Category — relocate to Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake covers parts of 3 counties—Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania. Though great for vacationing, this creates a unique opportunity for those who may be contemplating making SML their primary residence. There are so many things to consider when trying relocate to a different city or even state. Of course, at the top of the list is typically the economic development in the given area. Are there jobs available, and if so, is it a growing or stagnant area?

Luckily for those looking to relocate to the SML area, Bedford, VA—according to the Virginia Department of Economic Development—has actually been designated a Certified Business Location. Some sources go even further and claim that due to the agriculture, industry and commerce, Bedford nurtures an atmosphere for a solid and diverse economy making it a progressive business environment.

According to the Bedford County, Virginia website, policies put forth by city and county governments—which are independent of each other—encourage social and economic growth. It is impressive for independent governmental bodies to be in such accord in working toward a common goal—the benefit of the people they are governing. It seems like this should be assumed, but unfortunately in many areas, it’s hardly a consideration, let alone a given. This website even goes so far as to state that “Government attitude toward business and industry is one of cooperation and support.”

Perhaps SML current and potential residents in and around Bedford realize the gem in their midst, and that’s why this area has been recognized as one of the fastest growing in the Commonwealth. With a stable civil situation, which assists in keeping the taxes under control, added to an excellent school system, it has quite an allurement. It is an incentive for potential residents to come and current residents to stay.

The types of industries in Bedford are plentiful and include as many as 29% in manufacturing alone. Retail, service, construction and even local government are others in ample amounts for the growing region. Transportation is easily accessible. The three inter-regional highways that cross through the area make it convenient for people and easy for deliveries.

Smith Mountain Lake, in all its natural magnificence and wonder, really is not just for vacations. Parts of the expanse should be recognized as a desirable residence where social and economic development is a priority. If you are looking to relocate, don’t let the opportunity to get the best of both worlds by purchasing in the SML area slip through your fingers. For assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I will be more than happy to give you some housing suggestions. I have over 19 years of experience in selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake. My web page always has a current list of events that are taking place in Smith Mountain Lake

Keeping up with the tradition carried over from last summer’s success, The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Inc. presents the Music in the Park event, taking place throughout the 2011 summer season.

Are you a fan of warm summer nights, live bluegrass music and delicious hot dogs, snacks and drinks? This is the perfect chance for you to come out and enjoy local live entertainment from talented bluegrass bands and the Old Dominion Cloggers at each event. Bring a picnic or buy ice cream, hot dogs and other treats whose proceeds help support and fund the Smith Mountain Lake State Park community facility.

When/Where: The fun takes place every 4th Saturday during the summer at 8 p.m. at the Beach Pavilion in Smith Mountain Lake’s State Park, located at SML State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA.

Fees are $5.00 per person and there is no parking fee. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.

The exciting lineup of bands is as follows:
July 23rd- Friday Night Band
August 27th- Wound Tight

Seating is limited, so bring your own lawn chairs or spread out a blanket and enjoy the beautiful weather, fine scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere that the Smith Mountain Lake area has to offer!

For more information, call (540) 297-6066.

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.

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!