Smith Mountain Lake - Abundance In Every Way
From farmland to recreational paradise. the Smith Mountain Lake region in Virginia is some of the most beautifully transformed land/water areas in the country. If you've been to Virginia, you know the state is among the picturesque of the national treasures. Amidst all the mountainous countryside there lies a three-county community in Southwest Virginia surrounding Smith Mountain. It is located just southeast of Roanoke, Virginia and southwest of Lynchburg, Virginia.
According to Linda Nardin with the Chamber of Commerce, with the building of Smith Mountain Lake Dam, created with the waters of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers, operational "full pond" status was reached on March 5, 1966. What resulted was a gorgeous 40-mile long lake with 500 miles of shoreline touching the shores of Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties.
Originally built as a hydroelectric power project by Appalachian Power Company. the lake's abundance of recreational amenities wasn't initially imagined. Many residents living there when the lake was formed look back at the modest land prices in the early years - several hundred dollars per acre for lake frontage - and some sigh with regret at the immense financial opportunity lost. Today, those same building lots now can carry price tags of up to and surpassing $1 million.
The Chamber will tell you that the finest quality of life awaits those who relocate to Smith Mountain Lake, including incredible residential opportunities, a wide range of settings, a growing business community, and "small town" atmosphere. You'll find it's close proximity to metropolitan areas is just one of the characteristics that attract young professionals, growing families and retirees to the area.
Find your choice of lake front town homes, condo communities, a single family home with great lake views, a quiet vacation retreat, a mountaintop country home, or even a piece of rich farmland. The lake is surrounded by green mountains, rolling farmland, neighborhood communities, or almost anything you desire in location.
It's no mystery why the lake has become a full-time home for many. Quite simply, there aren't many places offering a setting that combines spectacular mountains as backdrop to a beautiful lake. Add a genuinely friendly atmosphere and a moderate climate to this mix. Mingle in the ever-growing selection of restaurants, retail centers, art galleries, active civic organizations and it all adds up to an unprecedented quality of life.
Today Smith Mountain Lake is far more than a source of clean hydro-electric power. The region has surpassed its image as a summer vacation spot. It has grown into a solid year-round economic center with a great growth potential still to be explored. That certainly makes it a great place to live, and a great place to work and raise a family as well.
Natural beauty is one part of Smith Mountain Lake's attractiveness. Each season unfolds with breathtaking natural beauty unique to the area. A sprinkling of snow each winter evokes a festive Holiday spirit. Spring comes early and provides a blaze of brilliant azaleas, roadside daffodil fields, carpets of phlox and mountainsides colored with white dogwoods and red bud trees.
If you are a warm weather enthusiast, summers at Smith Mountain Lake are extraordinary with immense lakeside forests standing tall along the mountainside. The atmosphere is casual and the lifestyle inviting. Those who enjoy outdoor sports such as golf and fishing will be impressed with what they find. There are five excellent 18-hole golf courses at the lake.
Lake dwellers will tell you that nothing compares to gorgeous fall foliage at Smith Mountain Lake. Other amenities include the great fishing, which is unsurpassed in any season. Casual casters have found recreational fun with countless families capturing lifelong memories of "the big ones" caught in friendly waters.
Smith Mountain Lake also attracts professional anglers who are at the top of their game. Competitions, such as CITGO Bassmaster and the ESPN Elite, provide exciting world-class challenges for those who earn the right to compete here.
The area offers much more than natural charm. The communities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake are alive with nearly 80 civic organizations providing innumerable activities year-round. Music lovers delight in the quality of concerts provided by the Roanoke Symphony, blue grass festivals, folk, contemporary, rhythm & blues and jazz.
People flock to the lake for quality art, antiques, crafts and a wide range of shopping choices. Annual events include a business expo, national archery tournament, aquatic poker run, triathlon, fireworks displays, antique boat show, wine festival, home tour, chili festival and a spectacular winter boat parade.
The economy appears to be doing very well around the region. In fact, Vicki Gardner, the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce recently summed up the stability of Smith Mountain Lake with these words to members, "We've officially turned the half-way mark and are headed to 2009. As with each of you and your businesses, the SML Chamber is adopting and adapting to the foretold changes in our economy. All indications show that our area is weathering the 'economic storm' better than many regions across the country. While some businesses are struggling, many report 'better than expected' revenue over the past few months. Boosting the local economy with the SML Chamber's ad campaign has been the staff and board's central focus."
Those are encouraging words to hear, particularly if you are looking for a new home to retire or relocate in the the area.
For more information about the Smith Mountain Lake region, history, businesses, lodging, dining and much more, go to the SML Chamber of Commerce website: wwww.visitsmithmountainlake.com or call 800-676-8203.
This article was published in the November/December issue of Great Places to Live Magazine.
www.greatplacestolivemagazine.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Prudential Real Estate Highest in Satisfaction Among Home Sellers
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Prudential Real Estate
Highest in Satisfaction Among Home Sellers
Prudential Real Estate is ranked “Highest in Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms,” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study SM.
The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with major national real estate companies and includes 3,670 evaluations from 3,205 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2007 and June 2008.
Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate achieved a score of 793 on a 1,000-point scale. “We are very proud of this distinction, as it underscores the quality of our affiliates and their hard-working sales professionals,” said Laurie Keenan, president of Prudential Real Estate. “This recognition is especially rewarding because it comes from a most discerning group: our customers. To be sure, our sales professionals are the local experts, and sellers appreciate their ability to market and price homes right.”
Highest in Satisfaction Among Home Sellers
Prudential Real Estate is ranked “Highest in Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms,” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study SM.
The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with major national real estate companies and includes 3,670 evaluations from 3,205 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2007 and June 2008.
Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate achieved a score of 793 on a 1,000-point scale. “We are very proud of this distinction, as it underscores the quality of our affiliates and their hard-working sales professionals,” said Laurie Keenan, president of Prudential Real Estate. “This recognition is especially rewarding because it comes from a most discerning group: our customers. To be sure, our sales professionals are the local experts, and sellers appreciate their ability to market and price homes right.”
Friday, July 25, 2008
Six Degrees of Virtual Separation
Six Degrees of Virtual Separation
Networking in the 21st Century
We've all heard the expression that change is the only constant. While changes can be frightening at first, they often bring us to a better place than where we started. This is especially true when we take charge of our destiny by setting goals and actively pursuing them. Perhaps you would like to obtain a new job, or move to a new neighborhood or even a different part of the country. Whatever the case, there are many resources at your fingertips!
One of the first places you should begin is with your referral network, also known as your Center of Influence. This phrase is usually used to describe business contacts, but it really encompasses everyone you know. Here are some online resources that are helpful in this regard:
• Educational Websites: If you attended a college or university, visit their alumni website. In addition to offering career planning and placement resources, you can learn about local alumni clubs in your region. See if there is an online alumni directory, and contact former classmates you may have lost touch with. (Use www.google.com to locate your school's official website.)
• LinkedIn™: This website is a way to virtually assemble and broaden your network of contacts, all at no cost to you. The process begins with you inviting friends and colleagues who you respect and trust to join your network. They, in turn, can invite other individuals to participate. Before long, you have a large group of people assembled who have all been carefully selected by others within your circle. You may then search the network to find individuals who can assist you with whatever you're seeking, ranging from a job in a certain industry to the name of a good attorney.
If you have a need that a fellow member can fulfill, send your request to one of your personal contacts and enlist their assistance in forwarding it on to their contact. A personal introduction will help to ensure a prompt and positive response! www.linkedin.com
• Monster.com: Job seekers and companies alike use Monster® to fulfill their employment needs. But did you know that the website can also be used as a networking resource? Monster enables you to post a profile outlining your background and experience which you can choose to make visible to other members.
Once you've created a profile, you can search through thousands of other member profiles to locate people with similar experiences and interests. If there is a particular company or industry you've been curious about, this is an excellent way to gain insight from someone who is a current or former employee. You may even set up "people search agents" so that matches will be emailed to you automatically as new profiles are added. Searching and viewing profiles is available at no cost, but if you find someone you'd like to contact, you'll have to pay a nominal subscription fee. www.monster.com
If you or someone you know is in need of a referral, I would welcome the opportunity to assist you. My Center of Influence includes financial planners, real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, human resources directors, and other business professionals.
Networking in the 21st Century
We've all heard the expression that change is the only constant. While changes can be frightening at first, they often bring us to a better place than where we started. This is especially true when we take charge of our destiny by setting goals and actively pursuing them. Perhaps you would like to obtain a new job, or move to a new neighborhood or even a different part of the country. Whatever the case, there are many resources at your fingertips!
One of the first places you should begin is with your referral network, also known as your Center of Influence. This phrase is usually used to describe business contacts, but it really encompasses everyone you know. Here are some online resources that are helpful in this regard:
• Educational Websites: If you attended a college or university, visit their alumni website. In addition to offering career planning and placement resources, you can learn about local alumni clubs in your region. See if there is an online alumni directory, and contact former classmates you may have lost touch with. (Use www.google.com to locate your school's official website.)
• LinkedIn™: This website is a way to virtually assemble and broaden your network of contacts, all at no cost to you. The process begins with you inviting friends and colleagues who you respect and trust to join your network. They, in turn, can invite other individuals to participate. Before long, you have a large group of people assembled who have all been carefully selected by others within your circle. You may then search the network to find individuals who can assist you with whatever you're seeking, ranging from a job in a certain industry to the name of a good attorney.
If you have a need that a fellow member can fulfill, send your request to one of your personal contacts and enlist their assistance in forwarding it on to their contact. A personal introduction will help to ensure a prompt and positive response! www.linkedin.com
• Monster.com: Job seekers and companies alike use Monster® to fulfill their employment needs. But did you know that the website can also be used as a networking resource? Monster enables you to post a profile outlining your background and experience which you can choose to make visible to other members.
Once you've created a profile, you can search through thousands of other member profiles to locate people with similar experiences and interests. If there is a particular company or industry you've been curious about, this is an excellent way to gain insight from someone who is a current or former employee. You may even set up "people search agents" so that matches will be emailed to you automatically as new profiles are added. Searching and viewing profiles is available at no cost, but if you find someone you'd like to contact, you'll have to pay a nominal subscription fee. www.monster.com
If you or someone you know is in need of a referral, I would welcome the opportunity to assist you. My Center of Influence includes financial planners, real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, human resources directors, and other business professionals.
Tips to Make Your Home More Valuable
Tips to Make Your Home More Valuable
Regardless of the state of the housing market, a smart home owner can always make an effort to increase the value of their most valuable possession – their home. Minor adjustments and projects can make a major difference when you are ready to put your house on the market.
Begin with the first part of the property a buyer will see – the outside. Washing windows, repainting trim, planting flowers and small shrubs, trimming tree branches and overgrown bushes, fixing screens, resealing your driveway, and mowing the lawn can make a big difference. A trim yard and tidy exterior is attractive to a buyer, the opposite can be an instant turn-off.
Another way to increase the appeal and value of your house is to pay special attention to the entryway or first few steps the interested buyer will walk when beginning to tour the interior. An inviting, clean and well decorated foyer will please visitors and extend a good first impression. A fresh coat of paint and new piece of furniture are quick, easy ways to spruce up the entryway.
One way to increase the value of a home that home owners often don’t consider is brightening up a neglected bathroom. Purchase and hang a new shower curtain, buy a rug for the floor and de-clutter the countertop. If the room really needs it, consider fresh paint and a new medicine cabinet or wall shelf.
A slight makeover in the kitchen is perhaps the best possible project for adding to your home’s interior appeal. Replace the handles on your cabinets and drawers, freshen up the paint, install new flooring, add a backsplash, and paint or re-face your existing cabinets. When home buyers come knocking, the time and effort required to refresh a kitchen will be well worth it.
If you’re considering selling your home, any or all of these tips can expedite the sales process by adding to the value and attractiveness of a house, and ensuring it can withstand the local market competition. With a little planning and prioritizing, you can make your house more comfortable and valuable with very little time and money.
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Regardless of the state of the housing market, a smart home owner can always make an effort to increase the value of their most valuable possession – their home. Minor adjustments and projects can make a major difference when you are ready to put your house on the market.
Begin with the first part of the property a buyer will see – the outside. Washing windows, repainting trim, planting flowers and small shrubs, trimming tree branches and overgrown bushes, fixing screens, resealing your driveway, and mowing the lawn can make a big difference. A trim yard and tidy exterior is attractive to a buyer, the opposite can be an instant turn-off.
Another way to increase the appeal and value of your house is to pay special attention to the entryway or first few steps the interested buyer will walk when beginning to tour the interior. An inviting, clean and well decorated foyer will please visitors and extend a good first impression. A fresh coat of paint and new piece of furniture are quick, easy ways to spruce up the entryway.
One way to increase the value of a home that home owners often don’t consider is brightening up a neglected bathroom. Purchase and hang a new shower curtain, buy a rug for the floor and de-clutter the countertop. If the room really needs it, consider fresh paint and a new medicine cabinet or wall shelf.
A slight makeover in the kitchen is perhaps the best possible project for adding to your home’s interior appeal. Replace the handles on your cabinets and drawers, freshen up the paint, install new flooring, add a backsplash, and paint or re-face your existing cabinets. When home buyers come knocking, the time and effort required to refresh a kitchen will be well worth it.
If you’re considering selling your home, any or all of these tips can expedite the sales process by adding to the value and attractiveness of a house, and ensuring it can withstand the local market competition. With a little planning and prioritizing, you can make your house more comfortable and valuable with very little time and money.
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Friday, July 11, 2008
A Fear of Success Can Dash Your Dreams
It is all too common for someone to experience fear when pursuing an ambition. Fear can become an obstacle to performing at one’s best, ultimately hindering a desired achievement.
Perhaps you have experienced sensitivity to the demands and results of success, and can relate a shortcoming or failure to the fear. Hypnotherapist Juanita-Beth Morgan provides insight on this surprising struggle.
"The fear of success is an emotional encumbrance, causing us to experience and receive much less than we deserve in order to enjoy a successful life," said Morgan.
According to Morgan, the reasons for fearing success vary depending on the perception of success one has. For some, it may be the pressures to keep up a high standard once it is reached, for others it could be concern over outdoing another’s attempts at the same goal.
Morgan says a first step to conquering the fear of success to properly define what success means to you. This can eliminate faulty beliefs caused by identifying success according to what others say it is.
Another principle Morgan suggests is to have a positive role model. Seek a successful person who is thriving and observe how they achieve this accomplishment.
Recalling how you are successful in other areas of life can encourage confidence toward a current goal, says Morgan.
Finally, in order to combat fear of success, Morgan says it is important to have a plan. "Follow your plan slowly and progressively advance your interests," she asserts, adding that it's important to pace yourself and not burn out.
Here’s to your success!
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Perhaps you have experienced sensitivity to the demands and results of success, and can relate a shortcoming or failure to the fear. Hypnotherapist Juanita-Beth Morgan provides insight on this surprising struggle.
"The fear of success is an emotional encumbrance, causing us to experience and receive much less than we deserve in order to enjoy a successful life," said Morgan.
According to Morgan, the reasons for fearing success vary depending on the perception of success one has. For some, it may be the pressures to keep up a high standard once it is reached, for others it could be concern over outdoing another’s attempts at the same goal.
Morgan says a first step to conquering the fear of success to properly define what success means to you. This can eliminate faulty beliefs caused by identifying success according to what others say it is.
Another principle Morgan suggests is to have a positive role model. Seek a successful person who is thriving and observe how they achieve this accomplishment.
Recalling how you are successful in other areas of life can encourage confidence toward a current goal, says Morgan.
Finally, in order to combat fear of success, Morgan says it is important to have a plan. "Follow your plan slowly and progressively advance your interests," she asserts, adding that it's important to pace yourself and not burn out.
Here’s to your success!
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Negative Economic Reports Good For Mortgage Rates
Did you know that reports of a weakening economy often produce lower home loan rates?
According to Sue Woodard, President of publishing and content for Mortgage Success Source, less consumer confidence in the economy can lead to lower home loan rates. Bad news about the economy signals consumers to play it safe with their money, tending to choose less–risky bonds over stock investment. Woodard explains because home loan rates are connected to consumer interest in bonds, more bond investment leads to more lender flexibility with home loan rates.
“Good news for the economy tends to be bad news for interest rates, and bad news for the economy tends to be very good news for home loan rates,” said Woodard.
To read the entire article, visit, http://www.allaboutnews2.com/vc.php?a=y&b=33&i=215&rs=172b2d9ac52d85cd0d3
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
According to Sue Woodard, President of publishing and content for Mortgage Success Source, less consumer confidence in the economy can lead to lower home loan rates. Bad news about the economy signals consumers to play it safe with their money, tending to choose less–risky bonds over stock investment. Woodard explains because home loan rates are connected to consumer interest in bonds, more bond investment leads to more lender flexibility with home loan rates.
“Good news for the economy tends to be bad news for interest rates, and bad news for the economy tends to be very good news for home loan rates,” said Woodard.
To read the entire article, visit, http://www.allaboutnews2.com/vc.php?a=y&b=33&i=215&rs=172b2d9ac52d85cd0d3
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Vicki Millehan Named Listing Agent of The Cottages at Contentment Island
Vicki Millehan Named Listing Agent of The Cottages at Contentment Island
Smith Mountain Lake, VA -- Vicki Millehan, a Prudential Waterfront Properties realtor, has been named the listing agent for The Cottages at Contentment Island, one of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s newest developments.
The Cottages at Contentment Island features “62 Luxury Waterfront Townhomes”. The Cambridge design incorporates 3,500+ square feet including covered deck/patio, a two-car garage, and finished basement. Each unit boasts open floor plans, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and crown moulding. The cottages include a variety of interior themes. Each unit complete with assigned boat-slop that will accommodate up to a 27’ vessel.
“We are looking forward to working with Vicki and this relationship with Prudential Waterfront Properties in representing The Cottages,” said The Cottages at Contentment Island developer Francis Disney of Disney Construction Company.
Interested buyers should contact Vicki Millehan for more information on The Cottages at Contentment Island. Also visit the website; www.smlcottages.com Only nine completed units in this phase remain for sale!
The Cottages at Contentment Island are located in Union Hall, Virginia off Rt. 40 and Rt. 945, take a right onto Rt.663, the Contentment Island development is on the left.
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
Smith Mountain Lake, VA -- Vicki Millehan, a Prudential Waterfront Properties realtor, has been named the listing agent for The Cottages at Contentment Island, one of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s newest developments.
The Cottages at Contentment Island features “62 Luxury Waterfront Townhomes”. The Cambridge design incorporates 3,500+ square feet including covered deck/patio, a two-car garage, and finished basement. Each unit boasts open floor plans, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and crown moulding. The cottages include a variety of interior themes. Each unit complete with assigned boat-slop that will accommodate up to a 27’ vessel.
“We are looking forward to working with Vicki and this relationship with Prudential Waterfront Properties in representing The Cottages,” said The Cottages at Contentment Island developer Francis Disney of Disney Construction Company.
Interested buyers should contact Vicki Millehan for more information on The Cottages at Contentment Island. Also visit the website; www.smlcottages.com Only nine completed units in this phase remain for sale!
The Cottages at Contentment Island are located in Union Hall, Virginia off Rt. 40 and Rt. 945, take a right onto Rt.663, the Contentment Island development is on the left.
About Vicki Millehan
Among Prudential Waterfront Properties’ top producers, Vicki has a solid reputation for being one of the most successful and qualified sales agents on Smith Mountain Lake. She has received multiple awards including “Top Individual Sales Award” given by the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors in 2004 and 2005. Vicki is a member of the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Contact Vicki Millehan
(540) 576-1224
(540) 520-2401
www.vickislakehomes.com
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