http://activerain.com/blogs/smlrealtor en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/503877/what-about-smith-mountain-lake-  As reported in the “Laker Weekly” rumor has it that Sissy Spacek, Joe Montana, and Tom Cruise have or have had homes on Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Can you imagine the stir when a floor duty agent received a purported call from Tom Cruise that he wanted to purchase property here? No one ever did determine if it was Tom calling.  David Balducci, author of 17 books, enjoys his part-time residency here, and just finished a book signing on his new book “The Whole Truth” at the “Little Gallery” at Bridgewater Plaza.  The movie What About Bob? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ really put us on the map. a 1991 comedy movie directed by Frank Oz which stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss was produced in and around the town of Moneta, Virginia located on Smith Mountain Lake.. Production had to go south because at the real Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, the leaves were already turning for the fall season.  The house used in the filming is currently occupied on a penisula on the Black Water Channel, an unassuming landmark, and pictured below . (Sorry, I'm new to this, and trying to figure out how to insert a picture).  Since 1991, lake front property has evolved from $300,000 cottages to mega million dollar showcases toping out at about $5 Million. Currently, there are approximately 359 waterfront single family homes for sale at SML ranging from $239,900 to $4,995,000.,(not including condos & townhomes), and the axiom hasn’t changed. You get what you pay for. The deeper the water, the wider the view, amount of square footage, condition and features, continue to determine the market value. In the current market, a Buyer can acquire a truly lovely waterfront home, 4000 sq ft, with all the bells & whistles below 1.3 million. That ain’t bad !!! But one thing is for sure, there is only so much waterfront, and that’s not going to change. And it really is a great alternative for those who love ocean front but can’t afford it, insurance or otherwise, or some buyers just don’t like the con’s of salt water living. You don’t have to be a celebrity to be attracted to The Lake, but it will certainly make you feel like one. . It is truly a haven for inland water enthusiasts, nature lovers, and residents who seek Lake Living on or off the water and turning life down a notch. Smith Mountain Lake also offers approximately the same number of off-water properties surrounding the Lake in the same cities and counties, within in the same price range. However, in the case where off-water is concerned, the buyer is getting more house for the buck. That’s just logical. I hope to be providing more information regarding our community in SW Virginia. Thanks for reading! Carol Plaskon (Lake Team Realty) Fri, 09 May 2008 18:09:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/503877/what-about-smith-mountain-lake-