In Bedford, Virginia this weekend you will see a lot of flags on display as we honor and remember the men and women who fought for our freedom. There will be many events in Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas, but here are a few you may not want to miss!
Wreath Ceremony Memorial Day
At the National D-Day Memorial, they will be holding a "Remembering Their Sacrifice" ceremony. There will be free admission from 10 am until noon with the laying of the wreath beginning at 11am. This is all leads up to the 66th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6th. There will be tours throughout the day. In the evening, the Memorial will remain open with a special nighttime illumination honoring the sacrifice that was laid down in Normandy 66 years ago and to give tribute to the veterans who survived.
Event Leading To Memorial Day
Of course Memorial Day means lots of backyard barbeques and fun activities! If you are looking for some great food and a good time don't miss the Second Annual Crawfish Festival at the Bower Center! The festival begins at 5:30pm on May 29th. At last year's event, festival goers downed over 1200 pounds of crawfish, gumbo and crawfish eutoffee with red beans and rice! Come and enjoy Cajun music, Zydeco and the blues!
Another great way to start out summer is with some amazing strawberries! You can enjoy these sweet treats at the Scott Strawberry Festival at Scott's Strawberry Farm in Moneta. Rain or shine the event will be held! There will art and craft vendors, food, music and the guest of honor: strawberries!!
Bedford has a rich history. If you want to reside where history lives, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert! If a lakefront home is more what you dream of, ask her about the great properties available on Smith Mountain Lake!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Blue Ridge Parkway Offers Scenic Beauty In Bedford County
Along the parkway, you can find several lodges. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is the one closest to Smith Mountain Lake. You can see some wonderful mountain vistas from here. There are great photo opportunities to be had, as wildlife is often seen near the lodge! Located in Bedford, VA, the lodge offers two restaurants, Lake View Restaurant and Otter Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop. The Lake View is open year 'round; Otter Creek just opened for the 2010 season.
As we head into summer, the fields lining the parkway are full of beautiful Virginia wildflowers. Be sure to come back in the fall, when the trees will bring out their brightest colors for travelers along the road. Drivers will find several visitor centers along the way.
Just past the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, you will hit the road’s highest elevation at 3950 ft!! The weather can vary a lot at high altitudes; be sure to check the forecast for several communities along the road so you have an idea of what to expect. It is always a good idea to carry jackets and some emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. You can find more Safety Tips on the BRP website!
As you drive the Parkway, don’t forget to stop at Smith Mountain Lake! Come for a visit; if you like it then move here! If you want to buy a vacation home of your own, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert! She can help you navigate the road to home ownership in Smith Mountain Lake!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Smith Mountain Lake: A Great Place to Live
There are over 500 miles of shoreline on Smith Mountain Lake, spanning several counties. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains like a hidden treasure, there is no better place for the perfect escape! Once you have had a chance to visit, you will understand why there is little doubt as to why so many people buy homes here.
The types of real estate available in Smith Mountain Lake are very diverse. Some properties are vacation or second homes. Others belong to year-round residents. That is one of the benefits of the area. It isn't just a resort town; it is a strong, close-knit community.
We have planned communities like the Cottages at Contentment Island or private lots with plenty of trees. You can build your own dream home or get a great bargain on an older lakefront condo. Whatever kind of property suits you can be found here. There is a wide variety in home prices, too! You may be surprised by how much home you can afford on Smith Mountain Lake.
Come for a visit, and if you like it, then move here! VickiMillehan is your local real estate resource. With over 18 years of real estate experience and as a 20-year resident, Vicki knows Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding communities. Just call when you are ready to enjoy summers on the lake!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Basics of Buying in Smith Mountain Lake
For first time home buyers, purchasing a home can be one of the most exciting and scariest things they will ever do. But, with a good real estate agent at your side, it should never be confusing! One of the most common questions first time buyers have is, “What is it I am paying for at closing?” Let’s take a look at the basics of buying in Smith Mountain Lake.
One of the first things you'll see at closing is the information concerning your mortgage. Some mortgages have something called “points.” Points are simply a fee that you pay upfront so you can receive a lower interest rate for the life of your loan. Basically, you are paying a portion of interest upfront.
How Points Work
Let’s say you are borrowing $100,000 for your new home. Your lender has set up your loan with a low interest rate and one point. Usually each point is 1% of your loan value. That means you will bring $1,000 to closing to cover the point. It may seem like a strange way to save money, but if you are staying in your home for more than five years, the money you save on interest will be greater than what you paid at closing. Not to mention that your monthly payment will be lower!
Fees, What Fees?
Another thing that helps make up your closing costs are fees. Most fees are related to getting your mortgage in place. Often, the title company will do a search to make sure the title to your property is clear. Also included in these fees are such things as appraisals, and the costs of processing and underwriting the loan. Be aware: some lenders may advertise low closing costs but have a much higher interest rate. Do your homework and find what works best for you.
Speaking of Interest
The last thing you want to make sure is correct at closing is the interest rate you secured with your lender. Normally, you will have already “locked in” a specific rate. You can lock a rate for 15, 45, or 60 days. The longer you wait to lock the rate, the higher the interest rate may be.
This is just some basic information on what makes up your closing costs. With interest rates low, it is still a great time to buy that waterfront property in Smith Mountain Lake! If you are ready to make the area your home, call Vicki Millehan! Her team can help you find a home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!
One of the first things you'll see at closing is the information concerning your mortgage. Some mortgages have something called “points.” Points are simply a fee that you pay upfront so you can receive a lower interest rate for the life of your loan. Basically, you are paying a portion of interest upfront.
How Points Work
Let’s say you are borrowing $100,000 for your new home. Your lender has set up your loan with a low interest rate and one point. Usually each point is 1% of your loan value. That means you will bring $1,000 to closing to cover the point. It may seem like a strange way to save money, but if you are staying in your home for more than five years, the money you save on interest will be greater than what you paid at closing. Not to mention that your monthly payment will be lower!
Fees, What Fees?
Another thing that helps make up your closing costs are fees. Most fees are related to getting your mortgage in place. Often, the title company will do a search to make sure the title to your property is clear. Also included in these fees are such things as appraisals, and the costs of processing and underwriting the loan. Be aware: some lenders may advertise low closing costs but have a much higher interest rate. Do your homework and find what works best for you.
Speaking of Interest
The last thing you want to make sure is correct at closing is the interest rate you secured with your lender. Normally, you will have already “locked in” a specific rate. You can lock a rate for 15, 45, or 60 days. The longer you wait to lock the rate, the higher the interest rate may be.
This is just some basic information on what makes up your closing costs. With interest rates low, it is still a great time to buy that waterfront property in Smith Mountain Lake! If you are ready to make the area your home, call Vicki Millehan! Her team can help you find a home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Basics of Buying in Smith Mountain Lake
One of the first things you will see at closing is the information concerning your mortgage. Some mortgages have something called “points.” Points are simply a fee that you pay upfront so you can receive a lower interest rate for the life of your loan. Basically, you are paying a portion of interest upfront.
How Points Work
Let’s say you are borrowing $100,000 for your new home. Your lender has set your loan up with a low interest rate and one point. Usually each point is 1% of your loan value. That means you will bring $1,000 to closing to cover the point. It may seem like a strange way to save money, but if you are staying in your home for more than five years, the money you save on interest will be greater than what you paid at closing. Not to mention that the monthly payment will be lower!
Fees, What Fees?
Another thing that helps make up your closing costs are fees. Most fees are related to getting your mortgage in place. Often, the title company will do a search to make sure the title to your property is clear. Also included in these fees are such things as appraisals, and the cost of processing and underwriting the loan. Be aware: some lenders may advertise low closing costs but have a much higher interest rate. Do your homework and find what works best for you.
Speaking of Interest
The last thing you want to make sure is correct at closing is the interest rate you secured with your lender. Normally, you will have already “locked in” a specific rate. You can lock a rate for 15, 45 or 60 days. The longer you chose to lock the rate, the higher the interest rate may be.
This is just some basic information on what makes up your closing costs. With interest rates low, it is still a great time to buy that waterfront property in Smith Mountain Lake! If you are ready to make the area your home, call Vicki Millehan! Her team can help you find a home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time for Franklin County Pigg River Ramble
It all starts with the Blackwater Blackout on May 14th. Registration, music and food are scheduled for 5pm- 7pm. The Blackout begins at 7pm. Boats and other means of water transportation will only be allowed to light the way with non-electrical sources of light. You will see them adorned with everything from flashlights to glow sticks. The first 300 participants registered will receive a free t-shirt commemorating the event!
On Saturday the 15th, the Pigg River Ramble begins! The race starts at 10:30am and floaters start at 11:20am. This is an eight mile race ending with a barbeque and post race fun at Waid Park. You can end your weekend with Breakfast on the Blackwater. This is a three mile float with breakfast served about 45 minutes after the start. Enjoy a beautiful riverside breakfast!
It is not too late to join in the fun of this wacky river race! Whether you are looking for a home along the river or lakefront property in Franklin County, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert for Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas!
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