Twas the Night after Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake

Twas the Night after Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake,

Nothing stirred on the water, no boat left a wake.

The Marina’s were quiet, sailboats tucked in with care

In the hopes that quite soon, Spring would be here!

The anglers were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of bass danced in their heads.

I with a glass of a sweet Bedford wine

Was enjoying the quiet and resting my mind.

When out on the lake there arose such clatter

I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew in a dash,

I heard a boat rumble and a bit of a splash.

The moon on the water cast a beautiful glow,

So I could see clearly the objects below!

There on the water, what should appear,

But a man in a boat with eight tiny reindeer?

I hollered at my wife “you’d better come quick!”

For I knew in an instant that this was St Nick!

I pondered a moment, what’s he doing here?

For Christmas has passed already this year.

Then through the dark I heard him call out,

As the reindeer were rocking the boat all about,

Closer and closer to shore the boat came

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

“To the middle of the boat, be careful don’t rock,

Or we’ll never make it to the tiny boat dock!”

When they made it to shore every one of them dry,

I let a out a whoop and St Nick heard my cry!

A smile on his lips and a nod of his head,

Soon let me to know I had nothing to dread.

So I asked him the question that burned in my mind

What was here at the lake that he hoped to find?

Imagine my shock when he states his desire,

To Smith Mountain Lake he wants to retire!

“I am looking for a place right here on the lake

A place with a pool, now that would be great!”

And I heard he exclaim as he sailed out of sight,

“Glad your Christmas was great! Now have a great night!”

                                                                                       Author: KW

When you are ready to retire, come visit Smith Mountain Lake! If you like it then move here! Vicki Millehan can help you find your dream lakefront home in Franklin County or Bedford County Virginia.

Retirement and Tax Breaks in Franklin County

As most of you know the Home Buyers Tax Credit program has been continued. You can read most of the details in the recent blog: Buy a Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break! With current homeowners now being eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500, many are asking for details on the expanded program and what it means for them. It seems to be almost custom made for those who are ready to retire or downsize their home!


You can buy a lot of house for $800,000, but not everyone wants a lot of house to take care of! There is a whole generation of Baby Boomers who are just starting out on the road of retirement! On the top of their list is buying a retirement home. The new repeat buyer tax credit can be applied to a home that is smaller and even less expensive than your current home. There are many types of homes that qualify, if you want a condo or cottage on the lake, no problem! If you prefer to live on the lake in a houseboat, you are covered there as well! As long as it is a primary residence, you can buy the right sized home to fit your retirement plans!

Another benefit for retirees is the wider pool of buyers that will be looking for homes. Many of those ready to retire owned homes that were considered a few steps beyond what most first time homeowner would consider. These homes are now in demand for repeat buyers who are ready to take on the next level of home ownership! With the new program, you can sell your city home and buy a smaller home in the country and still qualify!

You can use the tax credit towards your home or you can use it as a down payment on that new sailboat! Whatever you choose to use it for, don’t miss out on this opportunity! You can take advantage of this program through April 30th, 2010 and will need to close by June 30th, 2010. Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! Golf courses, fishing, sailing, hiking; these are just a few of the things you can enjoy in Franklin County!

There is so much to do in Franklin County, Virginia; come for a visit, if you like it then move here!! If you want to see what kind of homes are available in the area call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!