Category: Smith Mountain Lake

A stressful part of putting your Smith Mountain Lake home on the market is trying to figure out what to fix and upgrade to get the very best price. An experienced Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTOR will recommend projects to consider and ones to avoid. After all, just because you put money into a renovation project doesn’t mean you will recoup the money in a sale.

You may also want to consult Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for a breakdown of typical returns on renovation projects large and small. The  24^th annual edition published earlier this year contains input from some of the country’s top remodeling professionals and ranked 35 remodeling projects for highest returns.

In many cases, smaller-scale renovation projects recoup more of their initial cost than larger, pricier ones, according to the report. For example, a minor $20,000 kitchen upgrade returns 72.8% of renovation costs, but a more expensive $58,000 kitchen remodel only retains 68.7% of its value on resale.

Surprisingly, the report noted that exterior upgrades recoup more of their costs than interior renovations — a trend that’s been building for the past five years. What’s the hottest exterior upgrade according to this year’s report? Replacing the front door with a steel entry door, which typically returns more than 100% of its cost.

The report also lists garage doors as a wise investment, returning up to 83% of their original cost when the home sells.  Other prudent outdoor renovations include siding and window replacement, returning 80% and 72.4 %, respectively.

Interior improvements retaining the most value include attic renovations and basement remodels, recouping 72.2% and 70%.

“Just like an addition to the home, an unfinished space—such as the attic or basement—will instantly add value and livability to your home, as it increases the square footage and changes the way your family lives in it,” said Will Tomlinson, owner of North Carolina-based greyHouse Inc. Renovation and Remodeling. “You will be transforming a space that likely gets very little use into a fully functional area for your family to enjoy.”

The report also notes that non-essential features have less resale value. Sunroom additions recoup only 48.6% of renovation costs; home office remodels, 45.8%; and backup power generators, 48.5%.

Of course, homeowners’ needs and budgets dictate their choice of home-improvement projects. Still, it helps to know projects’ cost vs. return ratio when making the final decisions.

A Fun Day for the Family
Fall Festival Supporting the United Way

Fall is officially here and there is no better way to enjoy the season than with your family. Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital is teaming up with the United Way for a festival including carnival games, prizes, food, health screenings, hospital tours and most importantly, fun!

Date: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Place: Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital

Free stroke screenings begin at 8 a.m.
To register, please call 540-266-6000.

180 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount, VA 24523
540-483-5277
www.CarilionClinic.org

This fall, in the shadow of the incomparable Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, along the shores of beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, eight lovely, elegant homes with unique architectural designs, creative interior decorating, spectacular scenic views, unusual collections and antiques, and finely manicured landscaping, will open their doors for you and other visitors to enjoy this weekend on October 7, 8, 9.

The tour may be taken by either (private or rented) car or (private or rented) boat.  By land or by water, your day will be memorable.  Directions are provided on the following links:

• Click here for Directions to the Homes by Land
• Click here for Directions to the Homes by Water

Or you may enjoy some of the Tour during a Special Home Tour Luncheon Cruise aboard SML’s Virginia Dare sightseeing ‘Paddle-Wheeler’ on Sunday, 2-4 P.M. — Hear Home Tour background presentation and view several homes from the water. $37 for Tour ticket holders. Please click here to visit their website and for more details.

Learn more about the Tour in the following guide, video and TV News Special:

• Please click here to view the Home Tour Guide, which also provides directions to each home by land and water .
• Please click here to view a video about the SML Charity Home Tour
• Please note that Fox 21/27 news at 10 PM on Wed., Oct. 5 will show Becky Freemal’s Out and About segment, filmed at the Trotter home with the Homeonwers, Bill Piatt and SML Good Neighbors interviewed.

TOUR DATES 2011

Operates Rain or Shine
Friday	October 7, 2011	10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday	October 8, 2011	10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday	October 9, 2011	1PM to 5 PM

Homes are not handicap accessible. No children under 12 years of age, no babies in arms or carriers. The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) all volunteer organization with funds distributed to selected local charities.

Please visit the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce Web Site (http://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/) for more information on SML.  They also offer a free SML Guide.

The ancient philosophy of feng shui, which translates as “the wind and the water,” is the Chinese art of correct placement. In real estate, those who prescribe to feng shui believe that home sales can be better achieved by arranging furniture and décor to establish harmony and energy.

“In feng shui we evaluate a house and its property for sufficient qi (pronounced chee), the living energy of all beings, but also for the land and even a house,” says Werner Brandmaier, a consultant at the Institute of Feng Shui & Geopathology in Portland, Maine. “When there’s not enough qi, it means the whole land energy is low or depressed and that influences potential buyers.”

Feng shui promotes well-being by rearranging how qi (energy) flows through a home. Brandmaier recommends before placing your house on the market to find out more about its qi. Is there tension in the house and is the property cluttered? Do people feel exhausted in the house? Are the plants doing well? A careful assessment can make a big difference.

Feng shui begins with the Smith Mountain Lake homeseller, who must be at peace with the decision to place the home on the market. Likewise, feng shui is important for many prospective buyers, who seek a home with harmony and balance.

In feng shui, energy enters the house through the front door so it’s important that the entryway stands out with contrasting paint. Add decorative plants and a wind chime, but make sure this space is free from clutter. “The perfect entry is one that is clear of obstruction,” says Robin Andrews, a feng shui expert in Los Angeles. “This includes trimming back all hedges and making sure that the path to your door is clear, open and well defined.”

Bedrooms are considered sanctuaries for privacy and peace. Andrews suggests placing objects in pairs throughout the master bedroom as it’s thought to increase marital harmony and balance.

“You also want to place the bed in the position that has the most commanding view of the doorway, which is considered the gateway of the qi,” Andrews says. “We are in a vulnerable state while sleeping and it is important that this area affords our being safe and supported.”

In the kitchen, where energy is imparted in food, the chef’s station should always face the door for a clear view of those who enter.

Throughout the home, remove photos and other personal items so potential buyers can see the property as a clean, fresh start. And since earthy, pleasant aromas enhance feng shui, add cinnamon or pine scents to the home before potential homebuyers’ arrival.

One last thought: It’s also believed that “For Sale” signs are more effective when placed on the right side of the front door, since that is considered the yang, or energetic, side of the house.

Feng shui is all about drawing harmony and good health into your life and surroundings. With these simple steps you can bring your Smith Mountain Lake home into better balance and broader appeal.

Prudential Real Estate joined forces with “Designing Spaces,” the popular home-improvement show on Lifetime Television, to sponsor a special eight-part series called “Designing Spaces /Military Makeover.

The series documents home renovations for war veterans and highlights Prudential’s Military Advantage Program, which offers active members of the armed services and veterans special benefits and services when they buy or sell a home. Each show features a Prudential Real Estate professional offering advice on the real estate process.

The first show aired Sept. 8 and included curb appeal tips from Prudential Georgia Realty Agent Tom Hamberger. The next show will run Sept. 15 at 7:30 a.m. (Eastern) with tips from Agent Francesca Gilbert of Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS , Las Vegas. Subsequent shows will air on consecutive Thursdays through Oct. 27 at 7:30 a.m. (Eastern), and the entire series will repeat from Nov. 4-Dec. 23 on the same day and time slot.

Every boat tells a story. For Smith Mountain Lake resident Tony Cusumano, that story dates back 34 years, when he first purchased a 1962 Cruisers, Inc. runabout. The boat served Cusumano and his family well for 18 years, mostly for fishing and water skiing in Long Island Sound near their New York home.

But times change. The waters got more crowded and Cusumano found himself too busy at work as a project manager for Grumman Aerospace Corp. to use the boat. Rather than see it collect dust in the garage, he gave the boat to the son of a friend.

Fast-forward 11 years to 1997. Cusumano, having retired to Smith Mountain Lake with his wife Marilyn, was in need of help fixing a fishing rod. He headed to Big Ron’s Tackle Shop at Waterwheel Marina and when he got there, he couldn’t believe his eyes. There sat a boat identical to the 1962 model he had given up 11 years before. And it had a “For Sale” sign on it.

“I came home and said, “Marilyn, jeepers, I found our old boat.” said Cusumano of the white, 16-foot Model 202 Seafarer. “We went back down to look at it and she said, “OK, that will be your birthday present.”

Not long after, Cusumano came across a trailer identical to the one he used with his first boat and bought that, too. “I just think maybe it was meant to be.”

Swapping stories is just one reason why classic and antique boating enthusiasts gather this year at Mariners Landing, 1037 Whitetail Drive, Huddleston, VA 24104 for the Antique & Classic Boat Show. This year, more than 50 vessels are expected to be on display Sept. 16 – 17. The event is open to the public Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While the event is free, donations will be accepted for this year’s featured charity.

The show, now in its 21st year, is presented by the Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. It includes cruisers, mahogany hulls, utilities, outboards, runabouts and canoes. Most are locally owned, but many boating enthusiasts make the trip to SML from surrounding states.

The group is hoping to organize some changes for this year’s event, Cusumano said. One idea is to have all the boats run their engines at the same time twice a day. The other is to have different boats run every 10 minutes so spectators can see them in action. Cusumano said both ideas would depend on the water level and weather conditions.

“We’re hoping to make it a little more interesting for the public,” he said.

The show will also include vendors with crafts and nautical items, food and drink, and activities for kids.

For more information on the boat show, contact SMLRCC at 540.721.1203 or visit www.woodenboats.net.

The 23rd Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held September 24 and 25.  This year, 27 Virginia wineries will be participating as well as 85 juried craft and food vendors.  Three popular live bands will also be there to entertain festival-goers.  Saturday crowds will enjoy the band Super Hold. Sunday’s festivities feature the bands Barefoot West with Corey Hunley and The Worx. The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held at LakeWatch Plantation in Moneta, directly off of Route 122, about 1 mile south of Hales Ford Bridge.  This venue allows for easy access to the site, an abundance of free parking and more space for festival-goers to enjoy the festivities.

SML Wine Festival Advance Discount Tickets are on sale now. Advance ticket prices are in effect through Friday, September 23 at 5 p.m. at all ticket outlets. Tickets are $18 for tasters and $22 at the gate.  Designated drivers will pay $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Proceeds from the festival enable the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce to support many new and growing programs for area businesses. Call 540-721-1203 for more information.

The stars will be out October 7 at Smith Mountain Lake Virginia as the cast of “Lake Effects” returns to the area for the screening of Life Out Loud Films’ family film.  The film began principal photography one year ago and the Smith Mountain Lake community will be the first to screen the film.  The film’s stars include Scottie Thompson, Jane Seymour, Madeline Zima, Jeff Fahey, Eyal Podell, Ben Savage, Richard Moll, Ron Canada, Richard Riehle, Mary McDonough, Barry Papick, with Casper Van Dien, and Sean Patrick Flanery.

Life Out Loud Films will hold screenings of the film at The Willard Companies’ Westlake Cinema in Hardy.  There will be two showings on October 7th.  The first screening is a closed screening at 5:00 pm.  Reservations will be open to the general public for a second screening, taking place at 9:00 pm.  The event will include a red carpet, giveaways, and plenty of film surprises.  All who attend the Friday event will receive the red carpet treatment and a free movie poster.  Reservations for the community red carpet screening are a $20 donation.  Additional showings may be added upon demand.  There will be a party at Mango’s Bar & Grill at 7pm, featuring the local bands that have music in the film, with proceeds benefiting a scholarship fund in the memory of Lake Effects writer Scott Winters.

Due to high demand, there will also be screenings on Saturday October 8.  Each screening will include a Q  & A session with the director, producer & team following the film.  The Saturday show times are 4pm and 7 pm.  Reservations are a $15 donation.

Producers chose this date to coincide with the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour in an effort to further the company’s mission to help promote local economic development and tourism.  Life Out Loud Films hopes that visitors coming to the area for the premier will also support the home tour, and experience all that Smith Mountain Lake has to offer.

Reservations for the screenings are limited.  Reservations are CASH ONLY and will open to the general public on Thursday, September 8 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at The Westlake Cinema in Hardy.   Reservations will also be available at the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau office in Roanoke on Wednesday, September 14 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.   There will be a priority line for those who volunteered and worked on the film.   Stay tuned to “Lake Effects Life Out Loud Films” on facebook or www.lifeoutloudfilms.com for seating availability and details.

Seating is limited.  All show times are subject to availability.

Contact:

Chinah Jewell, Production Coordinator
Life Out Loud Films, LLC
Telephone (818) 509-0699
chinah@lifeoutloudfilms.com
www.lifeoutloudfilms.com

Today’s prospective Smith Mountain Lake homebuyers are increasingly interested in a property’s outdoor living space as they are its interior. Savvy Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTORS understand this powerful trend and are staging homes on two fronts – the terrific indoors and the great outdoors.

The following tips will help ensure that your backyard is as distinctive at your home itself.

• Make your Backyard Homey: Create a conversation area with some furniture. The area needn’t be elaborate; just two chairs pulled close together with a table between can make even the most basic concrete patio special. Just the idea that an outdoor eating option is possible makes a property more inviting. Adding accessories like a small table, an inexpensive outdoor rug or a few pots filled with flowers will make the area even more attractive.
• Remember the Kids: If you have an old tree house, fix it up and paint it bright colors or add sporty designs that will make other kids fall in love with it. Just make sure the tree house is safe. Add a tire swing to a tree and keep an orderly basket of balls, flying disks and a jump rope so kids dragged along on the showing can play in the yard. Swing sets that are old and unsightly should be removed or refurbished to look new.
• Fire is Hot: There’s nothing like sitting around a fire and enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, which explains the growing popularity of fire pits and outdoor hearths. Few home improvements create the “wow” factor that a backyard fireplace will, and many homeowners are adding a fireplace to their outdoor landscape to recreate all the appeal of their home’s interior outside in the backyard.
• Simple Fixes: You needn’t go overboard with the changes in your yard. Sometimes, the easiest fixes will create a look that people will remember. Do a thorough inspection and replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, stain and sealant if the finish requires it. You should also weed and groom your garden and add some perennials for color.

Creating a backyard sanctuary is one of the smartest things you can do to make your home stand out, so make your outdoor space a destination to remember.

The United Way of Franklin County announced plans to incorporate its 2011-2012 campaign kickoff in conjunction with the final After 5 Jive outdoor concert event scheduled for Thursday, September 1 at Westlake Towne Center.

During intermission, the United Way of Franklin County will take the stage to highlight community services, recognize partner agencies and thank donors. The final After 5 Jive concert will feature “Part Time Party Time Band”. Gates open at 5 p.m. with live music getting underway at 5:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m.

According to Todd Hammock, President of the United Way Franklin County Board of Directors, “The After 5 Jive concert serves as the perfect platform to kickoff our 2011-2012 campaign. Thanks to the sponsorship of Franklin Community Bank, we’ve been able to invite our entire Franklin Society of givers to this concert. We are also excited to announce our plans to raise $370,000 to support nonprofit agencies that benefit all of Franklin County.”

According to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Willard Companies, “This is a great way to close out the After 5 Jive series and just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Hopefully, with cooler weather on the way as well as combining the campaign kickoff with the Part Time Party Time Band we hope to set an attendance record for the event.”

Admissions for Adults is $5, children 10 and under are admitted free. Valid ID required for 21 and older. There will be a children’s play area with an inflatable slide as well as face painting.

After 5 Jive at Smith Mountain Lake is sponsored by Prudential Waterfront Properties, Carilion Clinic, Appalachian Power, Western Virginia Water Authority, Smith Mountain Building Supply, Kroger, Ferguson Kitchen & Bath, Laker Media, WDBJ-7, Budweiser, and Coca-Cola. Participating food and drink vendors include Homestead Creamery, Hot Shots, Brooks Mill Winery, Budweiser and Coca-Cola. Lawn chairs welcome. No coolers, outside food or drinks, rollerblades, skateboards or pets are allowed on the premises. Event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. For additional information visit www.After5Jive.com or contact (540) 721-5288.