Learn how to determine your current net worth and how an investment in real estate at Smith Mountain Lake can help improve your bottom line. Among its many impacts, COVID-19 has had a pronounced effect on the housing market. Low home inventory and high buyer demand have driven home prices to an all-time high.1 This […]
Deb Beran Properties Blog
I frequently update my blog to bring you the latest in news and events around the Smith Mountain Lake local area, in addition to insightful information on the unique real estate market here. I hope you will find some useful content here! Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about the content you see here. I'll be happy to help :)
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 2021!] 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 […]
Finding a New Home for Your Next Stage of Life
Imagine the first place you lived as a young adult. Now imagine trying to fit your life today into that space. Not pretty, right? For most of us, our housing needs are cyclical.1 A newly independent adult can find freedom and flexibility in even a tiny apartment. That same space, to a growing family, would […]
Smith Mountain Lake VA Real Estate Sales Transactions
If you’re wondering, “What homes are selling for at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia?” you’ve landed in the right spot. Bookmark this page to see the latest Smith Mountain Lake real estate transactions. Bonus Links: Luxury Waterfront Listings at Smith Mountain Lake ($800,000+) Waterfront Listings at Smith Mountain Lake ($0-$799,000) Lake Access Listings at Smith Mountain […]
Can I Buy or Sell a Home Without a Real Estate Agent?
Today’s real estate market is one of the fastest-moving in recent memory. With record-low inventory in many market segments, we’re seeing multiple offers—and sometimes even bidding wars—for homes in the most sought-after neighborhoods. This has led some sellers to question the need for an agent. After all, why spend money on a listing agent when […]
Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?
While many areas of the economy have contracted, the housing market has stayed remarkably strong. But can the good news last? When COVID-related shutdowns began in March, real estate brokers and clients scrambled to respond to the shift. Record-low interest rates caused some lenders to call a halt to new underwriting, and homeowners debated whether […]
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 has released the new version of its Smith Mountain Lake Visitor and Newcomer Guide, and it’s awesome! Capitalizing the Chamber’s branded marketing campaign, the guide is […]
5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021
We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character, […]
New Year, New Home? Set Homeownership Goals Whether You’re Buying, Selling or Staying Put
The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021. Home […]
10 Ways to Give Back to the Smith Mountain Lake Community This Holiday Season
This year has demonstrated, perhaps more than ever, the importance of our family, friends, neighbors, and community. It truly “takes a village” to keep a community functioning effectively, whether that’s by keeping Smith Mountain Lake clean, feeding the hungry, teaching our kids, or supporting small businesses. With the holidays right around the corner, December offers […]
The New Normal: A Strong Housing Market Expected to Continue into 2021
“2020 will be known for a lot of things, and a record-breaking year for real estate will certainly be one of its more unexpected legacies,” prominent economist Daryl Fairweather said.1 And he’s right: most of us would have expected the housing market to suffer from circumstances like a once-in-a-hundred-years pandemic and historic inventory shortages. But, […]
5 Secrets Buyers and Sellers Must Know About Virtual Home Tours
For years now, virtual home tours have helped real estate buyers far and wide find the perfect home. From long-distance military personnel being relocated, to investors expanding their portfolio, to homeowners looking for a vacation getaway, this technology makes finding a house that’s a bit out of driving distance much easier. And for real estate […]
Move-Up vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right For You?
The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home at Smith Mountain Lake or elsewhere. According to a recent survey by The Harris Poll, 75% of respondents who have begun working remotely would like to continue doing […]
Lowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers
In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history.1 And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s rates truly a bargain? While average mortgage rates have drifted between 4% and 5% in recent years, they haven’t always […]
Is now a good time to buy or sell real estate?
Traditionally, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for real estate. However, the coronavirus outbreak—and subsequent stay-at-home orders—led many buyers and sellers to put their moving plans on hold. In April, new listings fell nearly 45%, and sales volume fell 15% compared to last year.1 Fortunately, as restrictions have eased, we’ve seen […]
20 Ways to Save Money and Stretch Your Household Budget
These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month. Here are […]
Smith Mountain Lake Condo Remodel is an Upscale Downsize
A Smith Mountain Lake condo remodel wasn’t exactly what my friend and client was looking to tackle a few years ago. But take one look at the new issue of Smith Mountain Lake HOME Magazine and you’ll see it turned out to be the perfect decision. WOW! Just wow. The stunning cover is a photograph […]
How to Create Functional Spaces in Your Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many of us are spending a lot more time at home. We’re all being called upon to avoid public spaces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of this infectious disease. While it can be understandably challenging, there are ways you can modify your home […]
Navigating difficult times: How can we help you during the coronavirus outbreak?
And just like that, the world is now bound together in one common goal — to not let this virus take us down. Please know that The Beran Team is available to help. We want to be a resource to our clients and the Smith Mountain Lake community through good times and bad. If you […]
Top 5 Home Design Trends for a New Decade
Whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a full-scale renovation, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in home design. Sellers who make tasteful updates can generate increased buyer interest and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in […]
