Have you heard of National Good Neighbor Day? This holiday was created in the early 1970s and proclaimed an official holiday by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Since 2003, Good Neighbor Day has been celebrated each year on Sept. 28. Their slogan is “Good neighbors make great neighborhoods.” Awesome, right?! Included in the downloadable PDF […]
How Estate Planning Now Will Protect Your Family
This month, I am sharing information on a topic that is often not discussed enough — the importance of creating an estate plan. When it comes to your assets, especially your family’s home, discussing everyone’s wishes ahead of time will help you create clear and concise directions. I also included a checklist of things you […]
Glossary of Real Estate Terms You Need To Know
The real estate industry has a language of its very own. Below is a glossary to help you better understand the process of buying and selling property. Abstract of Title A complete historical summary of the public records relating to the legal ownership of a particular property from the time of the first transfer to […]
What a Normal Housing Market Might Look Like
The state of the real estate market is a hot topic in the media now. Higher mortgage rates and declining home sales grab most of the headlines. But it’s not all bad news. After the last few hectic years, many experts believe we are trending toward a more “normal” or balanced scenario that will benefit […]
Understanding Real Estate Designations
When hiring a real estate agent to handle the purchase of your most precious investment you should use someone who is qualified and committed to professional development. I’m proud to have earned the designations of ABR. CLHMS, CRS, GRI and MCNE. Here is a glossary to help you understand what those mean. ABR Accredited Buyer […]
Explore One of America’s Hidden Gems This Summer!
If you have not started planning your summer vacation yet, you may want to look at this month’s flyer for inspiration. You’ll find some of America’s most unique hidden gems to visit, from a spectacular beach in California to a gorgeous 105-mile scenic drive alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains right here in Virginia. Whether you […]
Environmentally Savvy Tips for Your Smith Mountain Lake Home
This month I am sharing some easy but impactful ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle to save money around your home. Some of these ideas can be done right away, such as checking for water leaks and switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs. Other ideas, such as a home energy audit, may take a bit longer […]
Smith Mountain Lake Spring Real Estate Outlook
If you’re considering selling your Smith Mountain Lake home, now may be the right time as the supply of homes for sale is low. Despite the possibility of a seasonal increase in inventory, active listings across the nation have reached a new low for 2023. However, at Smith Mountain Lake, there are currently 36 lakefront […]
Tips on Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time
This month, I am sharing some helpful tips to keep in mind if you are planning on simultaneously buying a home while selling your current home. Working with a trusted, experienced agent like me is key. I will help guide you along the way and ensure both transactions go smoothly so you are less likely […]
5 Hottest Home Interior Paint Colors of the Year
Happy Spring! As we get ready for this new season, you may be thinking about making some changes to your home décor. Adding color can be a simple and impactful way to do that. Below is information on five of the newest colors forecast by paint companies to be the hottest choices in 2023. They […]
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 […]
ADUs: Housing and Rental Options at Smith Mountain Lake
Most likely you have heard the terms “granny flat” and “in-law apartment.” These are examples of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These small units, either attached to your home or as a freestanding unit on your property, are great options for families who wish to have a member, such as an elderly parent, live close by. […]
Best of Smith Mountain Lake Awards: Deb Beran Properties Earns Recognitions (2023)
What an honor it is for Deb Beran Properties to win not one, but two of Laker Magazine’s Best of Smith Mountain Lake Awards this year! My amazing team, clients and friends are to thank for us being recognized in the categories of Best Real Estate Company and Best Real Estate Team. At Deb Beran Properties, my goal has always […]
Looking Ahead to This Year’s Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate Market
Welcome to 2023! As we start the new year, the real estate market is once again shifting. Yes, just like how the water level of Smith Mountain Lake fluctuates, so does our market. This month, I am sharing with you some well-researched statistics on how the real estate market reacted during 2022, as well as […]
Kick Off the Holiday Season With an Attitude of Gratitude
Everyone loves to be appreciated. Taking a moment to thank someone with a gift, a card or even just a compliment, can make their day. Below are some tips on ways you can show thanks to those who have had a positive impact on your life. It’s also important to remember to be kind to […]
Tackling Tough Conversations
Difficult conversations are never easy. But avoiding them can make things worse. In fact, procrastination can lead to more stress, and feeling unprepared can lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings. To help you navigate these types of conversations and to keep you focused on the subject rather the emotions, I’m sharing some practical tips for […]
Watch Out for These New Identity Scams
As cybercrime continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay aware of the latest online scams, so that you can be proactive in protecting yourself and your information. After all, knowing what to look out for can make all the difference! To help keep you one step ahead of cybercriminals, I’ve provided tips to avoid some […]
Judy Hawkins Joins Deb Beran Properties as a Buyer’s Specialist
I am thrilled to announce that Judy Hawkins has joined Deb Beran Properties as a REALTOR® and buyer’s specialist. A native of New Jersey, Hawkins is an equine enthusiast and former English teacher. She’s had ties to the lake since 2009 and understands the challenges of transplanting here having moved from New Jersey to become […]
Preparing for the Unexpected
It may not be fun to think about, but natural disasters or other life emergencies can strike at any moment That’s why it’s important to be prepared. Advanced planning can make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe in any crisis. To help you prepare for the unexpected, I’ve provided some important […]
Top Smart Home Trends for 2022
The home technology industry has really taken off – and it’s easy to see why! The vast array of innovative and exciting devices on the market provides endless opportunities to enhance the comfort, convenience and connectivity of your home. To help keep you up to date on the latest and greatest smart home technology, I’ve […]
