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Buying a new home is an exciting endeavor that opens new doors (literally and figuratively) for all parties endeavor. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement, however, that we forget some things that can save us from heartbreak and unforeseen expenses in the future. We’re talking about home inspections.

Check out the following perks that will make you consider having the property you’re interested in thoroughly inspected.

1. Remedy problems even before the sale is closed.

Home inspections, when done early, allow home buyers as well as sellers to detect any major or minor issues that can affect the transaction. Since it’s done early, any detected safety concerns, defects, and potential threats can be attended to prior to the close of the sale. It will save you, dear home buyer, from unforeseen expenses should you purchase the home.

2. Home inspections help home buyers make informed decisions.

A trusted and professional home inspector will help you make the right decision by informing you about the real situation of your home — from building code violations to issues that can easily be remedied.

3. Homes in tiptop condition are more attractive.

If you’re a home seller, a home inspection done by a certified inspector can raise the prospects for you. Homes that passed inspections are deemed safe and habitable, making it extra attractive to potential home buyers. Nothing is more attractive than a property that’s safe and well-maintained.

4. Home inspections can be used to lower the asking price of a property.

Buyers, listen up! If any major problems are identified by your home inspector, you can use this as a bargaining chip to ask for a lower price. That, or you can come up with an agreement as to how the problems will be fixed. At the end of the sale, you’ll spend little (or none at all) in dealing with those issues.

5. You’ll feel so much better about your purchase.

Buying a home is a big endeavor, and you’ll feel so much better if you’re confident the property you’re purchasing comes with little to no issues at all. You’ll sleep better at night and won’t have to deal with buyer’s remorse.

Got any questions about home inspections in Smith Mountain Lake? Send me an email at Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com or give me a call at 540.493.1690 or 800.858.4653.

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Purchasing a home warranty has its own set of perks for both home sellers and buyers. Here’s a rundown of what’s in it for you if you’re interesting in getting one.

First things first: what’s a home warranty?

One of the most important things you need to know about a home warranty is that it’s not the same as a homeowners insurance. Why is that?

On one hand, homeowners insurance protects your property from perils that may affect the structure of your home as well as your personal possessions. These perils include the following:

On the other hand, a home warranty is basically an agreement between you and a home warranty company which allows you to avail discounted repair and replacement services. This may cover the following:

If you want to repair or replace something in your home, you can use your home warranty to examine the problem and avail the discounted service. A home warranty typically costs around a hundred dollars annually.

The benefits of purchasing a home warranty

Basically, getting a home warranty gives you protection from any expensive repair or replacement bills. It’s great especially if you don’t have an emergency fund (we suggest you set up one, just in case!)

Here are other benefits that come with a home warranty:

• If you’re a seller, offering a paid one-year home warranty to interested buyers can protect you from any buyer complaints after the sale.  According to a survey by Gallop Poll, homes are covered with a warranty plan are also preferred by 8 out of 10 home buyers.
• If you’re a buyer, a home warranty protects you from unforeseen issues that are borne out of limited information regarding the maintenance of the property’s components.
• If you’re not too keen on spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair or replace a component of the home, a home warranty can take care of your needs without causing a major dent in your funds.

For more information about home warranties in Smith Mountain Lake real estate, contact us at 540.493.1690 or email me at Jane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com.

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From simple fixes to room renovations, here are some tips that will help you make a fast transaction and earn top dollar for your property.

1. Re-paint your home.

A fresh coat of paint can help make your property look brand new. In choosing a color, consider the dominant scheme in the neighborhood. Areas with Mediterranean-style homes usually go with light-colored paint or colors with warm tones. As for interior paint, go for neutrals — they’re much easier to decorate and appeal to a variety of tastes.

2. Deep clean your home.

Turn your property inside out and clean every little nook and cranny to make it ready for prospective home buyers. If you’ve got stained countertops or scratched hardwood floors, add some TLC and have it cleaned. If the situation is worse than you originally thought, investing on replacements is a wise decision. Remember: buyers are drawn to homes that look like they’ve been cared for.

3. Consider a landscaping makeover.

Landscaping, along with exterior paint, greatly affects the curb appeal of your home. If your property has zero curb appeal, chances are you won’t get any interested buyers at all. You don’t need to go all out — trim existing bushes, or add some blooms. Make sure they complement the exterior paint of your home and the overall vibe of the neighborhood. Think long-term, however. For example, if you’re planning on planting a tree, consider how big it will grow and how far the root system will travel.

4. Make minor upgrades.

Replace door knobs, windows, or the tile of your bathrooms. You can also get a new front door for a better first impression from interested buyers. A little effort goes a long way, so stick to minor upgrades and stay away from anything major.

5. If you’re going to renovate, focus on the kitchen and the bathrooms.

If there are two parts in your home that will greatly affect the overall value of your property, it would be the kitchen and the bathroom. So, if you’re interested in increasing your home’s asking price, do consider making small renovations. Repaint the walls, replace fixtures, update light bulbs — all these little things, if done correctly, can add value to your property.

For more tips on how to prepare your home for a sale, log on to http://home.reliancenetwork.com/10-tips-to-prepare-for-a-home-sale/.

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Mission Revival? Craftsman Bungalow? Mediterranean-style? Knowing a home’s architecture or style can easily help you zone in on your dream home. Let’s see if you can find these homes in and around Smith Mountain Lake!

Tudor

Tudors are easily identifiable because of their distinct looks and architectural components. Asymmetrical exteriors play an important part in the overall look, as well as stucco walls and wood accents. Seeing a Tudor-style home can easily transport you to the era of the England’s Tudor dynasty.

Colonial

If Tudors are all about asymmetry, Colonial-style homes are all about symmetry. Evenly-spaced dormers, columns, and shuttered windows are the norm, whether it’s Georgian Colonial, Dutch Colonial, or Federal Colonial. All this symmetry creates a rather regal effect, making it one of the most popular home styles in the United States.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean-style homes are all over the country, especially between 1918 and 1940. Common design elements include porticoes, heavy wood doors, colorful tiles in different designs, and iron railings with embellishments. It’s most distinguishable feature, however, is its red-tile roof.

Contemporary

If it’s clean, modern, and almost futuristic, then it’s most probably a Contemporary-style home. Materials such as steel, wood, glass, and stone are often incorporated with each other. Common features include flat roofs and simple lines. Expect the use of big windows as well, as Contemporary homes like to let in plenty of natural light.

Craftsman Bungalow

If it’s simple, with a wide front porch and a low-pitched roof, then it may be a Craftsman Bungalow. Another common style throughout the country, this home style features exteriors made of brick, stone, or wood.

Victorian

Like a Tudor-style home, Victorian homes give off an appeal thanks to their ornate exteriors. You can tell that a home is Victorian-style if it has ornate trims, wraparound porches, bay windows, gables, and overhangs. Over the years, the Victorian style gave birth to other styles, including Italianate, Queen Anne, and Romanesque.

Cape Cod

Reminiscent of English thatched cottages, Cape Cod sprung in the real estate scene in the 1600s. Such homes usually have large chimneys, steep roofs, and dormer windows (for which they are easily recognizable).

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I once had to go through a life-saving procedure for a rare genetic kidney disease called FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis). My brother David was the one who donated a kidney in order to save my life.

Ten years later, my 26-year-old son Trey was diagnosed with the same rare kidney disorder. This time, it was David’s son and my nephew Adam who selflessly stepped up to the plate to give my son a life-saving gift.

About FSGS

My family is only one of 20 families in the United States with this genetic pattern affecting multiple generations. It has affected my father, two of his brothers, and my grandmother. They all passed away due to renal failure, which is the full ramification of the disease.

FSGS causes scarring to form in certain areas of the kidneys. As the amount of scar tissue increases, the kidneys fail to filter and eliminate toxins from our bodies. Dialysis and kidney transplant is often required during later stages, and there is currently no known cure for FSGS.

Finding a match

Finding a living donor who’s a perfect match for a kidney transplant is a meticulous process which involves a thorough physical examination as well as numerous medical tests. Relatives who share the exact same genetic DNA are not guaranteed candidates for organ donation.

The procedure

A kidney transplant is a very intricate surgery that requires skill and precision. Arteries need to be perfectly spliced together in order for a transplant to be successful.

Thankfully, Dr. Justin Burns and Dr. Dana Perry from the Mayo Clinic are both brilliant surgeons – they performed the surgery perfectly, and both my son and my nephew recovered smoothly.

Facing challenges as a family

Encountering this challenge as a family shows just how much we can count on one another during our time of need. The sacrifices of both my brother and his son truly warms my heart, and shows how blessed we are as a family.

Help spread the word

The American Kidney Fund and The National Kidney Foundation organize and sponsor events each March in order to raise awareness about kidney disease and treatment.

To find out how you can do your part, visit kidneyfund.org or kidney.org.

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Located just 45 minutes from Roanoke, Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a quiet lakeside community that is the epitome of country living.

The real estate options at Smith Mountain Lake are varied. Among the most popular, however, are country homes, farms, and equestrian property.

And it is not hard to see why.

Living in Smith Mountain Lake

With over 22,000 acres of water and surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, Smith Mountain Lake offers amazing investment and living opportunities.

If you have always dreamed of waking up to the sight of placid waters, rugged mountains, and lush trees around you, then this community was made for you.

Plus, there is no shortage of activities for you to enjoy, including: learning how to wakeboard, parasailing, going on a tour of vineyards and wineries, dressing up and going on an evening cruise on the lake, and more.

Desirable country homes

At Smith Mountain Lake, you will find a great selection of amazing country homes.

Choose from the quaint and charming with expansive yards, to regal estates complete with manicured gardens and amazing views.

Country homes at Smith Mountain Lake typically feature:

• Spacious living areas
• High ceilings
• Delightful bath-and-bedroom setups
• Luxurious master suites
• Customized kitchensand cabinetry
• Beautiful stone and tile countertops
• Exquisite hardwood floors
• Expansive grounds
• Top-of-the-line security
• Well-maintained driveways
• Beautiful docks and porches

Charming farm and horse properties

With wide, open spaces, a rich agricultural tradition, and easy access to farming equipment and supplies, Smith Mountain Lake is ideal for those who want to have their own farm or equestrian property.

Some typical features of these types of properties are:

• Paddocks, barns and equipment sheds
• Access to riding trails
• Open and wooded acreage
• Irrigated land for farming

To find out more about country homes and farm and horse 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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Smith Mountain Lake has rightfully earned the moniker “The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”Found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with a surface area of over 22,000 acres and 500 miles of shoreline, the lake is ringed by a charming collection of rustic yet sophisticated communities, the perfect example of country living at its best.

Locals here get to enjoy the simple life and residents will never find any reason to be bored. There’s a wide range of activities to enjoy, from hiking to boating, to live music and horseback riding.

Best of all, you get to enjoy the verdant surroundings – wake up to vistas of tall trees, beautiful open hills and meadows, and the clear blue waters of the lake.

Living in Smith Mountain Lake

If you’re up to “growing your own,” acreage properties at Smith Mountain Lake provide you the space for anything from vegetable gardens to a full-fledged farming enterprise.

If the farming life isn’t for you, your property can simply be your hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the metro. You can spend days here enjoying the views and the quiet.

Acreage properties in the Smith Mountain Lake area are also ideal for housing horses and many already come with equestrian facilities. Other properties are great for hunting, ranching or wine making. The possibilities are endless.

Features

For the most part, an acreage property at Smith Mountain Lake will have a house, with the larger ones having additional accommodations for guests. Homes typically have:

• Spacious living areas
• Beautiful master suites
• Custom cabinetry
• Delightful country  kitchens
• Spacious dining rooms with nooks
• High ceilings and windows for maximum space and natural light
• Full garage space
• Easily accessible irrigation sources

To find out more about acreage 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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A peaceful lifestyle within an idyllic environment awaits those who would like to purchase lots and homes with water access on Smith Mountain Lake.

This 22,000-acre manmade lake with sparkling crystal-blue waters invites boating, fishing, camping, and many other related outdoor activities.

Such are the perks of life in a rural, lakeside community.

Living in Smith Mountain Lake

There are many lovely communities in this corner of Virginia with properties that have water access.

Penhook is a neighborhood in Franklin County that has excellent water and mountain views. From here, residents can visit Smith Mountain Lake Park for a fun time with family and friends. The marinas and waterfront resorts in the area are also quite exciting to visit.

Moneta is another beautiful, tranquil community in the area. It is often visited for its beautiful views of Smith Mountain Lake.

The houses in the area are minutes from the lake and have special features including boat ramps and lifts. There are numerous lots for sale as well.

Prospective buyers can build their dream home or establish their business here.

Properties on Smith Mountain Lake

Whether you’re looking for a single-family home or a vacant lot ready to be built on, your decision to live in Smith Mountain Lake comes with a wealth of privileges:

• Privacy
  You’ll be far from the madding crowd at SML. Without people living directly beside or on top of your residence, waterfront homes provide you with seclusion and peace.
• Activities
  Living near Smith Mountain Lake means activities galore. There are many parks and sites that offer boat rentals, fishing gear, and overnight accommodations. Families and friends can bond over different activities that only water access communities can provide.
• Nature
  People who long for trees instead of multi-story concrete buildings will find it ideal in Smith Mountain Lake. Homes and lots here are steeped in a serene atmosphere. Being able to be one with nature anytime is a wonderful source of inspiration.

To find out more about properties with water access 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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Smith Mountain Lake presents an amazing real estate investment opportunity for keen-minded individuals who want to get the best value for their money.

With 500 miles of amazing shoreline, lakefront properties abound in choice locations.

The rolling countryside that surrounds the lake offers various real estate-related investment opportunities, too.

Investment opportunities at Smith Mountain Lake

The lakeside communities here serve as an idyllic setting for:

• Retirement-minded individuals who want to enjoy their golden years to the full
• Buyers in the market for vacation homes with great rental potential
• Families looking for recreational property

While Smith Mountain Lake is far removed from the stress of city life, it’s got every modern convenience you could ever want.

It is also just 45 minutes from downtown Roanoke and boasts:

• A sizeable number of retail options
• 2 modern supermarkets
• Local stores and boutiques
• Medical facilities like clinics and the region’s heart and trauma center, which is 30 to 45minutes away by car
• An urgent care center and an evacuation helicopter standing ready at Westlake

Homes at Smith Mountain Lake

The lake offers a wide range of housing types at a very affordable price range. From houses ready for occupancy, waterfront condominiums, stately lakefront homes, to undeveloped land, the real estate choices are as diverse as can be.

In recent years, the most popular listings have included:

• Lakefront or lakefront-access condominiums
• Lakefront townhomes
• Lakefront or lakefront-access single-family homes
• Country homes, farms and acreage

Why invest here

Smith Mountain Lake is perhaps one of the most idyllic locations in the state of Virginia. The entrepreneurial can turn the community’s many strengths into business opportunities.

For example, as a popular tourist destination, Smith Mountain Lake is always in need of more vacation rentals to accommodate the influx of visitors drawn to the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountain.”

During the peak summer holiday season, from June to August, vacation homes can command as much as $4,000 a week. Rentals with docks and boats can even charge extra.

Viewed as a cheaper alternative to traditional lodging, vacation home rentals offer a great chance to make money off of your purchase.

To find out more about investing in Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate, 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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Located just 45 minutes from downtown Roanoke, the Westlake Golf and Country Club is a premier golf and country club in the state of Virginia.

The Westlake Golf and Country Club makes the most of its location on the 22,000-acre stretch of clear water that is the Smith Mountain Lake. With double doglegs and downhill tee shots, the 18-hole golf course demands both patience and skill from its players, but does not scrimp on views.

This is largely because of the handiwork of Virginia native, Russell Breeden who has close to 100 golf course designs to his credit.
Typical of Breeden’s designs, distance and accuracy are pivotal to a player’s strategy in conquering this course. Players of all ages and skill levels will definitely have a great time at The Westlake.

Amenities

Members also enjoy a wide array of amenities, including:

• The Snack Bar
  Featuring a beautifully restored clubhouse, the country club serves favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and other snacks.
• Banquet Facilities
  If you’re looking for a beautiful venue for your party, reception, corporate meeting, or other gatherings, the Westlake Golf and Country Club has you covered. The clubhouse is gorgeous and the facilities topnotch.
• Swimming Pool
  Every summer, the pool at the Westlake Golf and Country Club opens and becomes a great place for club members and their guests to cool off.
• The Pro Shop
  For all your golfing needs, head to Westlake Golf and Country Club’s Pro Shop. The Westlake’s head prois Billy McBride III, a second-generation golf professional. The Roanoke native has been a member of the PGA of America since 2000.

For details on real estate within and around the Westlake Golf and Country Club, contact real estate expert Jane Sullivan Horne at 540.493.1690 or emailJane(at)JaneAtTheLake(dotted)com. Jane has specialized in luxury residential properties at Smith Mountain Lake since 1986.

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