How to Price Your Lakefront Property Without Leaving Money on the Table

Owning a lakefront property is like holding a rare gem—beautiful, desirable, and in limited supply. But when it’s time to sell, how do you make sure you’re getting top dollar without scaring away buyers? The key is pricing it strategically—and that starts with understanding what actually drives lakefront value.

Here’s how to price your lakefront home like a pro (and why working with a specialist like CENTURY 21 Keim and CENTURY 21 Country Lake Homes is your secret weapon):

🧭 1. Comparable Sales (aka Comps)… but With a Twist

Yes, you need to look at what similar homes nearby have sold for—but not just any homes. Lakefront real estate operates in a league of its own.

A standard ranch across the street doesn’t compare to your lakefront colonial with a private dock and mountain views. Instead, comps should:

Be lakefront (or have similar water access)
Match your waterfront footage and lot elevation
Include dock, bulkhead, or beach rights
Reflect similar seasonal vs. year-round accessibility

Bonus tip: If the only comp is a cousin who sold “around the lake” in 2019—ignore it. This isn’t the pricing hill you want to sink on.

🌅 2. Premiums for View & Exposure

Not all lakefront lots are created equal. If your deck overlooks wide-open water with sunset views, cha-ching—you’re sitting on a premium.

Here’s how views affect pricing:

Western or southern exposures = higher demand (hello sunsets!)
Flat lots with easy access to water = more valuable
Heavily wooded or steep lots = often discounted
Private coves or secluded inlets = buyer-specific appeal

Professional agents know how to quantify these intangibles—and market them properly.

🛶 3. The Dock Factor: Yes, It Adds Value

You wouldn’t sell a garage without a door, right? Same idea here.

If your lakefront property includes a dock, floating platform, or even dock permits, these items add concrete value to your listing. Docks:

Can add $10,000–$50,000+ depending on size and condition
Offer boating, fishing, and swimming convenience
Often require permits or special approvals (which adds value)

Not sure if your dock’s a deal-clincher? Ask your agent to factor it into the pricing model.

📐 4. Lot Size & Lake Frontage

This is where lakefront pricing gets technical. Buyers aren’t just buying square footage—they’re buying access and control.

More lake frontage = more privacy, better views, more dock space
Deeper lots = space for outbuildings, pools, gardens, etc.
Usable land matters more than total acreage (steep slopes and wetlands don’t count as “bonus space”)

Be wary of overpricing based on acreage alone. A 1-acre lot with 200’ of frontage can outperform a 3-acre lot with just 40’ on the water.

🧠 5. Buyer Psychology: It’s Emotional (and That’s OK)

Lakefront buyers are rarely logical—they’re emotional, aspirational, and often buying with their heart, not just their head.

They imagine:

Their grandkids catching fish off the dock
Morning coffee with mist on the lake
Fourth of July fireworks reflected in the water

A skilled agent doesn’t just price by square footage—they price to the dream. And when that’s done well, buyers are often willing to pay more than the numbers say they “should.”

🎯 Bottom Line: Strategic Pricing = Maximum Return

Lakefront homes demand a nuanced pricing strategy. Overprice it, and you’ll linger on the market while summer passes you by. Underprice it, and you might leave tens of thousands on the table.

Working with an experienced lakefront agent from CENTURY 21 Keim and CENTURY 21 Country Lake Homes means:

Data-driven pricing
A marketing plan tailored to lake buyers
Insight into seasonal buyer behavior and emotional appeal

Don’t gamble with guesswork. Reach out today to price your lakefront property right—and reap the reward you’ve earned.

Ready to get started?

Contact CENTURY 21 Keim and CENTURY 21 Country Lake Homes today.
We know the lake. We know the market. And we know how to bring you top dollar.

East Stroudsburg: 570-476-1851
Greentown: 570-676-4900
Lords Valley: 570-775-4000
Allentown: 610-395-0395
Bethlehem: 610-866-6363

or explore homes now at Waterfront Home Search Pennsylvania