Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1 But one of the […]
2020 Outlook: Real Estate Market Forecast
We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, and economists think there’s still room to grow. A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that experts believe the U.S. economy will remain positive throughout 2020.1 Still, given that recessions are a natural (and necessary) part of a business […]
Most Expensive Homes at Smith Mountain Lake, VA
The most expensive homes at Smith Mountain Lake feature beauty, variety and amazing architecture. And, of course, they all come with the perks of living at Virginia’s premier lake! Whether you’re out for a boat ride or just surfing Virginia lake home listings online, it’s always fun to take a look at these amazing Smith […]
12 Tips if You’re Leaving Your Smith Mountain Lake Home for the Holidays
If you plan to leave your Smith Mountain Lake home for the holidays, follow these smart tips to keep your property safe (and possibly save a few bucks while you’re gone): Put mail and newspapers on hold Having an overstuffed mailbox or a pile of newspapers at the bottom of your driveway alerts potential thieves […]
Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate Market Update
Here is your February 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate Market Update for waterfront single family homes, condos, townhomes and lots. Information is based on active and pending properties as of Feb. 11 2020, and closed activity in January 2020. Single Family Homes: Active – 144 homes with an average list price of $1,032,488 and […]
Smith Mountain Lake VA Real Estate Sales Transactions
Bookmark this page to see the latest Smith Mountain Lake real estate transactions, updated monthly. Bonus Links: Waterfront Homes for Sale at Smith Mountain Lake ($0-$799,000) Waterfront Homes for Sale at Smith Mountain Lake ($800,000+) Lake Access Properties for Sale at Smith Mountain Lake Smith Mountain Lake Condos for Sale Most Expensive Properties on the […]
10 Money-saving hacks for your Smith Mountain Lake home
The changing of the season is a great time to take a fresh look at your Smith Mountain Lake home and make tweaks that will help you save money this fall and winter. Take a look at these 10 ways you can adjust your habits and make small, affordable household changes that will lower your […]
Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks: Where is the best place to watch fireworks at SML?
Smith Mountain Lake fireworks shows and Independence Day celebrations are among the most popular events each year for SML visitors and locals. [Updated for 2019!] When are the fireworks at Smith Mountain Lake? Whether you’re looking to stay on land or get out on the water for Smith Mountain Lake fireworks you’ll find something to […]
7 strategies to pay off your Smith Mountain Lake home early
Did you know that just 34 percent of people in the United States own their homes outright? That means the vast majority are plugging away at a home mortgage each month. Sound familiar? But there are ways to pay off your home early and get that “mortgage monkey” off your back! Quick note: Before you […]
The essential spring checklist for Your Smith Mountain Lake home
Every spring, your Smith Mountain Lake home needs some extra TLC! And whether you plan on selling your home this spring or not, conducting this maintenance will help ensure your home functions well for the rest of the year. Use this list of suggestions for getting your house ready for market. And if you need […]
Plan your Smith Mountain Lake vacation the easy way
If you’re ready to plan the ultimate Smith Mountain Lake vacation but don’t know where to start, I’ve got great news. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce recently released the new version of its Smith Mountain Lake Visitor and Newcomer Guide. It’s awesome! Capitalizing the Chamber’s new marketing campaign, the guide is “filled […]
4 Apps to Save You Money
It’s hard to believe that we’re in the middle of October already! It has been a wet fall (that’s an understatement!), but the leaves are turning and it will soon enjoy spectacular colors at Smith Mountain Lake. Before we know it, the holidays will be here and the shopping season will be in full swing. […]
3 DIY projects to do before fall at Smith Mountain Lake
Late summer and early fall at Smith Mountain Lake, with cooler temperatures and a less hurried pace of life, are perfect seasons for a DIY project. Home improvement projects can be fun and add value to your Smith Mountain Lake home — whether you’re making your space more usable, more attractive, or more comfortable. Here are […]
My Favorite Home Tech Products (That Won’t Break the Bank)
Smith Mountain Lake home technology products are something buyers tell me they love seeing when I show homes. That’s because home tech gadgets not only make their lives easier, but often help save money or provide an extra level of security. Following are some of my favorite tech products that will add functionality to your […]
3 home design trends at Smith Mountain Lake you don’t want to miss
I love getting caught up on the latest trends at Smith Mountain Lake – especially when it comes to trends in home technology and design. These trends are great if you’re trying to freshen up the look of your Smith Mountain Lake home or give it a tech update. Regardless of when you’re thinking about […]
What I learned from analyzing the real estate trends at SML
Before we get too far into 2018, I thought I would take time to analyze how real estate in the Smith Mountain Lake area shaped up in 2017 and reflect on how it has rebounded since the recession. Sales of homes at SML in 2017 were slow and steady and, for The Beran Group at […]
Less than Full Pond
Why does Smith Mountain Lake’s water levels fluctuate? Currently the lake is just about 3 feet low or less than “full pond.” The lake is considered to be at full pond when the water is at 795 feet above sea level, at the moment it is right about 792 feet above sea level. Lack of adequate rainfall […]
It’s Wine Time!
It’s that time of year again folks! The 29th annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will take place on Saturday September 23 & Sunday September 24 at the Crazy Horse Marina on Smith Mountain Lake. There will be a vast selection of top quality wines and beverages for the tasting as well as fine cuisine […]
Summer isn’t over yet at Smith Mountain Lake
Have you noticed all of those school supplies in the middle of the aisles at all of the local grocery and department stores, or know parents who are ecstatic for next week? Most of you know that our local Bedford & Franklin County schools start back on Monday. But, that does not mean the end of summer […]
Solar Eclipse Expected August 21, 2017
The first total solar eclipse visible in the United States since 1979 is expected to happen on August 21, 2017. It will be visible to the eastern half of the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. What does this mean for us? The moon will cover more than ninety percent of the sun during […]
