The Lake Home Resource
FINGER LAKES REGION
What Can I Help You With?
Whether you're buying, owning, enjoying, planning for, or selling a Finger Lakes lake home, I'm here to help you navigate every stage of the journey.
The Lake Home Philosophy
A Lake Home Is More Than a House
A lake home is rarely just real estate. It's a place where families gather, traditions are created, and memories are made across generations. For many owners, it becomes one of the most meaningful places in their lives.
Lake home ownership also comes with questions that don't always arise with a typical home—from shoreline and docks to seasonal maintenance, local resources, changing family needs, and eventually deciding what comes next.
The Lake Home Resource was created to make that journey easier by bringing together practical information, useful local resources, and experienced real estate guidance for buying, owning, enjoying, planning for, and selling a Finger Lakes lake home.
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Experience & Perspective
Robert Markel · Founder & Owning Broker · Finger Lakes, NY
Guidance shaped by 15+ years in real estate and more than 30 years of lakefront living.
As a lifelong Finger Lakes resident with more than 30 years of lakefront living and 15+ years in residential real estate, I understand that a lake home is more than a property. My background in finance, accounting, and business leadership adds another perspective—helping me bring practical insight, thoughtful analysis, and experienced real estate guidance to every stage of the lake home journey.
30+ Years of Lakefront Living
Firsthand understanding of lake home ownership, family traditions, maintenance, shoreline considerations, and the lake lifestyle.
15+ Years in Real Estate
Residential real estate experience with a focus on Finger Lakes lake homes, property valuation, marketing, and negotiation.
25+ Years in Finance & Business
Experience in finance, accounting, and business leadership that brings an analytical perspective to real estate decisions.
The Complete Ownership Lifecycle
Your lake home journey, guided at every step
From finding the right lake home to caring for it, enjoying life on the water, planning for the future, and eventually selling, The Lake Home Resource is designed to help at every stage of lake home ownership.
01
Buy
Understand the waterfront, evaluate the property, consider value and location, and navigate the questions that are unique to buying a lake home.
Explore Buy02
Own
Stay ahead of seasonal maintenance, docks, shoreline considerations, property systems, local resources, and the everyday questions that come with lake home ownership.
Explore Own03
Enjoy
Make the most of life on the lakes—from boating and recreation to restaurants, wineries, events, local favorites, and time with family and friends.
Explore Enjoy04
Plan
Think ahead about changing needs, future ownership, shared family responsibilities, and the conversations that can help keep a lake home a family blessing.
Explore Plan05
Sell
Understand your property's value, prepare and present it thoughtfully, reach prospective buyers, and navigate the selling process from listing through closing.
Explore SellExplore the Finger Lakes
Every lake has its own character.
From shoreline and water depth to communities, recreation, access, and the feel of life on the water, every Finger Lake is different. Start with the six lakes below, then explore the Lakes guide for a closer look.
Cayuga Lake
Long shorelines, varied communities, and a wide range of lakefront settings.
Explore Lake
Seneca Lake
Deep water, expansive views, and communities stretching along both shores.
Explore Lake
Keuka Lake
A distinctive Y-shaped lake with varied shoreline communities and settings.
Explore Lake
Skaneateles Lake
Clear water, a historic village, and a more intimate lakefront setting.
Explore Lake
Canandaigua Lake
A combination of lakefront neighborhoods, scenic hillsides, and established communities.
Explore Lake
Owasco Lake
A smaller Finger Lake with an intimate scale and established shoreline communities.
Explore Lake
Ask Bob a Question
Have a question about your lake home or your next move? Ask Bob.
Ask Bob a Question →