Winter storm warnings are in effect for our area this weekend so we may get that perfect white Christmas after all. So snuggle up next to the fire and break out your favorite Virginia wine and enjoy watching the snow fall! If you still have a few people left on your list to buy gifts for, don’t worry! Luckily you can find great gifts right here on the lake!

You can pick up food supplies and that last minute gift of wine at The Mouse Trap at Bridgewater Plaza. They have one of the largest selections of wines in the area. When you are done there you can head over to the Gifts Ahoy shop. You can find Smith Mountain Lake attire for any season, Vera Bradley accessories and homemade fudge. All wonderful gifts for the holidays!

If you want something unique or artistic, then hurry by The Little Gallery for that last minute gift! The original store is located at Bridgewater Plaza; recently they opened a second location at Westlake Towne Center next to the Westlake Library. They offer a wide range of fine art, handmade pottery and jewelry. Recently they have added woven glass art by Erik Markow and Thom Norris. Their art was featured on CBS News Sunday Morning Show.

It is hard to find a place a beautiful and convenient as Smith Mountain Lake! If you haven’t experienced it yet, then come for a visit! If you like it then move here! When you are ready to live on the lake, call Vicki Millehan! Your local real estate expert!

As most of you know the Home Buyers Tax Credit program has been continued. You can read most of the details in the recent blog: Buy a Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break! With current homeowners now being eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500, many are asking for details on the expanded program and what it means for them. It seems to be almost custom made for those who are ready to retire or downsize their home!

You can buy a lot of house for $800,000, but not everyone wants a lot of house to take care of! There is a whole generation of Baby Boomers who are just starting out on the road of retirement! On the top of their list is buying a retirement home. The new repeat buyer tax credit can be applied to a home that is smaller and even less expensive than your current home. There are many types of homes that qualify, if you want a condo or cottage on the lake, no problem! If you prefer to live on the lake in a houseboat, you are covered there as well! As long as it is a primary residence, you can buy the right sized home to fit your retirement plans!

Another benefit for retirees is the wider pool of buyers that will be looking for homes. Many of those ready to retire owned homes that were considered a few steps beyond what most first time homeowner would consider. These homes are now in demand for repeat buyers who are ready to take on the next level of home ownership! With the new program, you can sell your city home and buy a smaller home in the country and still qualify!

You can use the tax credit towards your home or you can use it as a down payment on that new sailboat! Whatever you choose to use it for, don’t miss out on this opportunity! You can take advantage of this program through April 30th, 2010 and will need to close by June 30th, 2010. Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! Golf courses, fishing, sailing, hiking; these are just a few of the things you can enjoy in Franklin County!

There is so much to do in Franklin County, Virginia; come for a visit, if you like it then move here!! If you want to see what kind of homes are available in the area call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!

Just north of Bedford County Virginia, you can find one of nature’s most amazing displays: Virginia’s Natural Bridge. Twenty stories high, this solid rock display was made by nature’s own hand. So take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the glorious colors of fall as you head to this wonder of nature! The next few weeks are the peak of fall color in this area of Virginia!

Place of History

There is a lot of history here, starting 300 years ago with the Native Americans of the area. This natural bridge was a sacred site for the area Monacan Tribe. The Cedar Creek carved a 215 foot high, 90 feet wide arch through the mountain, creating a solid rock bridge over the water. Many believe George Washington carved his initials in the arch during a 1750 surveying trip. Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge from King George III in 1774 for 20 shillings, along with 157 acres of land. Jefferson called it, “the most Sublime of nature’s works.” Jefferson even built a two room cabin and began to use it as a retreat. Many notable figures of history stayed there: James Monroe, Sam Houston and Henry Clay, to name a few.

Family fun at the Bridge

Today there are many things to do if you decide to spend the day at the Natural Bridge. Now through November you can enjoy the Corn Maze! You can “get lost in a good time” with the whole family. Scarecrows are scattered throughout the 6 acres of the maze; any child who finds 10 wins a prize! There is also the Drama of Creation light show each night. This has been a bridge tradition since 1927! There is so much to do. Your Natural Bridge visit includes: Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge Caverns, Cedar Creek Trail, Native American Village, Drama of Creation, and more! You can spend the day and not run out of things to do!

This is an area so full of history and natural wonder! If you want to live closer to it all, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find what you are looking for! If you haven’t had a chance to see Bedford County and the surrounding area, then come for a visit! If you like it, then move here!!

I know what you are thinking, but no, we do not have a lot of “riff raff” at Smith Mountain Lake! What we do have is “Rip Rap” shorelines. Rip Rap is a way to combat erosion along the banks of the lake. Rocks are put into place to help keep soil erosion down to a minimum. So, how can you tell if you need to control erosion, and if so what is the best way to go about that and safeguard your property’s value?

What is Rip Rap?

Rip Rap is rock or other material used to protect shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour, water or ice erosion. It works by deflecting the force or energy of the water from soft soil or sandy banks. Rip Rap rock can be seen in sea walls and even under overpasses along the highways to prevent erosion.

The first thing you need to do to determine if you property qualifies for erosion control on Smith Mountain Lake is check out the Shoreline Management guide. Not all lots on the lake qualify or need erosion control. If you have a beach or a very gentle slope from the land into the water, you probably don’t need to even worry about it. If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful beach, the last thing you want to do is put a pile of rocks on it! But if you are having an erosion problem, this simple and inexpensive protection can be invaluable! Some property owners have reported losing 10%-20% of their lots to erosion if they don’t take this precaution!

Do You Think You May Have Active Erosion?

It doesn’t matter if you have a flat lot or a steep lot. The problem can stem from currents to how much boat traffic you have in your part of the Lake. If you think you may have an erosion problem, you can contact a local landscape expert to come and take a look for you. They can let you know if you have active erosion on your lot. If you do, then contact American Electric Power (AEP). AEP can issue permits to deal with structures for erosion control. For additional information or applications you can contact them at; aepsmp@aep.com or call at 1-540-489-2556.

Working together to protect our shorelines helps keep Smith Mountain Lake the beautiful Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains! If you haven’t had a chance to visit us, come on over, and if you like, it then move here! If you want your own beach on Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert for Franklin County and Bedford County VA!!

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.

The stunning scenery of Smith Mountain Lake makes the area a magnet for vacationers all year round. It’s just a matter of when you want to come.

There are three main rental periods throughout the year in Smith Mountain Lake – peak-season, mid-season and low-season. Understanding each season will help you to make the best rental plans and ensure that you can find the property you want.

Peak-season is the busiest season and occurs from June to August. Waterfront rentals during this time run from $400 to $4000. The cost is generally determined by the size of the home and the included amenities, not as much by the location of the property. So, it is possible to find a nice, smaller sized home or condo right on the lake at the lower end of the price range.

Mid-season is the 4 to 6 weeks that proceed and follow peak-season. There is not as big of a demand for rentals during this time so prices should be very favorable. If you want to go all out you should be able to find some of the larger, million dollar, homes at great deals, too. Imagine how fun it would be to live in a million dollar home while vacationing. Also, the rental terms are more flexible. During peak you usually have very strict guidelines about check in and check out, but during mid-season things tend to be more laid back.

The low-season is, of course, the time outside of peak or mid-season. You will get the best deals at this time because demand is fairly low. You can find some amazing deals that will let you enjoy this beautiful area without the crowds of the summer visitors. With Smith Mountain Lake being beautiful year round, low-season is ideal for someone just wanting to enjoy the scenery. Expect great discounts of 20% to 50% on rentals. Something you could not afford during another time of the year may just be in your price range now.

If renting a vacation home here is great idea, how about buying one? Smith Mountain Lake is the ideal spot to make your home away from home. Aside from the beautiful scenery, we welcome visitors with open arms and make you feel like you belong here! Our low real estate taxes make a Smith Mountain Lake home a great place to rent out part of the year when you or your family aren’t using it. So, contact Vicki Millehan and get started today.

When people vacation, they often flock to warm and inviting places like lakeside resorts. Though natural warmth and beauty are abundant, the atmosphere may be unwelcoming. It takes some of the fun out of vacation when the locals act like they wish you would leave.

This is not the case in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia – not just a vacation destination but a community that envelopes visitors into the local community

However long you wish to stay – Smith Mountain Lake welcomes you.

There’s plenty to do in the area, all available to visitors. Once you visit Smith Mountain Lake you will see why it is called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Do not let this opportunity pass you by to enjoy a little Southern hospitality in gorgeous surroundings. .

You can enjoy the area in a wide variety of styles of homes, too, whether you prefer a small cabin by the lake or a large home nestled in the woods. During the peak season from June to August, you can get a lakefront home for about $400 to $4,000 a week. This includes options from a condo to a larger sized family home. You choose the home that suits your needs and desires.

For many people, once they see that Smith Mountain Lake is a friendly community where visitors are always welcomed, a vacation rental turns into a permanent home. Leaving Smith Mountain Lake is hard to do.

Finding a vacation home in Smith Mountain Lake is simple with the help of an area expert like Vicki Millehan.

Smith Mountain Lake is a beautiful area with a relaxing atmosphere so it is no surprise that many people want to buy a second home in the area. When buying a second home it is smart to shop around and really get to know about the area in which you are buying. After all, when you commit to a second home, this means that you also committing much of your future vacation time and lots of your future income to it. You better fall in love it with it! This will allow you to prepare yourself for making the purchase.

The other way to make purchasing your second home in Smith Mountain Lake much easier is to find a realtor that really knows the area. This will help ensure that you can get all the right answers to your questions. Vicki Millehan is the Smith Mountain Lake real estate expert that can walk you through buying your second home with ease. She has the experience and personal knowledge about the area to ensure you find the right home. If you live out of state, Vicki can work with you by phone, mail, or email or work through an agent from your area.

Once you start to work with Vicki you will need to be sure to work carefully to find and compare different lenders. Vicki can you find the best rates and get the best deal. As is the case with your first home, you should be pre-approved for your second home as well.

Since she knows the area, Vicki will be able to help you to find just the right home. You may be interested in the area because you’re a golf nut or love to fishing or boating. Maybe you just like the peace of the water. She will know what area will suit your tastes the best. If you are on more of a budget, then she can help you to find a home that fits into it.

When you choose a good realtor when buying your second home, you will find that it makes the whole process easier. So, contact Vicki today to see what Smith Mountain Lake home will become your second home.

Picture by Bill Piatt