Monthly Archives: February 2018

Why You Should Consider Moving to Smith Mountain Lake

If you’ve made the decision to relocate to a lakefront home and you haven’t considered Smith Mountain Lake, then you owe it to yourself to learn more about this charming Southern community.

Smith Mountain Lake is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, creating a breathtaking backdrop that blends seamlessly with the lake itself. Spanning over 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake offers an attractive option for those searching for a vacation residence or maintenance-free living.

How Does Smith Mountain Lake Compare to Other Lakefront Areas?

When researching lake resort areas, you’ve more than likely brushed up on other popular locations on the East Coast including Lake Anna, Lake Gaston, and Lake Norman. You may have even noticed that there are strong similarities between most of these lakefront communities, including access to recreational watersports and outdoor activities, and real estate investment opportunities.

What Sets Smith Mountain Lake Apart?

Centrally located near many major metropolitan areas, Smith Mountain Lake truly caters to those who want a casual, secluded lifestyle, but would still like to be within short traveling distance to larger cities. SML is located in between Roanoke and Lynchburg, allowing residents quick access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Both cities are home to regional airports and train stations, making travel to and from easy and affordable. Larger cities, such as Greensboro, Charlotte, Richmond, and Washington D.C. are also within a short driving distance.

Smith Mountain Lake is a popular choice for real estate investment. While some lakefront locales are strictly known for their luxury waterfront developments, SML offers also single-family homes, water access lots, farmland, and countryside acreage. From condos and townhomes to sprawling estates and rustic farmhouses, Smith Mountain Lake provides a variety of real estate opportunities for investment.

Premier Lakefront Lifestyle

For those interested in premier waterfront property investment, Smith Mountain Lake has some of the most beautiful homes available on the real estate market. Known for unique architecture and upscale amenities like private beaches and multilevel boat docks, these homes embody every aspect of luxury living.

I’ll Help You Find the Right Property

Take a moment to search my featured listings and let me know if there is a property that interests you. I would love the opportunity to introduce you to this wonderful community, and share with you the many reasons why I’ve chosen to call Smith Mountain Lake home.

Three Things That May Increase Your Home’s Worth

If you’re thinking about listing your Smith Mountain Lake home in the not so distant future, you may be interested in which features are popular amongst motivated buyers. Below is a list of perks that are on currently trend within the real estate market:

Distance to Nearby Cities
One of the selling points of moving to Smith Mountain Lake is the area’s distinct location. Small cities, such as Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville, are within a short driving distance. Larger metropolitan cities, including Greensboro, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Washington, DC, are close by as well. This gives Smith Mountain Lake the unique ability to feel both removed and connected at the same time.

Trendy Upgrades
If you spend an afternoon casually watching HGTV, you’ll quickly notice a common aesthetic with renovations and interior design. Upgrades such as open floor plans, smart technology, and anything approved by Joanna Gaines are very popular at the moment. If you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen, consider adding smart outlets and lighting along with a farmhouse sink.

Interior Colors
According Zillow’s 2017 Paint Color Analysis, homes with blue kitchens and bathrooms were the most popular with buyers. Neutral colors, such as blues and grays, allow prospects to easily visualize their own belongings in your home.

If you’re thinking about putting your Smith Mountain Lake home on the market, contact me today and we will work together to ensure that your listing gets in front of the right people.

 

Source: Zillow.com, 4 Surprising Things That May Increase How Much Your Home is Worth

 

Helpful Links While Exploring Home Owenership

If you’ve ever considered investing in a lake home it is no surprise that Smith Mountain Lake has caught your eye (and is sure to steal your heart)! Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Smith Mountain Lake Community has something for everyone. Boating, biking, hiking and cruising for dinner; along with a diverse artistic community are all features that are rumored to have brought celebrities such as Sissy Spacek, David Baldecci, Tom Cruise and Joe Montana to invest in Smith Mountain Lake homes.

Here are a few guides and resources that you may find helpful while you’re considering all that our mountain-lake community has to offer.

Smith Mountain Laker Magazine
SML Chamber of Commerce
Bedford Chamber of Commerce
Bedford Visitors Center
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
Water Levels
Water Quality

Lifestyle and Lake is committed to working for each client’s happily ever after. Whatever your real estate goals, give us a call when you are ready to take the plunge!

Bon voyage!

The Lifestyle & Lake Team

 

Real Estate Property Tax Comparison Guide

*This information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Municipality $ per $100 Assessed Value Estimated Annual Property Tax on a $500,000 Home
Smith Mountain Lake, Va 20,600 acres 580 shoreline miles
Bedford County 540-586-7670

Website: http://www.co.bedford.va.us

 $0.52 $2,600
Franklin County 540-483-3081

Website: franklincountyva.gov/tax-rates1

 $0.55 $2,752
Pittsylvania County 434-432-7960

Website: http://pittsylvaniacountyva.gov

 $0.59 $2,950
Lake Anna, Va 13,000 acres 200 shoreline miles
Spotsylvania County 540-507-7053

Website: http://www.spotsylvania.va.us

 $0.85 $4,250
Lousia County 540-967-0401

Website: https://www.louisacounty.com

 $0.72 $3,600
Orange County 540-672-3313

Website: http://orangecountyva.gov/

 $0.804 $4,020
Lake Gaston 20,000 acres 350 shoreline miles
Mecklenburg 434-738-6191 x4270

Website: http://www.mecklenburgva.com/

 $0.42 $2,100
Brunswick 434-848-0248

Website:

$0.52 $2,600
Warren County 252-257-4158

Website: www.warrencountync.com

 $0.71 $3,550
Halifax County 434-476-3314

Website: http://www.halifaxcountyva.gov

 $0.48 $2,100
Northampton County 252-534-4461

Website: http://www.northamptonnc.com/departments/

 $0.92 $4,600

How To Keep Your Home Healthy

We’re in the middle of one of the worst flu seasons on record, causing many of us to pause and focus on our health and habits. Keeping your hands washed and staying at home when you’re sick are noted ways of combating illnesses, but giving careful attention to your living space will add an additional layer of defense.

Update Your Bedding
If you can’t remember when you purchased your mattress, then it may be a good idea to replace it. The National Sleep Foundation recommends replacing your mattress between 5-7 years. Mattresses and pillows are super absorbent, and if it’s on your skin, then it’s in your mattress.

If you are in the market for a new mattress, consider memory foam. These mattresses are naturally antimicrobial and resist dust mites. Purchase a high-quality mattress cover for added protection.

Replace Your Filters
Changing your filters is important for keeping the air in your home dust-free. Generally speaking, a home without pets or allergy sufferers should have new air filters every 90 days. If you suffer from allergies, change your filters every month.

And don’t forget about the filters in your refrigerators and water pitchers. These should be replaced every two months or 40 gallons.

Check Your Detectors
This step falls under mental well-being, but is arguably the most important entry on the list. Making sure that your smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors are working properly could help save your family’s life. Batteries should be changed twice a year, and the unit itself should be changed every 8-10 years.

Keeping your home healthy is a year-round process. If you don’t know where to begin, start by making a list of areas that need to be addressed, and prioritize them. Mark your calendars or set reminders on your phone so that you won’t forget.

Source: QuickenLoans.com, Is Your House Healthy? 4 Areas to Check