smith mountain lake real estate: How Do You Keep Vacation Costs Down? Keep it Local - 08/07/11 10:48 AM
What is the best way to keep vacation costs down? Consider vacationing in your local area.
If you live in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect vacation spot. There are so many wonderful activities for you and your family to enjoy.
If you follow these tips, this beautiful vacation spot can be very affordable:
First, with the rising price of gas, take advantage of one of the credit cards that offers rebates or rewards when you purchase gas using their credit card. In order to reap the most benefits from credit card offers, make sure these charges are included in … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Reaching Out to Blood Donors in Smith Mountain Lake - 07/30/11 02:32 PM
In a recent article in the Smith Mountain Eagle, our local American Red Cross was reaching out to blood donors. The article pointed out that its blood supply remains at a critically low level, even though hundreds of local residents donated blood after a national campaign reached out to them.
As a long-time resident and top Realtor of Smith Mountain Lake, I wanted to do my part in assisting Virginia’s American Red Cross by reaching out not only to Smith Mountain Lake residents, but all Virginia residents to donate blood.
The recent heat may be part of the reason why blood … (2 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: A Day at the Beach in Franklin County - 07/26/11 01:21 PM
Life is good in Smith Mountain Lake! Summer brings out the best of living at the lake, but even if you don’t own lakefront property, you can enjoy a day at the beach in Franklin County, VA. Both the Smith Mountain Lake Community Park and the Smith Mountain Lake State Park have beaches open to the public, and this year the best part is, both parks are free!
There are only a few weeks left to enjoy the beach at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. The swimming area closes on August 16 for the season. Open from 10am – 6pm throughout … (4 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Smith Mountain Lakers Follow "The Crooked Road" - 07/14/11 04:54 PM
Starting as an idea in January of 2003, "The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail" quickly became an amazing and well-received over 300-mile trail accentuating the extraordinary vitality of the region's musical heritage. Due to the tremendous response from counties, cities, towns, state agencies tourism organizations and music venues, a steering committee with representatives from these organizations and places meets every month to guide the direction this is going, make decisions and even implement policies. Many of the events take place near Smith Mountain Lake, making it convenient for residents to take the "crooked road" to fun.
If you are a … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Smith Mountain Lakers - Enjoy a Blast from the Past! - 07/06/11 03:32 AM
While enjoying your summer at Smith Mountain Lake, don't miss out on a blast from the past. Feel like you are taking a step back in time when you visit the Mayberry Drive-in & Diner. This is a great way for you to be a little nostalgic and let your children and grandchildren get a taste of yesteryears!
Make a day of it since there are things to do from morning till night. The doors open at 6:30am and don't close until 10pm (11pm on weekends). So get there early to enjoy a delicious pancake and bacon breakfast in the 1950s-style … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Smith Mountain Lake - Got Vacation? - 06/29/11 10:39 AM
If you were on the fence about taking a vacation this year (or even are planning ahead for next year), it's not too late to arrange a fabulous, affordable getaway to Smith Mountain Lake. Not only will the beautiful sight of what's been called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains" be relaxing in and of itself, it also provides excellent recreation for those who enjoy a more active time.
At SML, the scenery is absolutely astounding, the fun is endless, and there are accommodations to fit almost all time constraints and budgets. Rentals are available by the long weekend, week, … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Help Smith Mountain Lake Address Stormwater Runoff Erosion - 06/21/11 08:47 AM
Smith Mountain Lake is not only an amazing haven to live in, it also attracts a great many vacationers looking for a utopia of sorts. Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) would like to keep it that way. They are asking your help to make sure this breathtaking lake stays in tip-top condition. One of the latest concerns is stormwater runoff creating unwanted sedimentation and erosion.

SMLA's mission statement is as follows: "The Association will represent its members on issues that affect Smith Mountain Lake and its watershed. Members' interests will be advocated throughout the watershed and the Commonwealth, using education … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Smith Mountain Lake-A Flower Frenzy! - 06/13/11 03:13 PM
In a recent issue of Smith Mountain Laker Magazine, garden photographer, speaker and author Catriona Tudor Erler shares some of her knowledge and experience to help you create an amazing array of flowers around your own home. If the natural beauty exuding from every pore of Smith Mountain Lake compels you to want landscaping to match, follow this expert advice for a fabulous flower frenzy!
Erler recommends these following tips:
Good Soil
If you are not in a hurry, you could collect some organic materials-make sure compost, leaves, rotted manure, and weed-free straw are included in the mixture-and spread at least … (2 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Smith Mountain Lakers Appreciate Freedom at Juneteenth Celebration - 06/08/11 03:32 PM
If Smith Mountain Lakers can tear themselves away from the lake long enough to check out the exciting upcoming Juneteenth Celebration at Booker T. Washington National Monument, it will be fun for the whole family! Not only is this a piece of history, but an educational event where the kids will be having so much fun, they won't even realize how much they are learning! 
Offered on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 1pm - 4pm, this is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate freedom. Booker T. Washington was born a slave, and after the Civil War, became an accomplished author, … (2 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Boating Safety at Smith Mountain Lake —It’s the Wave to Ride - 05/27/11 03:26 PM
The summer season at Smith Mountain Lake is quite a thrill that many boating novices and veterans alike look forward to annually.  After all,  Smith Mountain Lake (SML) is one of Virginia's purest, most beautiful, and peaceful lakes - an amazing place to spend a vacation or to reside all year round. Obviously, the vast 40-mile long lake with 500 miles of shoreline attracts a lot of people who enjoy boating.
With over 20,000 acres across the entire lake, there is plenty of room and the view is a breathtaking sight! As if that wasn't enough to attract a boat lover, … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: The Way Things Were in Franklin County VA - 05/21/11 04:46 PM
Everybody has a bit of nostalgia when it comes to the past. Well now you have a chance to see the way things were in Franklin County, VA! Not far from Smith Mountain Lake  on Father's Day weekend, you can take a step back in time at the Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days held at the Franklin County Recreation Park.
This three day event will have something for everyone, admission is only $5 and children under 12 are free. There will be lots of things to see and do with live demonstrations every day. Threshing, baling and sawmilling are just … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Green Can Be Beautiful On Smith Mountain Lake - 05/14/11 04:25 PM
Green can be beautiful on Smith Mountain Lake, whether you are talking about our lush golf courses or homes built with the environment in mind. Recently the Washington Post published an article about the first home LEED certified in Smith Mountain Lake; only 16 other homes in all of Virginia have earned that distinction as well. The home is no small bungalow either, at 5,200 square feet, it proves you can be big, bold and beautiful and still be environmentally friendly.Wayne and Joan Pepper had owned their lakefront lot for several years and a decrease in the cost of building supplies … (1 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Zoning Ordinance Changes at Smith Mountain Lake - 02/10/11 10:09 AM
 
There are proposed changes to county zoning ordinances under discussions, and you may be wondering exactly what this mean for Smith Mountain Lake.
 
The area around the lake is currently zoned A-1, which is for agriculture. The new changes would change the zoning to SA-1, which stands for suburban agriculture. This means that businesses such as slaughterhouses, landing strips, sawmills and primitive campgrounds would no longer be allowed. Mobile homes and parks will still be allowed, as there is a state law which says that any property zoned for agriculture must allow for these exceptions. The businesses which already … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: February Events at Smith Mountain Lake - 02/01/11 10:51 AM
 

Wondering what’s going on in the area for the month? The great thing about Smith Mountain Lake there is that there's always something to look forward to.

 
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not arrange a Singing Valentine for your sweetheart? The SML Harmineers Barbershop Chorus will be delivering Singing Valentines, with proceeds to benefit the Harmineers’ music program for local high school graduates. A quartet in fancy dress will provide two or more songs, a rose, and a card for $50. To arrange delivery, you can contact someone at the following numbers:
 
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smith mountain lake real estate: It's Time to Warm Up in Smith Mountain Lake! - 01/25/11 01:33 PM
 
Are you ready to test your athletic abilities? Smith Mountain Lake is becoming a choice destination for competitive sporting events, so it’s time to get warmed up and ready.
 
The Appalachian Power Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon 2011 is scheduled for May 7at 9:00am. The event will take place Smith Mountain Lake State Park at the swim area pavilion. This is a 750 meter swim, 20k bike, and 5k run. The triathlon is the first open water swim event in the western part of the state and is one of the most popular in the Virginia Triathlon Series. The race … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: New Year's Resolutions – Part 3 - 01/20/11 10:17 AM
Still considering your New Year’s resolutions? We've been talking about a financial plan for your Smith Mountain Lake home, including insurance and taxes. Last, but definitely not least, are repairs and renovations. Every homeowner knows that normal wear and tear, different seasons of weather, and – of course – the inevitable breakdown of an appliance are bound to happen every year. You should be prepared to spend 1% to 3% of your home’s value annually on maintenance.

 
Remember that extra $100 a month that we talked about putting toward your mortgage? If you’re not prepared for an unexpected repair, … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: New Year's Resolutions – Part Two - 01/14/11 02:27 AM
 
Still planning your New Year’s resolutions? Last time, we talked about a resolution for a financial plan for your Smith Mountain Lake home, and your mortgage. This time, let’s talk about insurance and taxes. Owning a home is your biggest investment. Whether you live here year 'round, or own a vacation home, you should make sure you are adequately covered.

 
For your basic policy, get insurance with full replacement coverage (in case your home should burn to the ground). Don’t forget – you own the land on which the home sits, as well. Make sure your property … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Plan Your Calendar Around Smith Mountain Lake Events - 01/12/11 11:03 AM
 
Now that the excitement of the holidays is over, don’t let cabin fever set in. There are many activities taking place this month at Smith Mountain Lake and in the surrounding area, for those who want to get out and about, but also want to stay indoors where it's warm.

 
On January 20, enjoy live jazz music with the Charlie Perkinson Trio at the Blackwater Café from 6-9pm. For more information, call 540-721-4333.
 
On January 24, come to The Embers Live Beach Music Concert at the Roanoke Civic Center at 6:30pm. Tickets are $17 in advance, and … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: Booker T. Washington Monument Brings History Alive in Nearby Hardy, VA - 12/28/10 06:39 AM
 
Booker T. Washington, one of America’s most recognized black heroes, has a connection to Franklin County that is remembered at an historic site located in Hardy, Virginia – not too far from Smith Mountain Lake. The local tobacco farm where he spent his early life is now a national monument.
 
Washington was born and grew up as a slave on the Burroughs tobacco farm, but was freed at the age of nine. After the Civil War ended, Washington founded and became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Washington also became an adviser, author, orator, and an influential … (0 comments)

smith mountain lake real estate: How to Negotiate An Offer at Smith Mountain Lake - 12/21/10 06:27 AM
Are you well-versed in the fine art of negotiation? Selling your Smith Mountain Lake home does not need to be scary, but you may feel some uncertainty when trying to settle on an appropriate price. Here are some tips that might help to hone your negotiation skills:

 
Understand your market. Look beyond the homes selling in your area. Knowing if you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market comes down to knowing how fast homes are selling in your area, and how many offers homeowners generally receive before accepting one. Sellers should talk to former neighbors about their experiences. Also … (0 comments)