Your New Friend at the Lake – Brian Czup
My name is Brian Czup and I’ve been selling real estate at Lewis Smith Lake since 2003. It’s my specialty and my passion! Now that you’ve made the decision to begin exploring a Smith Lake lifestyle for yourself and your family, you’re sure to discover that there is a bit of a learning curve with purchasing Smith Lake property.
I’m proud to be able to offer my customers what I believe is the VERY BEST shopping experience there is at Smith Lake.
I live, work, play, and SUPPORT the Smith Lake community and have for many years. I’m a licensed, full-time Smith Lake Real Estate Specialist, and a consistent top-selling, multi-million dollar producer affiliated with Joseph Carter Realty – a LEADER in our market!
My Last Name – CZUP
It’s a Hungarian name from way back to the old country. I’m told it was misspelled on Ellis Island, NY from the original “CZAP”. My great grand-father was the one who brought the name to the United States in the late 1800’s. Some folks look at my last name and wonder how to say it. Well, the “C” is silent. It sounds like “UP” with a “Z” on it so it’s pronounced like ZUP. Kind of like “What’s Up ZUP?” which is what I have heard my whole life. It’s unique and I love it! Many people affectionately just call me ZUP. Feel free!
My Family
My wife and I have been married since 2006. My wife’s name is Emmy and she’s from the Philippines. She has a little nail shop in Curry called Emmy’s Nails. If you get a chance, go in for a mani or pedi, or just to say “hi!”. Once you meet Emmy and her sweet girls, you’ll feel like you’ve found some friends. She’s got a great little business over there with a huge following of both local regulars and seasonal Smith Lake visitors. I’m very proud of her!
My son’s name is Blaine and he’s a super great kid! He’s a graduate of the University of Alabama with degrees in English and Criminal Justice. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. He’s a computer whiz, and a regional winner of the Brain Bowl. He is currently employed with the Jasper Police Department.
He’s a lot like me in many ways and we share some of the same characteristics including sense of humor. I’m very proud of him too!
My Business
My business is Smith Lake real estate and everything that I do is with the purpose of enhancing my real estate business in creative and unique ways. One of the ways I market my clients properties and myself is through my website: SmithLakeHomes.com and “The Lakeman” brand.
It’s my belief that all my listings deserve the best marketing effort possible using the most effective market tools and techniques. I enjoy my job and I enjoy being the best at what I do.
My Website
Launched in 2004, SmithLakeHomes.com was the very FIRST and still remains the BEST source for Lewis Smith Lake MLS listings on the Internet today. It consistently ranks at the top of the top 10 Smith Lake websites with some rankings number 1. A lot of thought has gone into the layout, design and content of this site. SmithLakeHomes.com content is updated daily.
My Facebook Group
In 2011, I started the Lewis Smith Lake, Alabama Facebook group in an effort to bring Smith Lake people together for friendship, the sharing of ideas, resources such as service recommendations, or to just share photos of fun times! The Group is the largest Smith Lake Facebook group in the world with new members growing joining every day. Look at the top/right of this page to see the current amount of members. There have been some wild discussions with some heated debates at times. I still administer the group along with one other person. We aim to keep the conversations light and friendly but yes, we have had to remove bad actors at times. It’s just part of the world we live in now. Join us and jump into the conversation!
Alabama Lakewide Charities (ALC)
I am a founding member of Alabama Lakewide Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Jasper, Alabama, that supports search and recovery efforts on Lewis Smith Lake and provides aid to other local non-profits. The all-volunteer group holds annual fundraising events like the Poor Man Poker Run and Spook the Lake to raise money for underwater recovery equipment and related financial assistance.
ALC – The Poor Man Poker Run
An annual on-water poker game held on the lake where participants collect cards at different docks. Afterwards, everyone meets at Trident Marina for winner announcements, auctions, and fellowship. It’s a highly anticipated annual event and our largest fundraiser dollar-wise. The Poor Man Poker Run is the first Saturday of August annually. Visit Alabama Lakewide Charities’ website for more information.
ALC – Spook the Lake
A lake-wide, family-friendly Halloween event where people decorate their boats, kids and even their dogs and trick-or-treat at designated boat docks around the lake. Most docks go all out with decorations as well. Spook the Lake is the largest-attended and favorite event on Smith Lake. Spook the Lake is the second Saturday of October annually. Visit Alabama Lakewide Charities’ website for more information.
I’m Easy….
Never any gimmicks, games or deceptions. If you’re buying, my goal is to help you buy your dream lake home and put a smile on your face in the process. If you’re selling, the process couldn’t be easier. Since many Smith Lake property owners live out of town, we can do all the paperwork electronically. I’ve sold many, many homes where I’ve never actually met the owners in person.
I Make Selling Easy
Send me your information so that I can get started with your property valuation. Once received, I’ll contact you to set up a meeting with you at the property, or if you live out of town/state/country, tell me how I may gain access to the property and everything can be handled via e-mail, fax, or mail.
I Make Buying Even Easier
There are tons of buying tools built into this website! Tools like area specific MLS searches, automatic email alerts, a registration database that matches you to listings, a foreclosure database, and some things that I’d rather not tell my competition. These are tools ones that I have developed over the years and have spent countless hours testing and refining. In addition to the technology, I also spend countless hours personally previewing selected properties for my customers in an effort to refine their choices so that when we finally meet in person, we can concentrate our efforts on what they really want to see. This not only saves them time and travel expense, but I’ve noticed it makes shopping for a lake home or lot so much more exciting!
The Bottom Line
I’m easy-going, honest, hard working and extremely knowledgeable about Lewis Smith Lake and the home buying and selling process. I’ll get the job done quickly, efficiently, and with a level of professionalism which will exceed your expectations. The lake is a fun place! Who need hassle, stress or drama? Right?
Ready to search for properties? Let’s go!
