Tammie Bennett Doesn’t Just Sell the Lake LBJ Lifestyle, She Lives It
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With the summer season quickly approaching and second homes on the rise, we decided to go to the lake life expert, the authority on Lake LBJ – Tammie Bennett of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty – to get the real scoop on one of the hottest waterfront markets in the state! Ranked No. 1 in sales volume for 2017, she not only sells Lake LBJ, she lives it, representing homes for the likes of AOL co-founder Marc Seriff, to famed NASA astronaut Jim Lovell. We sat down with the in-demand top producer to learn the secret behind her overwhelming success, and find out what buyers can expect when hunting for property on Lake LBJ.
CandysDirt.com: Let’s talk awards. You are consistently ranked a top producer with over $100 million in sales in nine years on Lake LBJ. Tell us how you manage this success.
Tammie Bennett: 2017 has been my best year yet with over $32 million in sales. I rank as the No. 1 agent in sales volume and Luxury Real Estate for the Highland Lakes Association of Realtors and No. 5 company-wide for Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. Managing success to me just means how am I going to top last year — I better get busy.
CD: How did Lake LBJ become your specialty?
TB: You can’t help but fall in love with Lake LBJ. I fell in love with it as a girl spending a couple of summers here with a great aunt. What a dream come true it was to move here full time with my family in 2006. Finding the perfect lake house for my family was a year-long adventure and what an education I got. It truly allows me to understand and help buyers find their perfect place on the lake.
CD: Why is Lake LBJ a great second home market for Austin and San Antonio buyers, as well as people from Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas?
TB: Lake LBJ is so centrally located in Texas, it makes it easy for most anyone to get here with a relatively short drive. For many families scattered throughout Texas, it is the perfect hub for them all to gather for a wonderful weekend getaway.
CD: What sets you apart from the competition on the lake?
TB: Living on Lake LBJ gives me a definite one-up on the competition, knowing all the ins and outs of the lake. For listing waterfront properties, it is by far the excellent marketing that I provide through Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty that makes my listings stand out to the world!
CD: Are you implementing any new strategies or marketing techniques this year?
TB: Marketing is constantly changing, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty with J. Kuper at the helm makes sure I stay on the cutting edge of all marketing. Several new things are about to roll out in 2018, but I am still a big fan of beautiful marketing pieces through direct mail.
CD: What is the greatest piece of advice you give to clients who are looking to invest in a second home/lake property?
TB: Be sure to use a good local Realtor, one who knows the area and specializes in that type of property, one that provides quality marketing. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience — this is the best way to protect your investment and to make sure you get the best deal and representation in the long run.
CD: Did Hurricane Harvey affect Lake LBJ, the local housing market, or create a slow down?
TB: I think we got a little bit of rain, it truly did not have any detrimental effects on this market. Many folks from the Highland Lakes, like many Texans, headed down to help with the relief efforts, and many of my Houston clients had the good fortune to own a second home and left Houston and ride the storm out on the lake.
CD: What do you love most about living, buying, and selling the lake lifestyle?
TB: I can honestly say this has been the most fun I have ever had! While working as hard as I do. If I am not out showing beautiful homes, I’m in my office working while looking over the lake. Just that provides me with great joy and inspiration. The lake has such a calming effect for me. I can’t think of anything I would rather be doing!
CD: What’s on the horizon for 2018?
TB: After having such a great 2017 I need to get busy to stay on top! Just a little competitive!
CD: Lake LBJ market predictions?
TB: The Lake LBJ and Horseshoe Bay market always does well. The folks that are selling their lake houses have made great memories here with their families and found it’s time to move on and let new families come make memories that will last them a lifetime, and they do last a lifetime … my good times on this lake as a girl brought me back with my family many years later and we are making our memories! I predict I will be here a long time to come, selling fabulous lake houses and loving every minute of it!
For a glimpse into Tammie’s lifestyle on Lake LBJ watch this video. More Lake LBJ listings can be found here.
