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Lakefront homes at Smith Mountain Lake are increasingly designed for year-round livingOnce known primarily for its summer charm, Smith Mountain Lake attractions have long drawn visitors with its boating, fishing, and scenic shoreline attractions. But today, the lake is embracing a new identity, one that extends far beyond the summer season. More than just a […]

Your lender should warn you that the amount you have in escrow for property taxes will go up when you receive your first assessment as the new owner within the following year. You’re paying the previous homeowner’s assessed rate, prorated to when you purchased the home to the end of the year. Chances are you […]

If your home has been sitting on the market with little interest and no offers, you might be tempted to blame the economy. But sometimes, the problem lies closer to home. Many sellers forget that buyers have access to the same market data they do. Buyers can easily compare similar homes nearby—and quickly reject those […]

Electronic closings, also known as eClosings, not only save money on paper and mailings, but they can also be signed by all parties, notarized, and sent/stored securely regardless of location. With a secure online portal, your mortgage closing is safer than ever. Most states accept eSignatures, eNotarizations, and eClosings under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act […]

How much is your home worth? How much should you pay for your next home? These are questions about market value—a figure best determined by a licensed or certified appraiser. Appraisers are typically employed by: Homebuyers, to confirm for lenders that a property is worth the loan amount. Property tax or appraisal districts, to assess a […]

I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year!  May 2026 be a year full of health, happiness and prosperity! 

Removing ice and snow from walkways and driveways is heavy labor and can be dangerous to your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should consult your physician to make sure your heart can handle such heavy exercise. Before you start shoveling, stretch your limbs to protect muscles and joints from injury. Drink plenty of water […]

The housing market slows during the holidays, but that could be the best time to sell your home. With less competition from other sellers and homebuyers who want to close and move by the New Year, you can use the holidays to charm and engage your home’s future owners with these 5 tips: Pile on […]

Mortgage insurance has two purposes—protecting lenders from potential homebuyer defaults and to allow homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage without making a large downpayment. Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) are paid as part of the mortgage payment for a loan guaranteed by the government, specifically the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). MIP stays with the loan for its […]

If the home you inherited or live in requires too much work and expense to bring to market, you may consider selling the property at lot value. Lot value simply means that the property is valued for the land only, and that the home upon it is so obsolete, derelict, or damaged that it should be […]