MAJOR LAKE LANIER REAL ESTATE NEWS

The Corps of Engineers announced some major news this week: there are only 174 Lake Lanier dock permits left and they'll be given out on October 28.

A little history: There has long been a limit of 10,615 permits, but the Corps had a two year freeze on new boat dock permits during the recent drought. It took that time to calculate how many it had left and how best to distribute them.

How to apply: Go to www.lakelaniersupl.com for forms and instructions. Requests will only be accepted by mail. The lucky winners will be randomly selected in October.

How will this affect real estate: Due to scarcity, prices are likely to increase for property with docks. Mary Thompson notes that Lake Lanier appraisals are on the rise.