Richland Chambers Picture Day one day late

Birds and the bees..

Pictures... I missed Friday picture day so, here are some pictures from our backyard and the office.  The birds are amazing at the lake and their are dozens and dozens of different species in the Richland Chambers Lake area.  Here are just a few house birds.

By the way, you know you're getting older when you bird watch and enjoy it...

Morning conversation at the feeder

Kinda sad this Painted Bunting hit the glass
on the back porch last April

Killdeer protecting the nest in the parking lot
at RE/MAX LakeSide Dreams

Eggs and chick mamma's protecting

House finch and not 100% sure on the yellow ones,
Anybody...?

                               

Cardinals on the big feeder..

Whoa, it's tough being a heart patient...

All smiles after Saturday afternoon showing houses

Let me preface this by saying I'm feeling much better and am recovering well. But man, I remember the days when we would go and go and stay up late then go and go some more and then work all week while staying up late......on and on. I'm older now, yes I understand that but, in my younger days I built our first house mostly with just day labor while running the night crew at Brookshire's.  In more recent years we work a lot, often 7 days a week during the busy season while having a lot of fun... a little tiring at times but,  noooo problem.

Saturday Afternoon, Harbor Inn

That was before my cardiac adventure.  Now I show houses in town Saturday morning, show houses by water that afternoon. Then show houses again by water Sunday afternoon plus tie in just a little fun, (Friday eve. get together, Sunday eve. great dinner, great friends) and boy I am wiped out.  It's only Tuesday!  I'm glad it's cold and rainy for a few days.  I think I slept 12 hours last night and powered by coffee today....



Pictures from the weekend and a video heading out Sunday afternoon...

Sunday afternoon was cloudy but the lake was like glass

Sunday morning's music scheduling showings early

My ride awaits, Sunday morning

Home sweet home Sunday evening

Friday... Richland Chambers Cool Picture Day!!

Yeah I know the title sounds goofy, but I have discovered blogging is work. Those of you who know me know I am rarely at a loss for words however trying to blog regularly is a challenge.  

So... today my "article" is just some cool lake pictures.

Enjoy...

Parker Teel trying to catch the ' big one'

Richland Chambers spillway area in flood 

RC spillway and Trinity River Bottom in flood

Sunrise on my boat dock

Tarrant Regional Water District's George W Shannon Wetlands

What to Look for in a Lake Lot

What is the absolute #1 most important factor to keep in mind when looking/choosing a lake lot?  What do I really need to know about lake property?
Ah, "Questions 67&68" ... (can't help it, been a Chicago fan since I was 14).

But really, buying a piece of property is an important decision and should be done carefully. So the most important thing to remember is choose something you like!  Seriously! There are important factors to take into consideration during the selection process but ultimately choose something you like, somewhere you want to spend a lot of time.

On Richland Chambers Lake there are more than 300 waterfront lots for sale, priced from $19,900 to $1,000,000+.  So no matter how you slice it it is a process of elimination.


Location, Location, Location.....

Richland Chambers Lake is a big place so driving from point A to point b can vary significantly. Which direction will you be coming from most of the time, or which direction will you be going most of the time?
There is good water, depth and views, in most neighborhoods around the lake depending on your location within the neighborhood.
Is sunrise/sunset  important to you? How about open water vs protected water? Trees? ...  Are you primarily a fisherman or do you like water sports or both?  Yeah, I want it All!!!


There are 3 school districts around the lake, the taxes are very similar with the Freestone county portion of the lake being a little bit less.  Basic services are available pretty much in all areas around the lake;  community water, elec, phone, internet (to varying degrees), trash collection, propane service, yard services, house keepers, etc...

Tarrant Regional Water District is the governing authority for Richland Chambers Lake check them out at TRWD.com.
Also we have a Richland Chambers FAQ page on our website BuyRCLake.com/FAQ

"The Build Line"

What is the "Build Line"?  The water level of Richland Chambers Lake when full is  315' above sea level. The flood stage level for Richland Chambers is 320' above sea level. The 320' level is what is know as the "Build Line".  The lake level is controlled by a 447' spillway with 24 gates. (In 27 years of operation the highest the lake has risen is 317.67'.) 

Tarrant Regional Water District does not allow permanent structures, apart from boathouses, sidewalks, patios etc.., to be built below the 320' elevation.  

Also Richland Chambers Lake is fed by 2 Corps of Engineers lakes, Navarro Mills and Lake Bardwell. Both of these lakes have 25'+ flood stages and water is 'held back' during times of flooding to control the amount of water coming into Richland Chambers and ultimately the amount of water going downstream in the Trinity River.        

So it is a good idea to be aware of where the build line is on the piece of property you are considering. Check out the plat of the lot.  Do you want a big backyard? or do you want to be as close to the water as possible?  Do you want to put in a pool?
These are not the only things to take into account. There are other important items such as Deed Restrictions so research and make sure you can do what you want to do on the property.
Again what is important to you is the main thing. Do your homework, know what you are buying. Find someone who knows the area and has the information.

A local RE/MAX Agent is by far the best choice!

Just sayin....

Ok so how did the lake tour go?...

Alright, how was the first lake tour of 2016?

Well the pictures don't lie, the weather was beautiful the sun felt great and Richland Chambers Lake was absolutely beautiful.  We got a little chili out on the open water going from neighborhood to neighborhood, but the warm sun was just what we needed. 

So all in all how did it go? 

"Any day on the water, barring mechanical failure or a dis-functional captain is a good day."

The modern day ancient mariner        

We had a wonderful day.  The lake was calm and the wind was light so we made really good time.  We started out checking out some lots along the peninsula in The Shores and then cruised down to Southpoint and Sandy Cove to look at some more properties for sale.  We then set our course back in a north easterly direction, went under the 287 bridge and cruised up on the eastern shore of the Chambers Creek arm of the lake.






The next lake tour is scheduled for this next Saturday afternoon, yeah baby.   I am taking clients to go see houses on the south side.  Saturday calls for partly sunny, highs in the 70's and maybe a little wind.
Sounds good to me!!...

Here are a couple of the lots we looked at last Thursday along the eastern shore:

Lot 38 Shoreline Road in Chambers Point-BuyRCLake.com

This one is over in Chambers Point on the east side of the lake. Chambers Point is a great neighborhood and the lot is build ready.  Utilities in place, retaining wall and sidewalk along the water and good water.  Lot 28 is listed for $85,000.







Lots 57/58 Arrowhead Point  Sweetwater Ranch-BuyRCLake.com

           Great Deal Alert!!

Lots 57/58  are being sold together for a total of about 1.3 acres.  They have very nice trees and views for miles.  Sweetwater Ranch on Richland Chambers is one of those off the beaten path communities that has nature at it's finest and lots of friendly folks. These lots are a great deal at $89,000 for the two.

                     

Great Deal Alert on Richland Chambers Lake Property

Great Deal Alert on Premium Waterfront Property

The Shores circa 2009
Lot 505 is down towards the 'boot' on the outside

If you're looking for a great deal on waterfront property what you're looking for may just be in the Shores on Richland Chambers Lake.  There are 70 waterfront lots for sale today in The Shores and some really good deals on very nice waterfront property. The Shores is a 660 lot subdivision located right in the heart of the lake area. Featuring great amenities, gated entrance, live security and all around beautiful neighborhood. The Shores offers wonderful, quiet, Texas style waterfront living.

Lot 505 Waterfront

How about living down on the Peninsula where the water is deep and the views are incredible...

One of the best deals on the lake today is lot 505 in The Shores.  Lot 505 is listed for only $129,000, it has premium, dockable, southwesterly facing waterfront 

and the retaining wall is in place. 

Truly a slice of paradise!   Lots along this side of the peninsula have sold for 150K+!

   Check out the listing here:

          BuyRCLake.com Lot 505

The Sailboat Canal

       Or the Screaming Deal 

Lot 415

$19,900

On the Sailboat canal in The Shores about a half acre, 100 ft of waterfront.  The lot features a good level building site with utilities in place.  The canal is about 7 feet deep in the middle and ready for your boat dock! There is no time limit to build.
Check it out here!
     BuyRCLake.com Lot 415

Lot 505 Build site

Life is Good on the Lake

The FOG back in action at Harbor Inn!
1_29_16

Ok for those who know me, you probably know this story or at least parts of it.  I've learned to present a cliff notes version, so here we go..

On Oct 3, 2015 I had the unthinkable happen to me, I had a heart attack.  Why unthinkable?  I'm 52, very active, always busy still 30 years old in my mind and just never thought it would happen to me.  Thanks to God, modern medicine, helicopters and the incredible love and support of my family and friends I am now on the road to recovery. Hopefully in a few months I'll be back and in better shape than before.  

The afternoon of  the heart attack
10_3_15

Oct 3_2015 myself and a friend, Michael Landon went out fishing on a Saturday evening.  We took off from the Shores and went to some spots on the south side of Richland Chambers to catch Sand Bass. We were catching fish and having a good time when I started feeling bad and then worse and worse.  Within minutes Michael started heading back to the dock. 

After an surreal 4 days or so involving an Air Ambulance ride, middle of the night procedure and several day stay in Baylor Hospital in Dallas, I was back home. I had survived.  

Sunrise on our boathouse one week after my heart attack
10_10_15

There are lot's of reasons why I had a heart attack that I now understand. My lifestyle and particularly diet have changed.  Thanks to my beautiful wife Julie for her love, companionship and immense support that are making me heal. I'm also thankful for the outpouring of love and support from all my wonderful friends.  It has been incredible.  The first picture is from last friday night. The FOG was back and it was an absolute magical night for me. The place was packed and everyone was great. Kind of represents getting better I think... (a big thanks to my bandmates, Vernon, Gary and Brad)

Record high lake level for Richland Chambers
10_24_15

When the lake filled last May the phone began to ring and the market picked up big time.  We had a whirlwind summer, doing almost  a year's worth of business in about 6 and a half months. It was wild. Thanks to all our clients first of all, and thanks to our staff and all the service providers who helped us get it done.  Waterfront home sales were very good and lots picked up some as well.  We also sold quite a bit of land last year in Navarro and Freestone Counties, some beautiful places.

Rehab on the boat dock
11_3_1

When I went down  Julie stepped in and does what she does best, help buyers and sellers buy and sell real estate. She is amazing and took care of every detail of the things on my plate.
So I've been able to rehab at our home in The Shores, working as much as I could.

We did see a record lake level on Richland Chambers Lake during October. The boathouse deck was about 10" under water.

Finally feeling better, band practice with The FOG
1_5_16

Now I feel better and am getting back to normal.  The market has started off very busy this year around Richland Chambers.  So it looks like we'll have a busy spring.  I'm looking forward to lake tours on the new boat and actually have one scheduled for this next Thursday afternoon. It is supposed to be clear and in the 70's.
Life is good on the lake....

Full Circle, first time on Michael's boat since that fateful night
1_30_16

A rehab project with my son Parker's help
11_8_15

First boat cruise after feeling better, two days before Christmas
11_23_15