Category — Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate News

Are you making a move to a new community? Whether you’re buying or selling your Smith Mountain Lake home, these activities have one thing in common – either way, you’re going to a new neighborhood.

So how do you become part of your new community? Keep an open mind, and be open to new situations. You may find it easier to make new acquaintances. Get out of the house, and get to know your neighborhood. Take a stroll through your neighborhood, or take your dog for a walk. Pick up on any and all opportunities to perform volunteer activities, attend parties, festivals and community events. Your local PTA or HOA is also a great way to meet people.

Being a part of your community means being a good neighbor yourself. Helping a neighbor in need is a great way to put yourself out there. Lending a tool, taking food over during a funeral, or keeping an eye on each other’s property when you are away all help to foster and nurture a neighborly atmosphere.

Be willing to compromise. Having neighbors means you share property lines, streets, and communities. The simple acts of chopping down a tree on a property line, or putting up a fence, can cause trouble between neighbors. You need to talk to them and work out your differences on the matter, so that all can live in harmony for many years to come.

Now is the time to be open and adventurous. Try new things, take up new hobbies, or seek out those who share your interests. If you’re moving here to Smith Mountain Lake, there is an abundance of things to see and do year ’round. Get out and explore all we have to offer, and contact Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert and long time resident, to help you find the perfect home for you.

Seller Motivated – The Water’s Edge

3 BR    4.5 Baths     3,626 Sq.Ft.    $849,000

MOTIVATED SELLER. THE WATER’S EDGE-THIS HOME IS POSITIONED ON A FLAT POINT LOT WITHIN A COVE. PARKLIKE SETTING. UPDATED KITCHENS AND BATHS. LUSH LANDSCAPING AND LOTS OF SPACE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ONE OF A KIND LOCATION. ACTIVE CLUB MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE FOR $30K.

For more info…

Have you wondered what the term “geothermal energy” means? Ecologically-minded green living is a growing trend in the real estate world. The Geothermal Energy International Market found that between 2005 and 2010, the US retained world leadership in production of green living products, including those involving geothermal energy.

For homeowners, increased interest in geothermal products is due to a little-known, but very generous, tax credit available for the next five years. Consumers who install solar energy systems – or geothermal systems – can receive a 30% tax credit for systems in place before December 31, 2016.

Remember what you learned in school, about how below the earth’s surface is boiling hot magma? Geothermal systems harness that heat and energy, by pumping up hot water and steam. The amount of heat within about 33,000 feet of the earth’s surface contains 50,000 times more energy than all of the oil and natural gas resources in the world.

How do you integrate geothermal energy into your own home? All you need is to have a ground source heat pump installed. Either air, or antifreeze, is pumped through pipes underground, then circulated throughout your home. In the summer, the liquid moves heat from the building into the ground. In the winter, it does the opposite, by moving pre-warmed air and water into your heating system.

In terms of price, a system (with necessary drilling) starts around $17,500. The units are durable, quiet, easy to maintain, and offer year ’round comfort. Initial costs are offset within five to 10 years, as they are claimed to save 70% over traditional heating costs.

If you’re considering “going green” to heat and cool your home, think about geothermal energy. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home at Smith Mountain Lake, then contact Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert.

Remember those model trains you loved as a kid? It seems that residents of Smith Mountain Lake still have a passion for them. Come join the SML Model Railroad Group; they’re holding their Fourth Annual Charity Chug to benefit Lake Christian Ministries, which helps needy families during the holidays. The benefit promises to be the biggest yet! Those who attend are asked to make a small donation at each of the homes they visit.

There will be eight different model train layouts for available for viewing. Five homes will be hosting on Saturday, December 4^th from 1-5pm; those plus three additional homes will be open to enthusiasts on Sunday, December 5^th from 1-5 pm.

Hosting homes are conveniently grouped together, and each host will be available for questions. Bring the kids, or grandkids – each layout will feature a fun checklist of features. Children and adults alike are encouraged to meet the challenge of finding the special features of each setup.

This year’s Charity Chug will feature an amazing array of train types, including holiday trains, passenger trains, freight trains, and a collection of boxcars from all 50 states. Layouts all differ as well; you’ll be amazed as you watch trains wind over trestles, chug through growing forests, and pass operating drive-in restaurants. There’s even a cable car which runs to the top of a mountain!

For more information and directions contact the following hosts:

• Robert Ford: 721-3958

• Ken Salley: 721-9542

• Herbert Cosby: 721-5773

• Jim Mathie: 721-5927

• Hans Weidig: 721-4797

• Jerry Hale: 721-7222

• Les Kuhn: 721 – 8575

• Charlie Marshall: 721-0014

Come join us for the holidays. You’ll find yourself wanting to stay year ’round, and enjoy the incredible array of fun, interesting and exciting activities at Smith Mountain Lake. Call Vicki Millehan today. Vicki is a long-time Smith Mountain Lake resident, and your local real estate expert. Let her put her resources to work for you; she’ll find your perfect home.

Have you been wondering about the conditions for buying or selling a home at Smith Mountain Lake? Right now, conditions are extremely favorable. Prices are stable, interest rates are great, and there is an attractive range of homes from which to choose.

Nationwide, mortgage rates are stabilizing slightly higher than the all-time lows set just weeks ago. 30-year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.25% for well-qualified buyers, and current 15- year fixed rates are at 3.75%. There are plenty of terrific values to be found in the Smith Mountain Lake area!

The purchase of second homes and vacation properties has been on the rise since 2003, making up more than 1/3 of residential transactions. Smith Mountain Lake is a prime spot for those seeking second homes or vacation get-aways. The area has so much to offer. There are 22,000 acres of clear water, surrounded by mountains, lots of water activities, golf, and many shops and galleries. We are centrally located in Virginia, close to airports and an easy drive from anywhere (especially via the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge Parkway), making this an excellent destination.

Now is the time to take advantage of all that the area has to offer. Call Vicki Millehan, your local area real estate expert, for more information on buying or selling your Smith Mountain Lake destination.

Have you taken the opportunity to read our previous blog, “Time to Winterize Your Smith Mountain Lake Home – Part I? If you did, you know that now is the time to prepare for chilly winter weather! With a little care, you can keep your Smith Mountain Lake property protected. These tips are good for owners of seasonal getaways, as well as for permanent residents who might vacation away for awhile. Take steps to protect your lakefront home from fire hazards:

Indoor Tasks

• Unplug electronics and appliances to minimize possible damage from power surges or lightening strikes.

• Dispose of ashes from wood stoves and fireplaces.

• Remove all combustibles, as well rags for paint, oils, gas and turpentine. Don’t forget to remove the containers used for fuel storage!

• Drain gas out of mowers, trimmers and other lawn equipment. This will help to minimize necessary repairs in the spring.

• Check and test smoke detector batteries. If one goes off, a neighbor might hear it while you’re away.

• Invest in a security system. It will not only warn you of a break-in – it can also alert you (at a remote location) of a fire.

Outdoor Tasks

• Check your roof for loose shingles.

• Seal or cover windows to prevent breakage.

• Remove boats, lifts, jet skis and other recreational items. However, don’t take your boat out of the water until you are ready to winterize it. Water left in the inboard/out drives and plumbing will freeze slower in the lake.

• Shut off power to electric heating systems. For hot air heating systems, turn off the burner emergency switch.

• Drain water from forced hot water and steam systems, flush toilets, flexible spray hoses on sinks, water softeners and water heaters. Disconnect outside hoses, shut off water supplies, and add antifreeze to your sewage traps to help prevent freezing and busting pipes.

Take a little extra care when you’re planning to be away from your Smith Mountain Lake property. A few simple measures can help protect your home, and give you peace of mind. To buy or sell your own Smith Mountain Lake property, Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert. She can provide you with a wealth of information on owning or selling your own lake property.

Have you thought about winter weather yet? If you own a Smith Mountain Lake home, now is the time to think about protecting it from the coming snow, ice, and winter winds. Although most of these tips are geared toward owners who have a seasonal property and will be away for the winter months, permanent residents may find some of these ideas useful as well. 

• General upkeep is important to insure that your home remains safe. Check for openings that pests may use to get in the house. Put mousetraps in basements, closets, and kitchens.

• Check the chimney to be sure it’s covered to prevent animals and birds from entering. Remove food, cosmetics or medicine containers that have liquid in them that could freeze. Food in paper or plastic containers could be put in metal containers to keep out mice or other rodents.

• Remove or hide valuables such as guns, radios, TV sets, and tools. Remove any tools someone could use to enter your property and lock all the doors and windows. Ask a permanent resident to check up on your property from time to time.

• Have your furnace checked annually, and if you have an air conditioner pour bleach in the condensate pump to keep the line clear.

• Do a thorough cleaning, and make a list of any repairs needing done, so you will remember to get any parts that are needed for spring.

• Check with your insurance agent to make sure you are fully covered and make sure to add any new additions to your policy.

• Check into a property management service. They will do such things as remove your dock, clean the gutters, irrigation shut down, and water softener salt.

When spring arrives, and you just want to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake’s wonderful activities and beautiful scenery, your home will be ready for you. If you’re looking to find a lake home for next year or thinking of selling your Smith Mountain Lake home, Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, to assist you with all your real estate needs.

Wondering what to do for the upcoming holiday weekend? The Smith Mountain Lake area provides a bounty of activities for every season – for families and visitors alike – and the upcoming holiday weekend is no exception. Bring your visiting family and friends, or, if you’re lucky enough to live here and you’re just looking to kick off your holiday spirit, come enjoy some of the following events:

Holiday Open House at Hickory Hills – November 26-28. From 11am-5pm, enjoy sipping hot mulled wine, tasting seasonal snacks, and purchasing gifts for the wine lovers on your Christmas gift list. They are located at 1722 Hickory Cove Lane in Moneta. For more information, you can call 540-296-1393. Admission is free.

Holiday Reunion Show at the Hotel Roanoke – November 26 from 7pm-12am. The show will feature The Embers, The Original Royal Kings, The Original Rhythm Doctors, and special guest star, The Breeze Brothers. Admission is $25.00 per person. Call 540-989-5464 for more details.

Christmas Open House at The General Store at Smith Mountain Lake – November 27-29. The hours are 9:30am-5:30pm. Enjoy Christmas sales in the store, as well as gourmet food tasting. Admission is free, and The General Store is located at 213 Scruggs Rd., Moneta.

Open House at Southern’s Best – November 27. Come celebrate Christmas around Bridgewater. Refreshments and special discounts will be available all day. Play Elf on the Shelf, and await Santa’s arrival by boat. The Plaza Christmas tree lighting will take place around 8pm.

Dinner with Santa – November 27 from 5-7pm. Bring the whole family to Benjamin’s at the Pointe Restaurant for dinner with Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy, and help Mariner’s Landing, Benjamin’s and Santa collect toys for the Flotilla for Toys Parade. You will receive a free kid’s meal for children 12 and under, for each toy donated. Call 540-297-4900 for more information and reservations.

There is no better place to spend the holidays than at Smith Mountain Lake. Come enjoy the many things to do and see in the area year ’round. Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for information on buying or selling your Smith Mountain Lake home. Come home for the holidays.

Are you ready for some good news on today’s housing market? The National Association of Realtors recently reported that pending home sales in July were up 5.2% from June. Although this doesn’t necessarily mean that the market is rosy, buying or selling your home at Smith Mountain Lake is truly possible.

Challenges are still present, such as getting the best price when selling, or getting financed when buying. There are some great opportunities out there for both groups. Just remember to remain flexible, adaptable, and diligent. Also, increase your chances of success by using the following “dos” and “don’ts.”

Sellers, do be flexible. Throwing in an appliance loved by a buyer could make the deal. Clean up! Pack away your collections; make it easier for the buyer to envision how they will decorate. If you have to move the closing date up to make the deal, then you’re already ahead of the game by having those things packed.

Don’t be greedy – let the market, not your emotions, dictate the price. Pricing at market or below could start a bidding war, and ultimately get you more money. Don’t take lower bids personally, and don’t procrastinate. If you’re thinking about selling your Smith Mountain Lake home, do it now.

Buyers, do get a home inspection and have a firm budget in mind. It’s better to walk away from a home with serious problems – or one that is out of your range – than to put yourself in a financial bind.

Do list your house before looking for another. Contingency sales can be complicated, and they are often rejected. Banks want sales to go smoothly.

Don’t be a design snob. Use your imagination, and envision what you can do with the space.

Don’t make offers so low that they get you kicked off the table. Some sellers won’t even counter offer with a bid that is extremely low.

If you are ready to buy or sell you Smith Mountain Lake home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, her team is ready to meet all of your real estate needs!

Most people nowadays love the look of natural granite countertops. No two are alike, they come in great colors, they’re very durable and can last a lifetime and remain beautiful for years to come.These elegant countertops re fond in many local Smith Mountain Lake homes.

Even granite has some limitations, however, and here are a few precautions to keep in mind if you already have granite countertops or are planning to install them in your Smith Mountain Lake home:

When serving or cooking with lemon, vinegar or other acids, take care. Use coasters in the case of drinks containing citrus or other acidic juices or alcohol and use cutting boards when cutting such items as lemons or oranges. These juices can damage granite by leaving stains, as well as etching the stone..

Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your granite countertops, but rather milder solutions such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or mild dishwashing liquid.

Some granite will need to be resealed every six months to two years, so be sure to check with the manufacturer or installer of your countertops to see if this is something you need to do. If resealing is necessary, there are two types of sealer you can use – penetrating, which seals by penetrating the stone, or topical, which coats the counter’s surface. The topical also comes in two types – strippable and permanent, although the permanent type is not usually recommended for granite. Again ask your installer which is best for your lifestyle. Do be sure that whatever you choose is non-toxic, since it is probably being used in a food-preparation area.

If you’re lucky enough to have granite countertops in your Smith Mountain Lake home, with just a little maintenance and care, you should expect to enjoy them for many years,.

To learn more about some of the beautiful homes for sale in the Smith Mountain Lake area, many of which do have beautiful granite countertops, Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for more information on relocating to the home of your dreams. There is no place like HOME for the holidays.