Category — waterfront properties

A few nights of classical music are in store this Labor Day weekend for those of us who are lovers of music here at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Partake in a few evenings of musical enlightenment as you listen to the beautiful sounds of master musicians such as Maestro David Stewart Wiley, Tracy Cowden, Philip & Tara Bouknight and Leah Marer Wiley during the 2 days of exciting musical events and local concerts.

• On Friday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. Tracy Cowden and David Stewart Wiley will grace the Trinity Ecumenical Parish stage in Moneta on duo pianos, providing the lake crowd with the privilege of enjoying their program entitled “Duo Piano Fireworks: From Sea to Shining C”. Throughout this program you will hear 176 keys dueling in harmony, with favorites such as Rachmaninoff Romance, Grieg Norwegian Dance, selections from Petrouchka, a Hungarian Dance and the Haydn Variations by Brahms, and a Gershwin Porgy and Bess Fantasy. There will also be a sampling of piano music from Maestro Wiley’s score to the locally filmed “Lake Effects” movie starring Jane Seymour. For a sneak peak at the scoring and to enjoy all the classics, get your tickets early for the program because they are sure to sell out!

• In addition, there will be a program on Sunday, September 4 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. entitled “Labors of Love: from Boheme to Bernstein” in which the Bouknights and the Wileys will perform classic “Labors of Love” from beloved hit musicals and the silver screen as well as popular arias, duets and trios. The program is built for the three shining vocalists and the accompanying piano in order to share with us the musical expressions of love and love’s labor’s lost. Bring a date or your spouse to this night of musical enchantment conveniently located near the lake, and hear classics including duets from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Mozart’s Don Giovanni & Marriage of Figaro, Bizet’s Carmen, Copland’s The Tender Land, Bernstein’s Candide & West Side Story, and Puccini’s La Boheme as well as themes from theater classics including Gone With the Wind, Rent, My Fair Lady, and many other romance favorites.

Tickets for these events cost $20 each or $35 per ticket for both performances and they are available by mail when addressed to SMAC, P.O. Box 70 in Moneta, VA (24121) (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope) and they will also be available at the SML Visitors Center, Print-n-Paper, and the General Store. Come get swept away with us while enjoying a few nights of entertainment and refined romance on this very special Labor Day weekend!

Both concerts will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, VA on Route 122 at Lakemount, Moneta. For tickets or information contact (540) 297-0965 or (540) 309-1676.

In a recent article in the Smith Mountain Eagle, our local American Red Cross was reaching out to blood donors. The article pointed out that its blood supply remains at a critically low level, even though hundreds of local residents donated blood after a national campaign reached out to them.

As a long-time resident and top Realtor of Smith Mountain Lake, I wanted to do my part in assisting Virginia’s American Red Cross by reaching out not only to Smith Mountain Lake residents, but all Virginia residents to donate blood.

The recent heat may be part of the reason why blood supplies are so low. Many don’t want to venture out into the heat, while those who do may have elevated temperatures that disqualify them from donating. On a daily basis 38,000 blood donations are required to meet the demand. In order to meet this demand, someone must donate blood every two seconds. On average three pints of blood are required for one transfusion. Only 38% of the population is eligible to give blood.

There are many benefits to donating blood. By donating just one pint of blood, you may be helping as many as three people! We all know how good it feels to help others…and all it takes is just one hour of your time!

Donated blood helps many Americans. Much of the donated blood is used for accident victims and cancer patients.

We know that blood transfusions are often required by accident victims. But I was surprised to learn that 100 pints of blood may be needed by a single victim of a car crash.

Almost all of us have friends or family who have been stricken by cancer, especially since over one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many cancer victims require daily blood transfusions while they are undergoing chemotherapy.

The American Red Cross website is wonderful. It will answer all of your questions on donating blood.

The Appalachian Blood Services website has the contact information for the Roanoke Blood Donor Center as well as other Virginia blood donor centers.

I urge everyone in Smith Mountain Lake and in all of Virginia to donate blood. The American Red Cross states: “The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™”

If you are one of the 38% that can’t donate blood, but want to lend a helping hand, you can always host a blood drive or volunteer your time.

I love helping out my community, and I love assisting those who want to buy lakefront property, so call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience in selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

Out with the old and in with the new!! New Year’s celebrations at Smith Mountain Lake are in the final preparations for the big party! 2009 has been a year to remember! From the opening of The Southern and Southwest Virginia Fishing Trail at the 2009 Bassmaster Tournament to the record breaking snows of December, a lot has happened this year past. If you are ready to ring out the old year in style, the party at the Mariners Landing can’t be missed!

Mariners Landing is offering great “staycation” packages for the New Year celebration. The annual New Year’s Eve party in Huddleston will be featuring musical guest Dragonfly. They will be performing at Benjamin’s at The Pointe during the celebration! With great food, a champagne toast and more, there is no better way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new!

In Roanoke you can attend the New Year’s Eve Blast at Roanoke Civic Center or the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hotel Roanoke. The New Year’s Eve Gala is a charity event that will feature a different band in both ballrooms. A balloon drop and champagne toast will round out the evening.

Now if you are looking for something a little more family friendly, you have a few different parties to choose from. You can celebrate the New Year at Still Waters Coffee House in Bedford. The admission is $20 per person and will include a dinner buffet, party favors and a non-alcoholic environment to ring in the New Year! In the Roanoke area you can enjoy an Enchanted Eve! The fun starts at 6pm and the first 500 kids will receive a free glow in the dark necklace! This celebration even includes fireworks at the stroke of twelve!

Over the last year, we have looked at all the different places and events available in Franklin County or Bedford County, VA. If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, make 2010 the year to come! Come for visit and if you like it, then move here! Happy New Year to you and yours from Vicki Millehan! Thank you for making 2009 a year to remember!

If you ask someone what the capital of Virginia is and they will tell you Richmond. If you ask someone what the Christmas Capital of Virginia is and the answer will always be Bedford! The light displays at Liberty Lake Park and the Elks National Home is a tradition many return back to Bedford to enjoy! Add the Bedford Festival of Trees and the Holiday Nights in Bedford and you understand why the town has earned that moniker!

It isn’t Christmas until the lights are up! You can enjoy over 30 acres of lights at the Liberty Lake Park. If you are struggling to get into the holiday spirit, this will definitely get you in the Christmas Mood! Bring the whole family to enjoy the festive displays. December 11th at 5:30pm, you can witness the switch flip and drive through the Christmas Lights at the Elks National Home. These light displays draw over 100,000 visitors to the area through the month of December! Come and see why! There are no admission charges so no need to feel scrooged!!

You can also enjoy the Holiday Nights in Centertown Bedford! Also starting December 11th all evening until 9pm, there will be shopping, carriage rides and you can find the Jolly man himself hanging out at the Bedford Museum. Santa and everyone else will be in Centertown every Friday night until Christmas.

Christmas time or summer time there is no better place to live then Franklin and Bedford County VA! Wineries and waterfront homes, cottages and country homes, whatever style of home you want, you can find it here! If you are looking for a Bedford home call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

With 500 miles of shoreline, there is a lot of waterfront property available in Smith Mountain Lake! This community of 22,000 boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in country. Homeowners can enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains reflecting off the lake right from their own backdoor. It truly is a wonderful place to live. It is these amazing waterfront homes that draw many people to the area. Buying waterfront property is completely different from buying a lot in the average community. Here are a few things to remember when looking at a lake front home.

First and foremost, you should work with a local real estate expert. That may sound cliché, but when dealing with a waterfront lot, you need the knowledge a local agent will bring to the table. A question such as “How stable are the water levels in the lake?” can make a big difference in the value of the property. In some lakes, the water level can fluctuate drastically; this can mean needing a specialized swivel dock for you to be able to keep your boat in the water. Smith Mountain Lake water levels do not experience large fluctuations, so most boat docks are able to be close to the shore. That brings up another good question; can you build your own dock and or boat ramp on the property? A local real estate agent can help you with these questions.

If you are looking at a more rural waterfront property, you may want to ask who will maintain the roads in the area. When purchasing a lot to build on, you should also ask what utilities are available. Don’t assume you can just hook up. Of course ,along those same lines, you may want to find out what kind of septic system is required for lakeside living. If community living is more your style, don’t limit yourself to just one option. Check out all the Smith Mountain Lake developments. Knowing all your options will help you make a better decision.

Waterfront properties are good investments. By doing your homework and working with a great agent, you can get the most out of your money! If you are ready to look at waterfront properties in Franklin or Bedford County, call Vicki Millehan! She is your Smith Mountain Lake real estate expert and long time lake resident!

It all started with a sink hole. A gust of air from a limestone sinkhole blew out a candle held by Andrew Campbell as he and friends were looking for caves in the area. What they ended up discovering was the largest series of caverns on the East. Purchasing the land at public auction, the men began to prepare the cave for visitors. The rest is history!

In 1880 The Smithsonian Institution sent nine scientists to examine the cavern system. They were amazed at the stalactite and stalagmite formations they found. One of the most popular formations is the Stalacpipe Organ! Located in the Cathedral, you really can play music on these stalactites! Using a system of electronically controlled rubber mallets you can hear the rocks make music! It has even been featured on Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

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!!

The deadline for the First Time Home Buyer Tax credit was fast approaching, but we have good news!! The $8000 Tax Credit program has been extended! Not only do first time buyers now have until April 2010 to choose a home, but those current home owners who are looking to buy a home may also qualify for a new $6,500 credit! There is a little something for most everyone in the extended program!

If you were worried about missing the November 30th deadline, you now have until April 30th, 2010 to be under contract to buy a Smith Mountain Lake home and get a tax break! You can schedule your closing anytime through June 30th, 2010! The extra two months to close will hopefully avoid the backlog of closings agents have seen as the original deadline approached.

If you are a first time home buyer, not much has changed in the extension. Any home that can be used as a primary residence is eligible under the program. Even houseboats qualify under the extension! You cannot purchase a home from a family member and qualify for the tax credit. Income guidelines are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for those who are filing jointly. To be considered a first time home buyer you still must not have owned a principal residential property in the last three years. But with the new extension, if you own a home, you may still qualify for a tax credit!

Repeat Buyers are now eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500 on the purchase of a home. To be considered a repeat buyer, you will need to have owned and resided in a home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. The income guidelines are the same as a first time buyer: $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly. You can purchase any primary residence up to $800,000 and earn a 10% tax credit up to $6,500. For the first time buyers the highest amount of the credit is $8,000!

You can’t find a better incentive for buying that waterfront home you have been thinking of! Come visit Smith Mountain Lake, if you like it then move here! If you have questions about the Home Buyers Tax Credit extension, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

Smith Mountain Lake is well known for its weekend getaways and as a summer vacation hotspot. But with its temperate climate, the region has grown into a year round travel destination boasting a growing residential community. A true “Four Season” community whose shorelines, services, amenities, and attractions create the perfect place to visit and live!!

There is no doubt Smith Mountain Lake has four seasons. Boating is most popular from the early spring all the way to the colorful days of fall. The brave of heart can even venture out on the lake in the winter. The average temperatures in January are highs in the mid forties to lows in mid twenties. The Lake does not freeze over, so about the only thing you can’t do on the Lake is ice skate!

In the crisp spring air you will see flashes of colorful phlox and bright jonquils! Azaleas will begin to put on their yearly show of brilliant colors. Then as spring gives way to summer, the lake becomes a flurry of activity. With perfect temperatures of the mid to upper 80’s during the day and lows in the 70’s at night, it is hard to beat Smith Mountain Lake in the summertime! That is until you see the fall foliage!! Many people come to the area just to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy autumn’s display! Finally as the hustle and bustle begins to slow down, a light dusting of snow puts everyone in the Holiday mood!

With such a wonderful climate, wineries and orchards love the 180 day average growing season. Some of the best wines in the country are made right here in Virginia! It is easy to fill your table with the bounty of the area at the local farmers markets! Spring through winter, Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to live and visit! It is not just your usual summer vacation fling!

The invitation is open all year round! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to buy your own lake front property, call Vicki Millehan! A local real estate expert and resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!

The peak of fall is upon Smith Mountain Lake! The leaves are at the height of their autumn display of colors. The wineries have finished the fall crush and the wonder of wine making is well underway. Boat owners are contemplating whether to brave the cold or winterize their boats. As the weather cools, lake activity begins to slow. This all adds up to one conclusion: tis’ the season… to buy that vacation home!

One of the best times to purchase a vacation home is during the off season. After enjoying one last peak season, sellers will put their property on the market. This makes it a good time to get a great deal on a lakefront home! So why put Smith Mountain Lake at the top of your list? Oh, let us count the ways!!

Seasons of Fun!

Many of the things real estate experts will tell you to look in buying a second home can be found right here on the lake! The first tip is to get the most “bang for your buck.” You want to find a location that boasts a long season for the things you want to enjoy. At Smith Mountain Lake you can enjoy golfing, fishing and hiking year round, weather permitting. The boating season is a long one; you can even look for properties from the water while enjoying a cruise on the Virginia Dare! This side paddlewheel replica cruises the Lake from April – December, ending with the big holiday Flotilla for Toys parade!! And that is just the outdoor activities! With award winning restaurants and so much more in the area, it is very hard to get bored at the Lake!

Retire to the Lake!

Another tip for purchasing a vacation home is considering your retirement. When most people retire, they sell their primary residence and second home and begin to look for that perfect place to retire. We have that covered too! Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! There are many different types of communities and homes to choose from. Retirement here means whatever you want it to! Lazy days spent enjoying the view or fishing. Or you can take in the arts and history of the surrounding area. You can enjoy nature hikes, golfing, sailing and horseback riding for a more active lifestyle. We haven’t even mentioned the vineyards!! The list just goes on and on!!

Come See in Off Season

The last tip of the day in buying a second home is visit in the off season. Some resort locations become a wasteland in the off season. You do not want to buy a family vacation home in an area that will be abandoned after the peak season. Smith Mountain Lake is a booming community all year round. Having a neighbor who will keep an eye on things when you aren’t around is a great thing! If you want to check out Smith Mountain Lake in the off season, then you should come on November 7th! You can enjoy the SML Fall Chili and Craft Festival while you are here!

If you are ready to start looking for your vacation home on the Lake, call Vicki Millehan! Whether you are looking to buy a home in a planned community or buying a winery of your own, her team can help you find the home you are looking for! There is something to enjoy in every season at Smith Mountain Lake!