“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, […]
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 :)
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 […]
Take Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
