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Virginia is blessed with gorgeous locales fit for spending your golden years. The following places are widely considered to be the best places in the state to retire. Let’s take a look.

1. Abingdon 

   Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon in southwest Virginia is a small town with a population size of roughly 8,000 residents. The county seat of Washington County, Abingdon is famous for three things: its vibrant arts community, the legendary Barter Theatre, and the 35-mile Virginia Creeper Trail, which runs from Abingdon all the way through Whitetop. Unlike most small towns, Abingdon is bursting with a variety of arts and culture opportunities. Another positive draw that attracts tourists and real estate investors all year round are its spectacular views. Due to its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon residents get to enjoy plenty of outdoor recreation activities and unspoiled nature that change as the seasons come and go.

2. Charlottesville 

   Located in the heart of Virginia, the independent city of Charlottesville (also known as Cville among locals) is oft considered as one of the best places to retire in the state. The city has a bustling population of approximately 45,000 residents, and within the limits you’ll find people from all walks of life.One of Charlottesville’s most attractive features is its abundance of educational opportunities– it is, after all, the home of the outstanding University of Virginia. Although a lot of establishments seem to cater to the younger crowd, there is still plenty to enjoy as a retiree in Charlottesville. Culturally rich and diverse, with hundreds of amenities, retiring in Charlottesville is convenient, fun, and enriching.

3. Lexington 

   An independent city located just 50 miles north of Roanoke, Lexington also ranks high on the list of best places to retire in Virginia. Located in the west central region, Lexington is known as a historically rich community with top-performing schools and a plethora of outdoor activities.Lexington has a year-round population of roughly 7,000 residents. The college-town atmosphere and wealth of outdoor recreation make it ideal for retirees who have always wanted to relax or explore the great outdoors. Outstanding community amenities and ease of access to other centers make Lexington truly an ideal place to live, whether you’re retiring or otherwise.

4. Roanoke

   Dubbed the Star City of the South, Roanoke is a cosmopolitan city tucked between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains. This makes Roanoke not only modern but scenic, with access to hundreds of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed all year round.From a retiree’s perspective, Roanoke is a playground filled to the brim with arts, culture, entertainment, dining, and other state-of-the-art facilities. The city also has a variety of senior programs, with projects that specifically cater to retirees’ needs. Roanoke is home to a reputable medical facility as well. Best of all, Roanoke boats an average cost of living which is just below average, making it one of the most affordable cities in Virginia to live.

   Smith Mountain Lake, the most beloved reservoir in the state, is located southeast of Roanoke, approximately an hour’s drive away.

5. Williamsburg

   Located south of Washington D.C, Williamsburg is the historic capital of Virginia. It is best known for its historic districts, most especially Colonial Williamsburg. History, arts, and culture all converge in this independent city, which always make it a delight to explore whether you’re a tourist, a resident, or a retiree residing in the area.Historic it may be, but Williamsburg is not stuck in the past. In fact, the city is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. State-of-the-art amenities, outdoor recreation, and entertainment complete Williamsburg’s attractive features, making it a well-rounded place to live as a retiree.

Learn more about retirement communities in Smith Mountain Lake from why you should retire here to knowing which activities you can spend with your family. Get in touch with us at 540-493-1690.

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We all know Smith Mountain Lake is home to truly beautiful vacation rentals, which is why so many travelers drive to the area for possibly owning a vacation or retirement home or simply for a peaceful getaway.

If you’re currently on the lookout for a lakefront property in Smith Mountain Lake, you’re in luck. This amazing property with stunning vistas is available for rent for an average of only $240 per night. Read more to find out why it’s considered as one of the best deals in Smith Mountain Lake.

1. 1. It can accommodate a party of up to 15 people.With approximately 3,600 square feet of space, there is plenty of room in this Smith Mountain Lake vacation rental. There are five bedrooms in the home, each adequately furnished so up to 15 people can sleep comfortably. Two of the bedrooms have twin bunk beds, while the rest of the bedrooms are furnished with king-sized beds.

      Do take note, however, that guests are responsible in providing their own bed sheet sets and towels.

   2. You can enjoy the gorgeous outdoor views inside the home.One of the lakefront home’s most primary features is its open floor plan and large windows. Aside from plenty of natural light, guests get to enjoy the stunning mountain and lake scenery from inside the home.

      And when you do want to get outside, guests will find plenty of things to do. The lakefront vacation rental has a private swimming area with floating dock if you wish to take a dip in the refreshing lake water. Lay out in the sun with a drink or two out in the property’s oversized docks. At night, cozy up in front of the raised fire-pit in the patio with some hot chocolate and s’mores.

   3. It’s a short distance away from Smith Mountain Lake attractions.If you’re staying in this property, exploring the nearby attractions is a must. After all, they’re only just a short distance away. Aside from easy lake access, this vacation rental property is located near marinas, restaurants, parks, wineries, child-friendly attractions, as well as state park hiking trails. You would never have guessed it, because when you’re in the property, it will feel like you’re a thousand miles away from civilization.

1. When it’s too cold, you won’t be bored indoors.This lakefront vacation rental also has a couple of recreational offerings and you won’t even need to step out of the home. There’s the game room, where you can challenge your loved ones to endless rounds of foosball and different card games.

   If you’re in the mood for a movie marathon with your group, the property also has a theater area with an impressive 60″ flat panel television. Or you can simply just channel surf until you all find a show you want to binge watch.

2. It’s open to long-term renters.If you’re yearning for a sabbatical trip that will span a couple of months, this lakefront property can definitely fulfill your needs. You can rest, reflect, and get introspective amidst the fresh air and gorgeous mountain and lake scenery without ever leaving modern conveniences.

For more information about this lakefront property, check out this listing.

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Smith Mountain Lake is home to beautiful properties, one of which could be the home of your dreams. While it’s entirely possible to purchase a home by yourself, working with a Smith Mountain Lake realtor will always be highly recommended after finding the agent for you. Here are a couple of reasons why.

1. Experience and Local Expertise

   Realtors that specialize in Smith Mountain Lake real estate often have years of experience working in the industry. Experienced real estate professionals will be able to anticipate situations throughout the buying or selling process and, as a result, come up with appropriate solutions.Local expertise is another thing you’ll want to look for in a Smith Mountain Lake realtor, especially if you are mostly unfamiliar with the area or how the local market works. Combine expertise and experience in a realtor and you have somebody who can make your buying or selling experience in Smith Mountain Lake a smooth and stress-free transaction.

2. Knowledge of Market Trends

   Smith Mountain Lake realtors are knowledgeable to tell you whether a property is reasonably priced if you’re buying. If you’re selling your home, your realtor will be able to help you determine your property’s value, improve it, and determine the best asking price that will draw the attention of home buyers.Knowing the current market conditions of Smith Mountain Lake real estate is also beneficial whether you’re buying or selling a home. A Smith Mountain Lake realtor will be able to provide you with relevant data such as the average per square foot price of homes in your chosen neighborhood, average days on market of similar homes, median and average sales prices, and other useful information.

3. Access to a Wider Network of Real Estate Professionals, Buyers, and Sellers

   One of the most common assumptions in real estate is that you directly buy or sell through a property’s listing agent. Although it happens, that is not often the case. Properties listed for sale generate buyer interest thanks to networking between real estate agents.If you’re buying in Smith Mountain Lake, your realtor will get in touch with other professionals in the area with listings that match your dream home. It’s a similar process if you’re selling your home– your agent will market your home to other agents in the area so they can refer it to their clients.

   Realtors are often part of an association or brokerage that allows this kind of networking. By working with a Smith Mountain Lake realtor affiliated with a reputable company, you’ll tap into a larger network of resources that make fulfilling your real estate goals easier to achieve.

4. Professional Opinion and Other Advice on Related Areas

   When you work with a realtor, there’s no need to turn to the internet just to get answers for your specific questions in real estate. To make informed choices in your buying or selling process, it’s important to get the right and accurate information from right sources. Your realtor is your partner whether you’re buying or selling your home. He or she will be your guiding voice so you can make the most out of your transaction.

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If you want to live in a slice of paradise, this inviting lakefront property in the Water’s Edge subdivision in Penhook, VA fits the bill.

Key Property Details

Bedrooms:     4

Bathrooms:    5

Square feet:   5,271

Lot size:         0.4 acre

Year built:     1993

Indulge in Nature’s Embrace

Nestled in a 0.4-acre lot along the southern shores of Smith Mountain Lake, this waterfront home treats you to the best of the Roanoke lifestyle – calm, serene communities with direct access to the outdoors.

Full-grown trees surround the house on all sides, providing a canopy that welcomes the soothing lake breeze.

The south side of the property boasts a large, double-slip dock that welcomes plenty of recreational opportunities. Take to the water on your personal watercraft to explore further out on the sparkling Smith Mountain Lake. If you prefer to stay on the shore, the dock is large enough to host a laidback party with family or friends.

Alabama-based architect William H. Phillips, Jr. infused a dash of southern comfort into this lakefront home’s design. This large house features charming cottage-like elements such as wide porches and wood exteriors. The overall design evokes a casual elegance and understated sophistication that never goes out of style.

Step Into a Life of Unparalleled Comfort

Inside, the open design of the house complements the vast, free space of the surrounding outdoors.

Vaulted ceilings create dramatic arcs that frame the dazzling lake views. In the living room, the ceilings reach as high as 20 feet, welcoming abundant natural light that is shared all the way into the kitchen, dining and breakfast areas, and sunroom.

Spend time with family and friends in the airy recreational room, where the generous space and high ceilings encourage pleasant moods in everyone inside.

The house has a total of 4 bedrooms and 5 baths.  The rooms feature big, clean windows overlooking the lake. The main level master bedroom boasts a gas log fireplace that will surely boost your comfort and relaxation at the end of each day.

Appliances that come with the property include the refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, dryer, and custom built-in fixtures. The house is equipped with numerous spacious cabinets in every living space for your storage needs.

Excellent Recreation and Amenities All Around

Living in this Penhook home means you don’t have to go far to experience the recreational opportunities that the upscale Water’s Edge community regularly enjoys.

Enjoy an afternoon of golf, tennis, horseback riding, or boating with the neighbors at the Water’s Edge Country Club – just a 15-minute leisurely stroll away from this idyllic home. The Club also has luxurious dining and bar areas, a lounge, and a fitness center.

The Elegant, Outdoor-friendly Life Awaits

Embrace the opportunity to live the ideal waterfront lifestyle in Smith Mountain Lake. Learn more about this property here.

You can also call local real estate expert Jane Sullivan Horne at 540.493.1690 or email [email protected].

Jane has been specializing in luxury residential properties at Smith Mountain Lake since 1986.

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A lake house can be the home you’ve been dreaming of all your life. In order to make that dream a reality, make sure you add the following to your checklist:

• Structural Integrity

Waterfront properties endure more wear and tear than typical residential structures because of greater exposure to the elements. Before finalizing a purchase, look into the structural integrity of the property, especially if it’s a considerably older home. Check for water damage and rust, signs of termite infestation, and mold. Newer builds should give you more confidence, but you should still make sure to have a thorough inspection done.

• Checking the Water

Remember that when you purchase a lakefront home, you’re not just getting a house, you’re also buying the water. The home may be gorgeous but you may have issues when it comes to access to the lake. In the same manner, you may have to rethink that breathtaking view from the porch or picture window if, up close, the water is overrun by weeds or is less than pristine. Note that you can make changes to the interior of a home and its perimeters, but you may have to live with the conditions of the lake in relation to your property.

• Lifestyle and Recreational Opportunities

Before becoming a lakefront homeowner, figure out the kind of lifestyle you’d like to lead. Do you plan to swim, fish, or boat frequently? Do you just want the view? Find out if your preferred options come with usage guidelines or municipal permits.

• Early Loan Applications

Apply for a mortgage early if you’re gearing up for a lakefront home purchase. These types of properties tend to require a larger mortgage and may entail a longer pre-approval process compared to regular properties.

• Upgrades and Permits

Before starting any renovation project, consult with your local district office or your homeowners’ association to find out what changes you can make on the property. If your potential purchase has a dock, you should also check if it has been legally constructed to make sure you can use it when you buy the property.

• Homeowner Association Responsibilities and Limitations

Since lakefront homes require special care, homeowner associations typically set neighborhood guidelines on individual resident responsibilities for the benefit of the entire community. Knowing and following these guidelines make for good neighbors.

• The Neighborhood Pulse

Want to know what it’s really like to live in the lakefront area you’re eyeing? Chat up the people who live there. You will uncover a lot of information that you won’t find in brochures and listings. Weigh the good and the bad. Compare them to online neighborhood reviews.

• Find a Reliable Lakefront Real Estate Expert

Getting a real estate professional that’s a local expert on lakefront properties is half the work done. Have people you trust vet their reputation or check out their testimonials online. You can also call or email the people they’ve worked with to solicit feedback.

For the Smith Mountain Lake area, you can’t go wrong with Jane Sullivan Horne‘s expert real estate advice. A full-time resident here, Jane has been specializing in luxury residential properties at Smith Mountain Lake since 1986. Contact her at 540.493.1690 or email [email protected].

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Looking for your dream retirement location? Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia’s Roanoke region makes a strong case for it with these hard-to-resist features:

1. The area’s natural beauty will take your breath away

Smith Mountain Lake is called the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains for good reason. Find a home along its 500 miles of pristine shoreline and you will be treated to captivating views of more than 20,000 acres of silvery freshwater, lush hardwood forests, and rolling countryside every day.

These lively settings offer a wide range of recreational activities that highlight and make the most of the dreamy natural surroundings:

• Explore the outdoors on the area’s winding hillside trails either on foot or on horseback.
• Enjoy a refreshing afternoon swim and go for the big catch in the lake’s many fishing spots.
• Marvel at glorious sunsets on a romantic evening cruise.
• Socialize with neighbors over a few rounds of golf.

2. The variety of residential property options will satisfy any lifestyle

From modest single-family houses, to luxurious waterfront estates, there’s a home for every retirement lifestyle in the many communities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake.

The range of communities includes secluded coves and exclusive gated communities. Townhome and condo complexes are available as well, offering the added convenience of on-site and on-call service amenities and personnel.

Regardless of architectural style, homes in this area are designed to maximize their naturally vibrant surroundings. Expect lots of high ceilings and airy living spaces, large windows, spacious porches and decks, and manicured landscapes that guarantee generous views of the lake and its majestic mountain backdrops.

3. These retirement properties offer economic opportunities

The varied range of property options at Smith Mountain Lake also provides retirees with opportunities to maintain an active, earning lifestyle.

As a popular tourist destination, Smith Mountain Lake makes owning vacation rental properties an appealing investment option for retirees. During the summer, when local tourism peaks, vacation homes can generate from $400 up to $4,000 in just a week.

The rolling landscapes surrounding Smith Mountain Lake also include acreage properties, complete with irrigation systems. Ideal for cultivating an independent lifestyle in your golden years, they can be turned into farms for fun or profit. A horse ranch, for instance, can prove to be a sound investment as equestrian activities are a popular recreational activity in the area.

4. Amenities are within reach

Smith Mountain Lake communities may be known for their rustic appeal, but amenities are easily accessible. In addition to local stores and boutique shops, there are two large supermarkets, dozens of dining options, two libraries, and a variety of local clinics and health facilities.

Reaching the region’s metropolitan center is easy, as well. Roanoke is just a 45-minute drive away.

To learn more about ideal retirement properties in Smith Mountain Lake, contact real estate expert Jane Sullivan Horne at 540.493.1690 or email Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com.

Jane has been specializing in luxury residential properties at Smith Mountain Lake since 1986.

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Many folks often ask: when is the best time to put a home on the market here at Smith Mountain Lake? Conventional wisdom often suggests that waiting until Spring is the best option. As an experienced realtor, I’m not so sure that holds true for those of us in the Water’s Edge community. As Warren Buffet once said, “If you wait til you see the robin, spring will be over.”

A few reasons why selling your home during the winter months is a good idea:

1. 1. Buyers who are reviewing property listings right now are serious. Buyers who are looking in the winter can take their time and evaluate options. If they see something they love now, they have time to close on it, move, make changes, order furniture and be ready to relax and enjoy their new home when the warm weather arrives. Additionally, rates are still low and people know it’s a good time to buy.

1. 1. Buyers know that sellers who have their homes on the market now aren’t usually “testing the water.” Winter sellers are ready to move on to the next phase in their life; they aren’t letting the market time their lives. If you time your life around the perfect market you may never move.

1. When the market picks up in the Spring, so does the competition. The savvy seller knows that a property listed during the winter months stands out simply because there are fewer listings.

Overall market activity in our area has increased by 30%. There are more buyers and a greater number of transactions, but prices haven’t gone up. Right now, the serious seller is ensuring that their home is in terrific shape , is putting a realistic price on their property, and is getting their home to market quickly. Above all else, remember that over 90% of today’s buyers begin their search online. What better time to look at homes than sitting by a fire with your feet up?!

January is almost over and Spring will be here before you know it. Selling your home now, during the winter months, may be a smart and financially advantageous option for you.

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What is a loan pre-approval? How do you get one and why is it beneficial for home buyers? In this post we’ll give you all the things you need to know about mortgage preapproval.

Approved vs. pre-approved

There is a world of difference between a loan pre-approval and an actual, approved loan. The glaring difference is that loan pre-approval basically indicates whether you are qualified to take out a loan from your chosen lender. It also indicates whether the lender is willing to lend you the amount of money you need.

A good financial background and all the necessary documents

To get a loan pre-approval, you can contact a bank or credit union for a pre-qualification. You can do this over the phone. A loan officer will ask you about your income, assets, and debts, among others, and will tell you the type of loan you’re likely to qualify for. This is not a mandatory process, but it’s a good start.

As for the actual loan pre-approval, you need to set up an appointment with your chosen lending institution. This is when your credit history will be checked. You’ll likely need the following documents as proof of your identity and assets:

• A copy of your most recent bank statements
• Your most recent W-2
• If you’re self-employed, bring your most recent entire tax return
• Proof of IRAs or retirement accounts
• Proof of stocks or mutual funds you own, if there are any
• Driver’s license

If you meet all their requirements, a bank or lending institution will give you a good faith estimate (GFE), which covers the potential terms of your loan. The GFE helps you compare terms from different lenders. It’s a little time-consuming, but worth it in the long run.

I got pre-approved! What’s next?

Congratulations on getting pre-approved! It means one thing: you’re approved to get a loan. So go out there and shop for the loan that works best for you.

Congratulations on getting pre-approved! It means one thing: you’re approved to get a loan. So go out there and shop for the loan that works best for you.

For additional reading, you can check out the following links:
Pre-approval
Understanding the pre-approval process

If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me through the following channels: Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com, 540-493-1690 or 800-858-4653.

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If you want to protect yourself from unanticipated or unforeseen claims, historical mistakes, and other events that could cause you to lose your home, getting a title insurance might put your mind at ease. Learn more about title insurance and how it can protect you and your Smith Mountain Lake property here.

What makes title insurance important?

Obtaining a title insurance is not a requirement in order to become an homeowner, but it can help a lot especially if you want your bases covered. There might come a day when you’ll need something to back up your title insurance claim, but let’s pray you’ll never get to experience that.

So, what makes title insurance important?

A title insurance basically protects you from being forcibly removed from your property should an event that questions your ownership arises. It’s a pretty dire situation, and we pray you’ll never have to make a title insurance claim, but better be ready just in case, right?

The title insurance is usually purchased upon the closing of the transaction. It’s a one-time cost — you don’t need to pay for it monthly or annually. The question of where you’ll purchase your title insurance is another matter; your preferred lender can refer a title insurer, or you can shop on your own.

What happens if a claim is made?

If the time comes that a claim to your property is made, your title insurer will check its authenticity on your behalf and help you settle the dispute. This may or may not include having to pay your remaining mortgage balance in full and having to deal with other related expenses.

Here are some examples of claims that can be made against your title:

• The sale of your home wasn’t properly recorded in the public record
• The home loan of the previous owner (the seller) wasn’t properly paid off or recorded as "satisfied"
• The discovery of a will
• Forged notarizations

A title search will be done by the insurer to avoid such issues. If ever such problems were identified, these errors will be covered by your title insurance policy.

You can read more about title insurance here. For more questions, contact me at Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com or through the following numbers: 540.493.1690 or 800.858.4653.

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The term “escrow” is a confusing yet familiar word that home buyers and sellers often hear during home sales, especially in Smith Mountain Lake real estate. This blog post is here to help you learn more about this real estate term.

Multiple definitions

Perhaps one of the reasons why we’re often confused about escrow is the fact that it has several meanings. “Escrow” can be:

• the earnest money check you gave to an impartial third party while you and your agent negotiate for a purchase contract;
• the account (also called "reserve" or "impound") where funds for homeowner’s insurance and property taxes will be held.

Basically, an escrow is something of significant value that’s given to an impartial third party for safekeeping while negotiations are underway. When conditions are met, all payments made, and the deed is recorded with the country, the escrow can finally be closed.

An important figure

There’s always one individual that pops up in an escrow, and we already mentioned this fellow before. We’re talking about the impartial third party, a role played by either an escrow agent, a title agent, or a closing attorney (it depends on where you live).

So, why is he important? This impartial third party is the individual responsible for all incoming paperwork and money from all the people involved in the sale. Yes, that includes paperwork and money not just from buyers and sellers, but from agents, lenders, and other people.

To get into the specifics, the impartial third party is responsible a number of tasks, which includes the following:

• the arrangement of a title search
• disbursement of funds
• schedule of the closing meeting

Your escrow agent, title agent, or closing attorney will also make sure everything that needs to be recorded with the county is attended to and duly completed.

Other points to note

• There are times when funds are still held in escrow even after the close of sale, so don’t worry. This may be because you signed a "rent back" agreement or you aren’t satisfied with how some conditions were met.
• An escrow is closed if all paperwork is signed, all funds disbursed, all documents recorded with the country, and the property title is transferred to you. A closing statement will be given to you. Don’t forget to read it and contact your closing agent immediately if there are any errors. Don’t lose your copy of the final closing statement — you’ll need it to file your next income tax return.

For more information about escrow, hit me up at Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com or give me a call at 540.493.1690 or 800.858.4653.

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