Glenda and Steven's Blog

Makes you want to be there

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:54:39 -0500

I just listed this beautiful lake cottage at Smith Mountain Lake and loved the way this photo turned out.

The colors, the lake and the landscaping. I feel very fortunate that I work in such a lovely area that allows me to take lots of beautiful lake views and photo shots.

Staging A Model Home is a must

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:44:52 -0500

I just listed this development of patio style homes and immediately upon entering the model, I knew that I needed to call my favorite staging consultant, Debbie. Below you can see how she turned this model into a Home that buyers can see theirselves living in. Same room but now staged.

What a difference and the great thing for this developer, he purchased the furniture and can either sell it to the buyers of this home or can move it to another model.

845 Gangplank Road, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta VA 24121

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:26:17 -0500

Beautifully Furnished Lake Condominium at Smith Mountain Lake. Comes with a Covered Boatdock

and gorgeous lake views. These Condominums are part of the Golf and Country Club community called

The Waterfront at Smith Mountain Lake. Price is $399,500 Furnished

Comes with a Great Screen Porch and covered Porch area

This Condo is a Entry level or Middle Floor End Unit Condo and these buildings have elevators for

all three floors. Below are views of the Boatdocks which have Party Deck Tops that you can hang out on.

Beautifullly Furnished including the Great room which features a Gas Log Fireplace

Don't Forget the beautiful Golf Course and Country Club of The Waterfront, below is a photo of the Country Club

108 Forest Grove Drive, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta VA 24121

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:52:54 -0500

What a Jewel on Smith Mountain Lake. ONLY $595,000 for this great little getaway.

Just listed on Smith Mountain Lake, this beautiful Lake Home. Offering a Large Double Dock

with two lifts, beautifully landscaped and nestled in the Hardwood Trees.

Large Covered Patio and Sundeck overlooking the lake, below is a photo showing the home and

the little fishing cabin down by the dock area.

The Fishing Cabin is great for keeping all your float toys, fishing gear and/or

making a great place for your kids to hang out!

Enjoy Boating, Fishing and Swimming off this great Double Dock. I just had a huge Stripe Bass

Fish for Dinner and it came straight out of Smith Mountain Lake.

This home is being featured tonight on HGTV House Hunters at Smith Mountain Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:34:35 -0500

Here is a view from the home that is being featured on HGTV Vacation Homes tonight June 17th, 2008

showcasing three homes on our beautiful lake. My clients actually purchased one of the homes featured

but I will be excited to see what home the DC couple chooses tonight for their Lake Home on House Hunters.

This was a great buy for $640,000.

Affordable Waterfront Lot with 500 Miles of shoreline to Enjoy

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:03:35 -0500

Finding an affordable waterfront can sometimes be challenging in most waterfront areas. The photo below is a beautiful and gentle waterfront lot located on Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake located in Southwest Virginia offers over 500 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, sailing, skiing and more

This lot offers 1 acre with 119' of good deep shoreline for $299,900. Community water and easy location to shopping and restaurants, makes this a great lot to build your Cabin, Getaway, Lake Home and Boatdock. Smith Mountain Lake allows up to a 1,500 stationary covered dock with electric lifts and cabana rooms on lots like this, based on the amount of waterfront. If you have 100-300 feet of shoreline you can have up to 1,500 sq. ft of dock, 300-600' allows 2,500 sq. ft of dock and over 600 feet of shoreline allows up to 3500 sq ft of dock.

Smith Mountain Lake has been home to several well known celebrities including Actress Sissy Spacek, Author-David Balducci and several more. Our taxes are extremely low at 50 cents per 100 of assessed value, so if you own this lot your taxes would be around $1,500 a year for property taxes.

Some people buy lake lots and build great docks and then come down and hang out on their boats, cabin cruisers or house boats.

Crab Feast at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club for Gold Team Members July 10th, 2008 4-7pm

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:41:14 -0500

We are looking forward to meeting more of the Long and Foster Agents on July 10, 2008 from 4-7pm at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club located at 500 Marina Club Road, Stevensville MD. Love to hear from other Long and Foster Agents who have participated in this CRAB FEAST in years past. We have never been and heard many good things about it. Looking forward to meeting all Gold Team Members that go....July 10th

From The Smith Mountain Lake Gang in Southwest Virginia

How do you Hold a REALTOR /BROKER OPEN HOUSE?

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:13:32 -0500

With properties staying on the market longer and Sellers getting more and more anxious, REALTORS are trying everything to get activity on their listings and getting them as much exposure as possible. REALTOR OR BROKER OPEN HOUSES are held every week just about in our area and there seems to be lots of Multiple Open Houses. Below are the Different types of REALTOR OPEN HOUSES, Types of Food and Types of Door Prizes.

Feel Free to add to this list and share your ideas!!!

TYPES OF REALTOR OPEN HOUSES:

Your Individual Listing including Lunch: Traditionally, you would send out a Flyer to all the local agents announcing the date and time of your Listing being shown and Lunch and Beverages being included.

Group of Open Houses within your Company: Only Agents in your company having several REALTOR OPEN HOUSES to ALL Real Estate Companies.

Group of Open Houses with Several Companies: Different Agents from Different Companies opening anywhere from 2 or more houses to all real estate firms. Usually close together to accommodate multiple open houses.

The Staging Open House: Doing Open houses to show off a newly staged home.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD:

The Appetizer: From light to heavy hors d oeuvres

The Tapa Tour: Small Plates of different foods at each home. (I like this one)

THE CHILLI CONTEST OR OTHER FOOD CONTEST: Having different agents do a different Chilli or soup or something in a competition open house.

The Luncheon: Everything from Subway Subs to Catered Affairs. Multiple Open Houses allows each property to offer a different part of the meal, from Appetizers to Dessert.

The Breakfast: A group gets together and serves up all kinds of Breakfast items from Pastries, Ham Biscuits, Sausage Gravy and more

The Cheese and wine: From Boones Farm to Extaordinary Wine Tastings and Cheese Pairings

The Dessert Party: Just having a Dessert Party in the afternoon with Coffee and or wine.

THE DOOR PRIZES AND MORE: (For Agent/Brokers only not to the public)

Money: From $25.00 and up and sometimes sponsors help give as much as $200 or $400.

Useful REALTOR GADGETS: From Signs, Info Boxes, and more.

Gift Cards: Gas cards are real popular along with restaurants

Free Advertising: Sometimes you can get sponsors from advertizers to give away (real helpful in todays market)

Week Long Tours with CRUISE GIVEAWAYS: We have had several Week Long Open Houses where the agent wins a Cruise for Two. Cost each house that participates $75.

These are just some of the REALTOR OPEN HOUSE IDEAS That I wanted to share. Would love for others to jump in and share some of the creative ways you are holding Realtor /Broker Open Houses.

Condo with a View on Smith Mountain Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:08:05 -0500

Beautiful Bernards Landing on Smith Mountain Lake. Bernards Landing is a lovely waterfront resort with on-site Restaurant called "The Landing". There is a community marina area for those that want a covered boatdock or to rent a boat. http://www.bernardslanding.com/ Great Investment potential, People love to rentin this resort.

This lovely Condo is on the market for $249,500 and offers gorgeous views of Smith Mountain and the lake.

Two Large Community Pools, Tennis courts, clubhouse and conference center

Community Marina

Anyone know of an add-on to show when your website was last updated?

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:24:36 -0500

I love all the advice this group gives and I have learned alot from each blog.

With our rules in Virginia cracking down on website management and getting very strict on when was the last time you updated your website. Plus showing on your website, the date you last updated. I thought maybe some of you might know where I can get an attachment. Sort of like the one that shows how many times your site has been visited.

Appreciate the help and advice.

NEW VIRGINIA WINE LOVER MAGAZINE IS ON THE RACK

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:16:21 -0500

We have a New Wine Magazine in Virginia called The Virginia Wine Lovers Magazine and it is going to be GREAT!

A Mini version of Wine Spectator for Virginia. I am looking forward to the opportunities to advertise in this magazine. I have found that Wine and Food Lovers are great buyers for our area. Very spontaneous and full of life and love lake getaways. Look for this new magazine and enjoy:

http://webmail.aol.com/36240/aol/en-us/Lite/MsgRead.aspx?folder=Inbox&uid=1.22550815&seq=84&searchIn=none&searchQuery=&start=0

http://www.vawinelover.com/

41 Harbour Court, Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta VA 24121

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 21:58:46 -0500

Beautiful Waterfront English Manor Home located in a Prestigious Waterfront Community on Smith Mountain Large Sandy Beach and Covered Boadock with Lift, Neslted on a Large wooded lot. Bright and cheerful kitchenwith a Granite Topped Island and Gas cooktop. The Upper Level has a Huge Master Suite with Private Master bath and three additional guest suites plus a private study. Large Family room with adjoining game room. Lots of sundecks to enjoy the outdoors. Community Club House, Tennis and Pool Price is $1,799,000

Lake.

What is Your Areas, Slogan, Logo or Special Feature...From the Star City of the South

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:17:56 -0500

Although the real estate market that I specialize in is; Smith Mountain Lake and the Lake is what we are known for, but my heart is also held by our adjacent City, Roanoke, Virginia.

Roanoke was originally called "Big Lick", but was later named Roanoke. What this area is truly known as is "The Star City of the South" Back many years ago, I think 1949, on top of Mill Mountain, This Giant Lighted Star was turned on. Anyone traveling through the beautiful Roanoke Valley along I-581 heading toward US 220, will see this Lighted Monument. It now carrys the Red, White and Blue colors and has in the past been Only lighted in white and in some cases lighted only in red.

There is a Zoo on top of Mill Mountain and at night you can drive up to a look out from the base of the "Star" and see most of Roanoke, Lit up. In the day, you can visit the same look out and see a beautiful view of the mountains that surround Roanoke and give it the name of the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke is a wonderful city with lots of events and special places including access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Peaks of Otter and soon a New Art Museum in Downtown Roanoke that has caused much controversy (Click the Hyper Link to see this beautifully unique museum). Some think it looks like a space ship, some are not sure what it represents. I think it is fantastic and truly represents what Art is all about. Adjacent to the museum is Downtown Roanoke, which offers a wonderful farmers market, many great restaurants and shops.There are many great things about Roanoke and why someone would want to visit and possibly stay. I think of Roanoke as my Home Town and hope it will always continue to improve and welcome people from many other areas who are looking for a more quaint City that offers a great quality of life .

If you have a special slogan, monument or logo that represents the heart of your area, please share.

738 Fox Chase Road, Wirtz VA 24184 Smith Mountain Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:17:12 -0500

Beautiful Custom Built Lake Home on a Point Lot with 265' of shoreline, Covered Dock,Gorgeous Mountain and Lake Views. Just listed for $995,000 on Smith Mountain Lake

402 Anchor Drive, (Smith Mountain Lake) Moneta VA 24121

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:45:00 -0500

402 Anchor Drive is an adorable Lakefront Cottage located in The Waterfront Golf and Country Club community on Smith Mountain Lake. Priced at $595,000 and comes with a Covered Boatdock with Lift and Jet Ski Lift

Beautifully remodeled with two master suites, Large Great Room with open kitchen and Great room with fireplace. Hardwood Floors, Large Sundeck on Lake side. Lower level with Large family room with gas log fireplace, 2nd Master Suite, plus additional guest suite with full bath. Full Length patio. Sidewalk to the Covered Boatdock with Electric lift and jet ski lift. Beautiful 18 Hole golf course with Private Pool, Restaurant and Club House

Virtual Tour Link: http://www.graphicdimensionsinc.com/?HomeID=5975&RInfo=1

332 Larboard Drive, Moneta VA 24121 Smith Mountain Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:47:27 -0500

This Beautiful Home was just listed for $895,000 and is a SHORT SALE listing. Beautifully designed, see more photos below of the interior. Located in an 18 Hole Golf Course and Country Club Waterfront Community called

THE WATERFRONT.

300 Island Pointe Lane, Moneta VA 24121 Smith Mountain Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:03:25 -0500

Light on or Lights Off...Which photos work best?

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:54:10 -0500

I have several properties where we have tried using Evening Photos. I am still undecided whether photos taken in the evening enhance the property or not? Below are some examples of the types of photos. What are your opinions? Day Dock or Dock at Dusk? Day Home or Evening Shot?

Where did that DOG go....

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:22:01 -0500

After being in Real Estate over 20 years, I have some animal stories but I am sure I am not the only one. I especially remember the time that I showed a home and a Terrier, dashed out the door as I began to open the front door. Well this can be a rather unpredictable occurence that can truly slow down your showing schedule. You cannot call the Dog back, because you DO NOT KNOW ITS NAME? So you yell come DOG, Come hear DOG. Of course, this Dog does not know who you are yelling for or WHO YOU ARE, so they look at you like who are you and just keep running. You are hoping that they don't run into the road and get hit and at the same time, you are telling your clients to go ahead and start looking at the house, while you are desperately trying to contact the listing agent to find out first, WHATS THE DOGS NAME! Then what you can do to catch the dog? Will the listing agent come and help you get the dog or will they call the owner and have them get the dog. Now you have been chasing and looking for this dog for 30 minutes and your clients have jumped in and started helping you, because they WANT TO KEEP LOOKING AT HOMES! Most of the time, there is a note in the listing, alerting you about pets or the Sellers keep their precious pet members tucked safely in a cage or room that says DO NOT OPEN, VICIOUS DOG BEHIND THE DOOR. Okay, I am joking and yes I have two dogs and two cats, so I am an animal lover. LOVE TO HEAR MORE ANIMAL STORIES.......ANYONE OUT THERE.

Best Camera and Lens for Real Estate Agents

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:57:07 -0500

Last year I decided to buy a new digital camera, so the Nikon D40 was the chosen one. My reasoning was it came with two separate lens 200 and a wide angle 55 and was easy to use. So far this has been a great camera with one exception, when my husband dropped it and broke the Wide Angle lens and the Flash. So my invest- went a little further, I now have a new detachable flash and I also invested in One Lens that goes from 55 to 200. Makes life simpilier, not having to change lens from when I am in the house and when I am taking photos across the lake or in the boat, of my waterfront listings, so I can capture true lake living along with the boatdocks. The Internet, certainly has made it very important to get great digital photos. Please share your best camera to date.

ITS ALIVE....ITS ALIVE.... ITS ALIVE

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:33:42 -0500

The Sun came out and the Buyers did too. This past weekend almost felt like old times. Buyers were everywhere, Agents were showing and excited, making calls to show listings and we even had competing offers.I hope this is a sign of things to continue. Being shut up for the Winter "WITH THE TV AND MEDIA", certainly has not helped any real estate market, but let the Sun come out and people go outside and breathe in the Spring Air and start thinking about things they enjoy, including a Lake getaway or a condo at the beach or a cabin in the mountains. They think of creating memories and bringing the family together and all of sudden all the political poo, starts fading away. Yes, the real estate market is ALIVE.......I hope all those sitting on the fence, don't miss out on all the choice properties.

Is it a Sunrise or the Moonlight over the Lake

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:46:48 -0500

This photo was taken at Mariners Landing at Smith Mountain Lake. Sometimes it is hard to to tell. Its it the Sun in the sky or the moon. Either one can be just as beautiful across the sparkling water.

What Kind of Boatdock?

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:17:14 -0500

We are located on a 500 mile 22,000 acre, fresh water lake. The lake levels stay 5' plus or minus from Full Pond, which is the 795' Sea Level. This allows us to have some great docks. Our Shoreline Management rules are set that if you are under 300' of Shoreline you can have up to 1500 Square Feet of Covered Dock, 300'-600' of shoreline allows 2500 Square Feet and over 600' allow up to 3500 Square feet of dock. That is larger than some homes. These docks can have electric cradle lifts, Cabana Bars and storage areas, diving boards,jet ski ports. I am not familar with other waterfront or oceanfront areas and the types of boatdocks that are allowed but I feel very fortunate with what we are allowed to have. I would love to learn about other dock type facilities, from other waterfront areas.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT HOME AT SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:49:06 -0500

SPRING IS HERE! I just listed this Fantastic Lake home located on a Point lot at Smith Mountain Lake. It is a great value and includes a Double lift dock with Cabana and Party Deck plus complete Master Suite with adjoining office suite on upper level and the lower level has a Party Cabana wet bar, dual sided stone fireplace and family room. Outdoor stamped patio with rain guard. Smith Mountain Lake has over 500 miles of fresh water lake located in Southwest Virginia.

The BEST REAL ESTATE ON EARTH

Glenda and Steven McDaniel (Long and Foster Smith Mountain Lake Office) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 21:41:28 -0500

I received the following from a fellow REALTOR in my office today and had to pass it along. The world is becoming smaller everyday when it comes to Real Estate and we will be working international sales one of these days like it is next door, if technology continues in the direction of videos, virtual tours and who knows what, but its all land and water and it is SO BEAUTIFUL...... Enjoy: Astronaut_Sunita_Williams_Photos_of_Earth._.pdf Thanks Walt for passing this along, so I could pass it along BE SURE AFTER OPENING TO SCROLL DOWN SLOWLY THROUGH THE PDF. YOU WILL LOVE THIS, ALL THE WAY TILL THE END. (If you cannot open pdf, use this link: http://www.slideshare.net/coolpics/superb-pictures-of-the-earth-from-space/)