JOB DESCRIPTION: Broker of the Renee Amey Team for Re/Max, 4243 Lakewood Way, 816-213-3421, leessummitlakehomes.com

Q. How many lake-home communities are there in the Kansas City area?

A. There are basically 12 that allow living on the lake. In Missouri, there’s Creekmoor in Raymore; Lakewood; Raintree Lake and Woodland Shores in Lee’s Summit; Lake Lotawana; Loch Lloyd; Riss Lake in Parkville; Lake Tapawingo; Weatherby Lake; and Lake Winnebago. In Kansas, there’s Cedar Creek in Olathe and Lake Quivira. I sell homes in all of them. (There’s a comparison of the 12 communities by population, boat size regulations, dues, speed limit on the lake, etc. at leessummitlakehomes.com/lake-comparison).

Q. You’re hosting a lake-home event. What’s happening lake homes in the Kansas City area?

A. In this economy, less people want to have a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks. So you’re seeing more people make their only home at the Kansas City area lakes.

Q. Zebra mussels have become a big concern at lakes, and have been discovered in Lake Lotawana, Smithville Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks. (They’re small mollusks capable of forming invasive colonies, damaging pipes and affecting wildlife). What do you tell prospective buyers about them?

A. Lake management has become strict about enforcing cleaning of boats to prevent them from spreading.

Q. Do you live in a lake home?

A. Yes, I grew up at Lakewood. I wanted my kids to have the same experience. Missouri and Kansas don’t have mountains, oceans or the desert but we do have lakes you can be active on. So we live at Lake Winnebago. The kids love it and it’s fun way to be active together. Their friends love it, too.

Q. Tell us about your home.

A. It’s 9 years old. It’s a reverse story and a half. It’s an open floor plan with tile floors, which is great in the summer because it stays nice and cool. There’s a screened porch off the kitchen and there’s a nice breeze. It’s good to have a screened porch when you live by the lake because of the bugs. We have a pool and a fully loaded dock with two Jet Skis, a speed boat and a pontoon. Wakeboarding is huge right now.

Q. What else is helpful for people to know before they live in a lake home?

A. Most of the lakes are in outlying areas so you’re driving more. But it’s worth it.