Category — home sales

In a recent issue of Smith Mountain Laker Magazine, garden photographer, speaker and author Catriona Tudor Erler shares some of her knowledge and experience to help you create an amazing array of flowers around your own home. If the natural beauty exuding from every pore of Smith Mountain Lake compels you to want landscaping to match, follow this expert advice for a fabulous flower frenzy!

Erler recommends these following tips:

Good Soil

If you are not in a hurry, you could collect some organic materials-make sure compost, leaves, rotted manure, and weed-free straw are included in the mixture-and spread at least 5-6 inches on top of the existing soil. Let the worms do all the digging, while the decomposition of the materials will be improving your soil. In a couple of years, it will be ideal for planting.

For more immediate results, till the organic material into the existing soil yourself. If dealing with an area that has a lot of stones, it may be necessary to remove an area of at least 10-12 inches and replace it with a high-quality top soil. However, buyer beware as the quality control of top soil around SML leaves something to be desired. Erler’s personal experience has been a delivery of river bottom sand, almost nutrient-free, that hardened into a concrete of sorts, and another was a delivery of clay. So choose your supplier carefully!

Plant Performers

The challenge of creating your beautiful utopia with minimal care is to work smarter, not harder. Erler advises selecting some perennials that can bloom for long periods, survive with little or no rain at times and are low maintenance.

Geranium ‘Rozanne’-while not deer resistant-are worth protecting because of their garden performance of flowering in early summer and continuing until frost. Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ will grow as high as 2-3 feet and is deer resistant. Border the flower bed with blanket flowers such as Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Next to the Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and against the background of the lake is a perfect setting.

Don’t Forget the Foliage

Even flowers need a little down time, so while not blooming, offset the garden with foliage. Great possibilities are Hemerocallis ‘Golden Zebra’, Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine’ and Cimicifuga ‘Hillside Black Beauty. Take advantage of the recent hybridizing of coral bells. With such a variety of foliage colors and typical availability at The Growing Place in Wirtz, there is nothing stopping you!

Other forms of flower and foliage are provided with shrubs which also fulfill the need for mass. Try Loropetalum ‘Purple Diamond, Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ and Weigela ‘Eyecatcher’ to start.

Create Dimension

“Reach for the sky,” says Erler. Don’t have everything the same height in the flower bed. Create some dimension with vertical elements by adding supports for vines to grow up tall, the shrubs will help and try some trees too. A few evergreen shrubs can even keep some green through the winter; one idea is a fastigiated conifer.

A final suggestion for this eye-tantalizing feast of flowers is repetition of planting patterns in the border. Keep in mind that alternating the blooming varieties and the foliage will create rhythm and balance in your design.

For more resources on fabulous landscaping around your home or assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake offers an array of lake front homes. There are cozy condos and magnificent luxury homes. You can find many different homes to suit your budget needs, too.

There are many benefits to waterfront property. One of the most obvious benefits is that you have the lake right there. You have instant access to the water. You can jump in or grab your boat from your own property. It is complete convenience. This is what most people think about when they start shopping for a lakefront home.

However, there is a flip side to a lakefront home. The thing that people do not consider is the responsibility that comes with living on the lake. You are responsible for upkeep. You have to keep the water and the dock in good shape. You have to do clean up and repairs often. It is your responsibility to ensure that your part of the lakefront is kept beautiful. While it may seem simple enough, it can be a lot of work.

If you are serious about owning a lakefront home then Vicki Millehan can help you out. She knows where to find the best deals and she can ensure that the home you buy is the perfect one for you. Let her help you and if you decide that lakefront is not for you then she will be able to help you find the right Smith Mountain Lake home that is.

Smith Mountain Lake has a Hollywood connection. Many people may not realize it, but this area was the backdrop for What About Bob? a hit 1990s movie. This comedy was filmed right off the lake and the locals even got to get in on the fun.

People are always fascinated with Hollywood. It is easy to become star struck, but you do not have to meet a Hollywood A-lister to get the inside scoop about how movies are made. You can visit Smith Mountain Lake and meet people who were here when What About Bob? was being filmed.

The movie was filmed here during the fall of 1992. Stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfus were on hand to film the movie in the nearby town of Moneta just off the lake. A real home in town was used and the signs and buildings were made up to look like the fictional movie town, Lake Winnipesaukee.

Even though the house was blown up in the film, it is still there in Moneta. What really happened was Hollywood magic. A scale model of the house was blown up, not the real house.

You can come visit the area and see the remnants from the movie. You can also talk to locals who were there for the filming. It is always exciting to be a part of something like this so people are sure to want to talk about it.

When you are in the Smith Mountain Lake area, you will definitely see right off hand why it was chosen as the film location. It is a stunning area where natural beauty is abundant. Not to mention that the homes and people in this area make a picture perfect setting. If you start to feel at home then let Vicki Millehan show you around. She is the top real estate expert in the area and she can help you make this lovely area your home.

The real estate market reflects the economy and times are very uncertain right now. However, for some buyers this is the perfect opportunity to find their dream home at amazing prices and in amazing locations.

Many people are taking the opportunity to buy a second or even third home. It takes careful consideration, though, to get the best deal. It is smart to use a talented and knowledgeable agent who can help you through the process and ensure that you will get the house you want for the price you want.

Vicki Millehan can walk you through every step of the process. Plus, she is located is the heart of one of the best areas for new home buying. Smith Mountain Lake is one of those ideal real estate areas because it is a paradise location that has not yet been discovered by the masses.

According to experts, areas like Smith Mountain Lake are the spots to shop for those second and third home purchases in 2009. The most popular areas have pretty much bottomed out and great deals are few and far between, but in lesser known areas, like Smith Mountain Lake, the deals are abundant.

Are you thinking about getting a second or third home in 2009? Have you set your heart on buying in an area that is perfect for vacationing any time of the year? If you said yes, then Smith Mountain Lake is your place to be. You get everything you want in a home and location, but at prices that can not be beat. Contact Vicki and let her get you that home you’ve been dreaming about. Smith Mountain Lake offers beautiful new and recently built homes right along the lake. If you’re looking for a business opportunity, there’s even a winery for sale!

It’s hard to miss the Smith Mountain Dam. It is, after all, why there is a Smith Mountain Lake. It should be no surprise that it is a treasured landmark and a popular attraction in the area.

Owned by the Appalachian Power Company, the dam opened in May, 1976 to serve as the main source of power in the area. Damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers created a 32 mile lake which offers great recreational opportunities, but the dam itself is interesting as well. The dam welcomes you to tour the visitor center where there is an abundance of information at your disposal. In fact, over one million people have toured the dam since it opened.

The visitors center offers an audio-visual presentation that shows the dam being built and there is a mural on the wall that shows how the Smith Mountain Gap looked before the dam was built. Today that gap is filled with water, thanks to the dam.

You can learn more about how the dam works by inspecting the model that shows how water is pumped and stored. Plus, there are additional exhibits that explain how electricity is generated from the dam. It is an overall educational experience for everyone.

The Smith Mountain Lake Dam is open everyday during Daylight Savings Time from 10am to 6pm. All other times of the year the dam operates from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday and Monday. It is a good idea to call to confirm the operating hours before your visit. You can also make reservations if you have a large group.

The Smith Mountain Dam is located on the eastern edge of the lake in beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. You can easily find this charming town just off Rt. 751. You will probably fall in love with the laid back atmosphere of the area, the miles of trees and, of course, the glistening lake, so if you think you may just want to spend more time here then give Vicki Millehan a call. She is the local real estate expert that can help you to find a home right in the heart of this paradise.

Buying real estate may seem simple on the surface, but it is not something that everyone can handle on their own, especially when looking for a second home or out of state property. Buyer’s agents are here to help you through the buying process and to ensure your best interests are at the forefront of every deal.

Many people figure they can buy real estate without any assistance. Many times, the idea behind it is to save money. You may think you are getting an agent when talk who has listed a property, but that person is actually working for the seller. In the end, though, you could actually end up paying more money, far more money, than you would have if you had just used a buyer’s agent in the first place.

Doing a purchase on your own involves many more tasks than just finding a piece of property and putting in your bid. You will also need to know how to:

- evaluate properties

- evaluate a fair price

- create documents

While it is possible to do all of this yourself, it is not easy. You will spend a lot of time doing research. Wasting all this time may just mean you lose out on the property of your dreams because instead of being out there looking for real estate, you are stuck inside at a computer doing research.

Using a buyer’s agent is not a requirement, but it is a smart choice. When you choose an agent, though, choose carefully. You want an agent that will work for you. You want an agent who is going to be out there, finding good deals and finding you what you want. You want an agent that is as excited and vested in your purchase as you are. You need Vicki Millehan.

Vicki throws herself into every part of your real estate search, from beginning to end. She will do everything she can to ensure you get the best deal on the best property. She has the knowledge and the skills to do the best job. Vicki knows the diverse properties available in Smith Mountain Lake and will do all the leg work so all you have to do is decide which one to buy.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a place where you can enjoy it all. From the water to the history, there is a little bit of everything within the park. You can do the traditional park-like activities, meaning hiking and fishing or you can try something new, like testing your wilderness skills or visiting an exhibit on the folklore of Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park was developed in 1967, after Appalachian Power dammed the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, near Huddleston. The company donated a parcel of land for the park and the State of Virginia bought the rest. In 1975, the construction began and, finally, in 1983 the park was officially open to visitors. Ever since then this place has been swarming with people taking advantage of all the various things to do.

During the heat of summer you will find many sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the park’s 500 foot beach. On any given evening you will smell the burning campfire, and maybe even hear some campfire tunes coming from the 50 primitive campsites or the 20 cabins. Can’t you just picture yourself jumping in for a refreshing swim? Maybe you’d feel more at home singing along by the campfire while roasting up a marshmallow.

Smith Mountain Lake Park is a great example of how enjoyable and varied the Smith Mountain Lake area is. This park reflects the natural beauty and the laid back atmosphere of the whole town.

Perhaps you would like to stick around and enjoy the park and the town all year long or maybe you just want to check it out a little more. Either way, you need some one to show you around town. Vicki Millehan is one of the area’s top real estate agents and she has chosen this lovely place to call home, so let her be your guide. Vicki will be more than happy to tell you all about what it is really like to live in Smith Mountain Lake and find you a great Virginia property here.

What is the first thing you think of when you think about Smith Mountain Lake? The lake, of course! Shopping for a new home in Smith Mountain Lake can be a spectacular experience if you check out lake front homes from the deck of the Virginia Dare.

Does your idea of the perfect vacation spot include water sports, fishing, golf, and plenty to do in the area? Do you enjoy escaping for long weekends to a serene place where you can enjoy your favorite pastimes amidst friendly local resident? Long term, do you see yourself retiring to a place this?

If your answer is “yes” to these questions, you are a good candidate for buying a vacation home. Yet you wonder if this is cost effective. Because the area is in great demand, Smith Mountain Lake is a great location for you and your family – and a great source of income when you aren’t using it. What you earn in rental fees will offset the cost of your mortgage or provide you with extra income each month.

Smith Mountain Lake is a vacationer’s dream. People flock here every year to enjoy the crystal lake, varied wildlife, and welcoming community. It is good place to stay when you want to explore local attractions. Owning a home here allows you a great opportunity to help out the vacationers and help out yourself. As we mentioned in our previous blog Smith Mountain Lake: A Place So Pretty You Might Want to Stay, the area is desirable all year round, even though “in-season” rentals are the most lucrative.

Why let your home sit empty when you can make money renting it to people who will jump at the chance to stay in your home? The homes in Smith Mountain Lake are, no doubt, beautiful and highly coveted, especially the lakefront homes or those homes tucked away along the tree lines that really draw attention.

Even if you do not currently own a home in Smith Mountain Lake, but are considering buying one then keep renting possibilities in mind. You buy a second home and it sits empty half of the year. That seems like a waste of money, but when you take the opportunity to rent into mind you can see how you can turn your second home into a money maker.

If you want to buying a home in Smith Mountain Lake, talk with Vicki Millehan now about the rental potential of your home. Vicki can help you to buy a home and rent your home out. Contact her today!