ESPN Bassmaster Elite Tournament in Smith Mountain Lake

The biggest event in Pro Bass Fishing is coming to Smith Mountain Lake on April 22, 2009. The 4 day ESPN Bassmaster Elite Tournament is a nationally -recognized competition that bring 100 of the best bass fishermen in the world to Smith Mountain Lake.

The tournament travels to various locations with Smith Mountain Lake as one of the chosen locations. The title of this leg of the tournament is called the “Blue Ridge Brawl.”

While the main event is the pro anglers, the event also will have various other events set up for everyone to enjoy. There is the “Casting Kids Competition” and a pre-show featuring some amazing bluegrass bands. There is fun for all ages at the Blue Ridge Brawl in Smith Mountain Lake.

To find out more about Smith Mountain Lake contact Vicki. She can tell you about all the fun events and activities there are in the area.

Hit the Green in Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake has the weather and the set up for the perfect golf game. Our area courses are designed for top notch play. You will find amazing courses, like the newly redesigned Water’s Edge Country Club right here in Smith Mountain Lake.

The golf courses in the area are championship – premier caliber. There are international-level designs and breath taking scenery. You get the best courses laid right down in the middle of some of the most beautiful land in the south.

There are 5 major golf courses in the area. These courses suit everyone from the beginner to the expert. No matter which course you choose to play it will be an experience that will leave you wanting more.

Here is a list of the local golf courses that you can check out:

Westlake Golf & Country Club – A public course located on Chestnut Creek Drive.

The Waterfront Country Club – A private course located on Anchor Drive.

The Water’s Edge Country Club – A private course located on Water’s Edge Drive.

Mariner’s Landing – A public course located on Lake Retreat Road.

Sycamore Ridge – A public course located on Trails End Road.

Want to enjoy these great greens all year long? Contact Vicki today and she will help you find your new home in Smith Mountain Lake.

Spring has Sprung for the Real Estate Market

Spring tends to bring about a feeling of optimism and this year it is a much needed feeling. With the economic woes it is great to hear that the real estate market in Smith Mountain Lake is bouncing back.

Coming off a slower than average sales period, realtors , buyers and sellers can all breathe a sigh of relief as Smith Mountain Lake has shown hints of a rebound in the real estate market. Realtors have been showing more homes lately than they have all winter long. Prices are right for buyers and now is the best time to get the lake side home of your dreams.

The market is improving and now is the time to get out there and see what is available. Let Vicki help you find your family’s next home on Smith Mountain Lake.

Water’s Edge Golf Course Receives Renovation Award

Golfing is a highlight of the Smith Mountain Lake area and something visitors and residents love to enjoy at the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake courses. Recent renovations at the course at The Water’s Edge Country Club brought an esteemed honor to Smith Mountain Lake. This year The Water’s Edge Country Club was honored as an award winning project when the main contractor, The Aspen Company, won the Golf Course Industry Builders Legacy Award for Renovation of the Year.

The extensive renovations helped to revive the course to its former glory as one of the top golf courses in the state. The new look at the Water’s Edge Country Club includes all the latest innovations and technologies to help bring a level of excitement and challenge to the course. The renovations did not take anything away from the course’s historic look or its character, but enhanced it to make it a better place for golfers.

Properties at Water’s Edge are available now from Smith Mountain Lake’s own Vicki Millehan.

Keep Safety in Mind as the Weather Warms Up

Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect place to be when the weather warms up. With the many things to do on the lake, people tend to spend a lot of time outside once the temperatures go up. With all the fun and activity, it is important to keep safety in mind.

The Smith Mountain Water Safety Council is providing a public water safety mini-course on April 6^th at the Hot Shots Family Fun Center. This safety course will cover boat safety while also providing a fun learning environment.

If you can not make the boating course then you should look into taking private courses on boating, fishing, hunting and swimming to get you and your family ready for a safe season. Enjoying the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake can be amazing and exciting, but safety should always be a top concern. Make sure your family is ready by finding a safety class near you.

If you want to find out more about life in Smith Mountain Lake contact Vicki.

Meet Vicki Millehan of Smith Mountain Lake

For over 20 years, I have called Smith Mountain Lake my home and for over 18 years have considered it my privilege to sell real estate in this area. During that time, I have been a top producer for Prudential Waterfront Properties while doing what I love: matching potential buyers with just the right property in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Of all the decisions people make when buying or selling a home, the selection of the right real estate agent is the most important. I strive to give each client the personal touch and go to great lengths to make sure the home is completely ready for move-in or ready to put on the market. That's why my motto is "I am selling real estate one relationship at a time."

Smith Mountain Lake, recently named one of the greatest places to live by a magazine of the same name, offers year round and vacation living in a beautiful setting that has it all in terms of the setting- the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, lush farmland, and a 22,000 acre man-made lake with 500 mile of shoreline. A magnet for vacation home owners and retirees, the area features excellent golf courses and abundant fishing. It is convenient enough to metropolitan areas to attract young professionals who commute to Roanoke and Lynchburg while living in a peaceful small town setting. The vibrant local economy, wide range of housing choices, and variety of things to see and do make it a great place to raise a family.

Smith Mountain Lake property remains a solid investment. You'd think that in our current economy, housing values might have dropped along with sales. Yet, appraisals are coming in even higher than ever on Smith Mountain Lake Homes. Many area residents who are refinancing their homes to take advantage of lower rates are finding their loans are easily approved despite stricter lending requirements.

Because I serve an area that is a popular relocation destination and a place where people often like to buy second homes, I frequently work with clients and agents from across the United States. I welcome referrals and the chance to participate in realtor networks. Dealing with an out of state realtor can be nerve racking, but as my referrals attest, I take care of every detail.
Just visit me at Vicki's Lake Homes for beautiful properties in Smith Lake Mountain and surrounding communities.

Appraisals at Smith Mtn Lake

I am pleased to report that I have it on good authority that appraised values of homes on Smith Mtn Lake are coming in higher than expected.

There have been numerous appraisals (from various appraisal firms) recently completed for purchases and refinancing. Homes that were purchased in 2008 are now being refinanced because of 15 year rates in the 4.25% range and 30 year fixed in the 4.75% range. These appraisals are coming in HIGHER than their purchase prices of 2008.

In addition, underwriting of these appraisals is more strict than ever. Underwriters are taking a hard look at comparables sales. Even with the more strict underwriting of appraisals these loans are closing and interest rates are so low, it's (almost) like borrowing free money.