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. […]
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 :)
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 […]
June Events at Smith Mountain Lake [2022]
Here are just few of the fun events going on in June in and around Smith Mountain Lake. 🎵 You’ll find live music around the lake all summer long! In addition to Mango’s, check out the schedules at Drifters, Beacon Seafood Pub, Mexico Viejo Penhook, Crazy Horse Marina, Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery, Portside Grill […]
Summer Travel Hacks to Make the Most of Your Vacation
Summer is here! One of the best parts of this sunny season is taking a break from “real life” to enjoy a vacation. Whether it’s a weeklong trip or weekend adventure, there’s something so invigorating about getting away and experiencing some downtime. To help make your summer vacay both easy and enjoyable, I’ve provided some […]
The Beran Team Welcomes New Buyer’s Specialist
I am thrilled to announce that Peg Wheeler, who has been an administrative assistant for Deb Beran Properties since 2019, recently earned her real estate license and has begun a new role as a buyer’s specialist. Peg is one of the most thorough, detail-oriented people I’ve ever worked with so I have the utmost confidence […]
May Events at Smith Mountain Lake [2022]
Here are just few of the fun events going on in May in and around Smith Mountain Lake. 🎸 Common Ground, an award-winning bluegrass band, will perform on May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. The Smith Mountain Arts Council is hosting the event at its Coffeehouse Celebrity Room at 1100 Celebration Ave. in Downtown […]
Your Three-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Credit Card
With the seemingly endless variety of credit card options out there, choosing the right one to apply for can be a difficult choice to make. That’s why it’s important to know what steps to take to narrow down your options. To help provide clarity, I’ve provided a three-step guide for selecting a credit card that […]
Franklin County Real Estate Tax Change – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
We’re all busy, and we all get tons of mail. Sometimes that means important information can get overlooked. Like the fact that Franklin County (Virginia) has changed how it bills real estate taxes. This is critical information if you already own a house here, but also important to know if you are looking at homes […]
April Events at Smith Mountain Lake [2022]
Things are beginning to liven up at Smith Mountain Lake this month! Here are just a few of the top events you’ll find going on in and around our region in April. 🎹 The SML Boomer Band, a group made up of local residents, will play your favorite hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s […]
Easy and Affordable Ways to Stage Your Home to Sell
If you’re planning to put your house on the market this spring, you want it to look the absolute best for the potential buyers who walk through the door. That’s where home staging comes in. Even if you’re not planning to list your property for sale any time soon, knowing the best tips and tricks […]
Home Improvements: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Spring is almost here, which is an ideal time to give your home a refresh. As you consider a home renovation project, you may wonder whether you should tackle it yourself or let a professional handle the work. This month, I’m providing a brief guide on when you should DIY (do it yourself) and when […]
Tax Season 2022: What You Need to Know
It’s always wise to get a jumpstart during tax season! The earlier you prepare and get organized, the less you’ll have to stress about when you file. This year, there are important changes to the tax policy that you’ll want to be aware of when it’s time to file your return. In this month’s materials, […]
Expert Insights on the 2022 Housing Market at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
As we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what’s next? Will there be more homes available to buy? Will prices keep climbing? How high will mortgage rates go? For the answer to those questions and more, I always turn to the experts. Here’s a look at what they say we can expect in 2022. Odeta […]