CORNELIUS, NC – March 24, 2026 – Lake Norman Realty, Inc. has earned the LeadingRE Elite Referral Producer Certification from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 550 market-leading real estate companies with 135,000 sales associates in more than 70 countries.

In addition, Lauren Hodge, CRP®, Director of Relocation and Referral Services for Lake Norman Realty, Inc., has been honored with the President's Service Award through LeadingRE's Service Recognition Program. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated meaningful contributions to the network through active participation in programs, events, and leadership initiatives.

"This recognition speaks to the relationships our team has cultivated both within our company and across the LeadingRE network. Earning the Elite Referral Producer Certification is a testament to our collective commitment to delivering exceptional service, and Lauren's President's Service Award further reflects the leadership and dedication behind that success. Lauren has been an integral part of our team since 2012, and it has been a true pleasure to watch her grow and flourish in her many roles. Her contributions have helped elevate our Relocation Division and the experience we provide to clients every day," said Abigail Jennings, CRP®, President of Lake Norman Realty, Inc.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® introduced the Elite Referral Producer Certification to recognize member firms that exemplify exceptional performance in broker-to-broker outgoing referral production—one of the network's core values. Companies earning this distinction represent an elite group among the network's top firms, demonstrating their ability to provide exceptional service to clients with real estate needs across global markets.

The Service Recognition Program further highlights the dedication of individuals within the network, with the President's Service Award granted upon the accumulation of 15 service points through contributions that support LeadingRE's collaborative initiatives and continued professional development.

LeadingRE Chief Operating Officer Kate Reisinger, CRP®, commends Lake Norman Realty, Inc. for its focus on delivering exceptional service to its clients. "These firms are setting the standard for how member companies can generate meaningful referral opportunities while supporting clients with real estate needs around the world," Reisinger said.

Lake Norman Realty, Inc. is the Lake Norman and Greater Charlotte area representative of LeadingRE (LeadingRE.com). As a member of LeadingRE, Lake Norman Realty, Inc. combines authentic local market leadership with top-ranked resources and relationships with other premier real estate firms worldwide, expanding the company's marketing reach and ability to provide real estate assistance in most markets across the globe.

For more information about Lake Norman Realty, Inc., please visit LakeNormanRealty.com.

Photo caption:
Lauren Hodge (center), Director of Relocation and Referral Services for Lake Norman Realty, Inc., was recognized with the President's Service Award at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® LIMITLESS Awards Gala on March 4, 2026. Hodge was one of eleven recipients honored that evening, joining a total of seventy-two award winners recognized through the program.

Pictured left to right: David Horn of Bellator Real Estate, Shira Rosenhaft of Brown Harris Stevens, Michael Saunders of Michael Saunders & Company, Lauren Hodge of Lake Norman Realty, Suzanne "Suzie" Kovalsky of Turpin Real Estate, Robin Morris of Phyllis Browning Company, and LaMonica Hummel of Windermere Signature Properties.

Photo credit: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Contact: Abigail Jennings / Lake Norman Realty, Inc. / (704) 892-9673 / Info@LakeNormanRealty.com

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Are you positioning yourself in hard assets right now?

As we move deeper into 2026, investors are navigating a landscape shaped by higher interest rates, market resets, and a renewed focus on fundamentals. After several years of volatility across stocks, bonds, and alternative investments, many investors are asking a simple question:

Where can I place capital for long-term stability and growth?

For many, the answer continues to be tangible, income-producing real estate — especially in lifestyle-driven markets like Lake Norman.

The Power of the View

You've heard it before:

"Honey, I want the view."

Whether it's a beach escape, or a lakefront sunset, people consistently pay more for perspective. The view has always commanded a premium — and it always will.

Lakefront. Water views. Deep-water docks. Sunset-facing lots.... equal income and value creation.

In every market cycle, properties with lifestyle appeal outperform average inventory. Why? Because they aren't just purchases — they're experiences.

And experiences hold value.  They hold it for your, your kids, your grandkids, and generations to come.  I'll never forget my daughter being enamored by "the lake".  "What is that big beautiful blue thing - Dad?" (as we drive over the breezeway and I laugh).  She said, "Is that an ocean?"... To think, a five year old...now six, could make my mind race through millions of marketing ideas, but to also make me a kid again.  Perspective and lasting memories, things she reminds me daily to chase like I only have one trip around the sun..because we do.  One Trip!  Let's make it memorable for generations to come...here at Lake Norman!  Now for more possibilities:

From Enjoyment to Income

In 2026, the short-term rental market has matured into a sophisticated investment category. Platforms like:

• Airbnb

• Vrbo

continue to drive strong demand for high-quality waterfront homes in destination markets.

The equation is simple:

• The better the view (ocean view or OCEAN FRONT - which costs and rewards more in the moment, and over time? Just food for thought.)

• The stronger the demand

• The more resilient the revenue

Lake Norman remains one of the Southeast's most desirable second-home and relocation markets, fueled by continued growth in the greater Charlotte metro area.

People are still moving here.
They're still boating here.
They're still investing here.

And they're willing to pay for the view.

Why Hard Assets Matter Now

Real estate is the definition of a hard asset:

• Tangible - it's not going anywhere!

• Income/equity-producing

• Inflation-resistant

• Historically appreciating over time

Unlike paper investments, you can walk through it, improve it, refinance it, or reposition it. It's a strategic asset — not just a line item on a screen.  It's touchable!

With interest rates stabilizing and inventory gradually improving across the Lake Norman region, 2026 presents opportunity for strategic buyers who think long-term rather than react short-term.  The region's growth shows no signs of stopping as a 747 full of passengers a day are still relocating to the CLT and LKN markets!

Be Early, Not Reactive

Every cycle rewards those who act before momentum becomes obvious.

By the time headlines declare the market "hot again," pricing has already adjusted, buyers have flooded offers, and your best buy positioning begins to soften.

The opportunity in 2026 isn't panic buying.  It's thoughtful acquisition.  It's strategic planning on value proposition for the next two decades.  This is where my experience in assisting you thrives.  I helped position real estate developers with early go to market (GTM) strategies for revenue growth for the last 16 years.  I can help guide you through your acquistion or sales process implementing the same planning process to achieve maximum results.  

Lakefront properties, water-view homes, and well-located investment opportunities between Cornelius, Mooresville, and Davidson remain limited by geography. You just cannot create more shoreline overnight! (A fair challenge to the previous statement is Bois d'Arc Lake - just finished being built in Texas last year and is the newest one since the early 90's.  So, yes...it might be created, but you'll have to wait over 30 years to see it happen.)

Scarcity matters.

Own the View. Let Others Pay for It.

For years, you've paid premiums for better hotel rooms, vacation homes, and waterfront dining.

What if you flipped that dynamic?

What if others paid you when they said,

"Honey, I want the view."

The right property can provide:

• Lifestyle enjoyment

• Portfolio diversification

• Long-term appreciation

• Passive income potential - if desired

In a shifting financial landscape, ownership of premium real estate isn't speculation — it's strategy.

If you're considering acquiring lakefront or investment property in 2026, now is the time to position yourself intentionally.

Own your view.
Build long-term wealth.
Create something tangible.

Let's talk strategy.

My phone is on - 7 days a week - 276-971-3823!  I'm ready to help when you are ready to capitalize!

Logan Shortridge

Realtor-Developer

Lake Norman Realty, Inc.

logans@lakenormanrealty.com

276-971-3823