blooms, also in white or mauve.

Creeping Jenny. When you need ground cover, the creeping jenny expands quickly over wet soil, staying low to the ground with light green leaves similar to the shape of clover. Small yellow flowers appear in early summer.

Swamp Sunflower. The biggest benefit of the swamp sunflower is its resilience. Bright yellow flowers similar to daisies and sunflowers bloom every year in the later summer or early fall.

Horsetail. Grows in wet areas where nothing else will, with unique bamboo-like stems and blossoms that look like a horse’s tail.

Joe Pye Weed. Another butterfly favorite, this mauve-colored blossom flowers in big umbrella-shaped clusters of small petals. It’s a low-maintenance flower you can plant and forget about.

Hardy Hibiscus. If you want bold, bright color in your yard, the hardy hibiscus is up to the task. Blossoms are huge with flat disc-like petals that come in a wide range of colors. Growing best in rich, moist soil, they can reach 4 to 6 feet in height.

Create Your Ideal Landscape with Total Quality Home Builders

A home builder in SC who has experience in the area will already know which plants tend to thrive when planted near the water. Lake Keowee has a unique climate with plenty of moist soil and sunlight and moderate temperatures with less humidity in summer. Plants that require tropical climates may not grow as well on Lake Keowee as in other places with extremely hot summers. Let the experts handle your landscaping. Call Total Quality Home Builders: (864) 868-5253.  

The open concept floor plan, the holy grail of home design…or is it? It may be that walls are coming back into fashion for a variety of reasons. Some of the top home builders in SC are adapting to the current trends and listening to what customers want, and it seems many families are looking for a little more privacy in the form of separate rooms. If you’re in the planning stages of a custom home, consider the pros and cons of the open concept floor plan. 

Pros and Cons of an Open Floor Plan 

• Pro: Home feels bigger. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the open floor plan is the wide open space. Your home feels larger because it is mostly one large open room with furniture as the only definition between spaces.  
• Con: Can be noisier. With no walls to separate each room, the noise from the kitchen bleeds into the living room and the noise from the TV drifts into the dining room, etc. It can get especially noisy when entertaining large groups.  
• Pro: Better air circulation. Air flows easily in an open floor concept, making the HVAC system more efficient.  
• Con: Less privacy. There’s not much privacy in an open floor plan home, which could be an issue for some families depending on your preferences. A family full of introverts may struggle.  
• Pro: Room for furniture. The open floor plan gives you plenty of options for furniture. Feel free to get the large sectional couch or the dining table that seats 10 or 12.  
• Con: Kitchen smells spread. When the kitchen is open to the rest of the rooms, the lingering scents from food can spread easily, which may not be pleasant.  
• Bonus Pro: The View. If you’re building a home with a lake view, an open concept home can offer better sight lines from anywhere in the home. 

Pros and Cons of a Closed Floor Plan  

• Pro: Noise control. Individual rooms separated by walls and doors can help control noise within your home. Close yourself in the office for peace and quiet while the kids play in the living room.  
• Con: Rooms feel smaller. You may find that your rooms feel smaller and that your home feels more cramped overall.  
• Pro: More privacy. Privacy is important to some, especially introverts, who need time to themselves to rest and rejuvenate. Having separate rooms, even in the living areas, makes this possible. 
• Con: Inhibits air circulation. More walls and closed off rooms can inhibit air flow for your HVAC system, but it isn’t necessarily a problem. Simply open doors whenever possible and be sure your HVAC system is in good working condition.  
• Pro: Kitchen smells are contained. When the kitchen is more closed off you can keep cooking smells more contained.  
• Con: Furniture options are more limited. Smaller spaces do limit your furniture choices, but choosing the right pieces can help make smaller rooms seem larger.  
• Bonus Pro: Resale Benefits. More rooms can look better on paper when it comes to listing your home to sell in the future.  

Customize your Floor Plan with Total Quality, One of the Premier Home Builders in SC 

After considering the pros and cons of open and closed floor plans, you probably have an idea of which style you prefer. One of the biggest advantages of working with a builder to design a custom home is that you and your builder can create a floor plan that works for you. It can be completely open, completely closed off, or some combination of the two. Enjoy the freedom you get when working with one of the most elite custom home builders in SC. Call Total Quality today: (864) 868-5253.