After eight years of slow sales 2016 was a great year for Real Estate in the Lake Gaston Region. 2017 is gearing up to far exceed last year’s sales. What is particularity encouraging is the increase in land sales and the even larger number of buyers looking for land and lots to build their dream homes.

When I speak of the region I am considering all the counties that surround Lake Gaston extending to Buggs Island Lake. This large area truly represents our region. There is big demand for family farms, timber tracts and crop land. We have also seen a significant increase in interest in development properties with lake lot potential. Tracts that have gone multiple years with no interest are now receiving multiple offers.

The market changes are due in large part to increased optimism. Large scale construction projects such as the Micro-Soft server farm located in Boydton Virginia, the large Gas burning Dominion electrical plants in Greenville & Brunswick Counties, Solar farms in Halifax NC and the VCU Community Memorial Health Center, have brought both temporary construction jobs, and quite a few permanent jobs. Entrepreneurs are beginning to start their own ventures or as in the case of Poplar Point Marina, The Pointe at Lake Gaston, Holly Grove Marina and Benchmark Bank in South Hill are increasing their size and service at their current locations. Red mud is flying in all directions. All around us new start construction is visible. Carter Construction of Virginia, located in Bracey Virginia reports that his new house starts are at a level not seen in years. He is actively adding new employees. Lower gas prices and promises of lower taxes have also encourage investors to pull out their wallets.

John Zubrod, Vice Chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors stated. “Whether the jobs are in Brunswick County or Warren County citizens of all communities get the jobs, regionalism helps all of us”

Regionalism is how we will grow. We must avoid looking at our area from “my county first perspective”. The Lake Gaston Chamber, the LGA and the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and others have all made statements at their meetings expressing the need for a strong Region. They join many other counties in our region who realize that our success is regional. Mecklenburg County in Virginia has long lead the charge to promote the region.

Please take the time to participate in your areas meetings. Your elected officials want your input. There are many opportunities to express your opinion and to encourage improvements that will lead to growth. Let me know your thoughts.

You can reach me at Michael.Dotti@LongandFoster.com