Category: Smith Mountain Lake

Check out this The Water’s Edge Feature showcasing The Water’s Edge Country Club and beautiful Smith Mountain Lake written by Grace E. Pedalino in the current issue of Virginia Bride Magazine. Awesome photos by Photography by Frame, Holland Photo Arts, and Bob Updegrove!

It may not be the first thing one thinks about when decorating for a sale, but the addition of rugs to a Smith Mountain Lake home can go a long way.

Rugs can help warm a dreary room, add a splash of color to a dull space, can tone down a room that already has strong and bright colored furniture, and create a new look to almost any room. Plus, it’s a quick fix to any floors that may need replacing.

While there are Persian rugs that can cost thousands of dollars, many rugs can be purchased for prices in the hundreds.

A leather rug can lend depth to rooms and complements traditional and rustic styles. Wool rugs are warm, sustainable, and a great way to add a natural accent to your home. Meanwhile shag rugs can add dimension to a flat room and are extra cozy.

If you anticipate lots of traffic and wear, consider a patterned rug that will tend to hide stains. Also, a wool rug is easier to clean than those of other fabrics.

Pricey oriental rugs are a great eye-catcher when someone comes to see a home. These should be kept out of direct sunlight or they will fade, and these rugs must be specially cleaned.

A jute rug is a perfect indoor/outdoor fabric for enclosed patios and outdoor rooms.

One quick and relatively inexpensive way to dress up a room is by adding area rugs, which come in a wide range of colors and designs. These rugs provide warmth and comfort and can help to absorb sound in a room.

The shape of the rug should mirror the furniture or the room size. For example, a rectangular dining table should have a rectangular rug underneath. Likewise, a round dining table should be paired with a round rug.

Interior designers say you should never cover the entire floor with an area rug; leave at least nine inches of the floor exposed. However, a small rug right in front of the entry door is acceptable.

In a dining room make sure your rug is large enough to accommodate the legs of all chairs. As a guide, your rug should extend 24 inches from the edge of the table to the edge of the rug.

Also be sure your rugs don’t cover floor vents or keep doors from opening.       Finally, for safety, avoid placing rugs so that traffic patterns have people walking along carpet edges where they can catch a toe or heel.

Colorful rugs, placed correctly, can give your Smith Mountain Lake home a distinctive look and added dimension that potential buyers will remember.

You may love your Smith Mountain Lake home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. What may be “charming” to the seller may seem off-putting to a prospective buyer. Many sellers attempt to stage their Smith Mountain Lake home themselves and, in doing so, create mistakes that can actually sidetrack the sale of their homes.

Here are some of the biggest staging mistakes, according to professional home stagers.

1. Getting too personal: Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a luxury hotel or a model home look that will appeal to most everyone. This is not the time to bring in your unique style and create a look that appeals to just you.

2. Using dark colors: If painting, you should choose a nice, neutral and warm color, such as beige tones, grey tones, or light blue or pale greens. You’ll be amazed at the transformation a few coats of fresh paint will make on your home.

3. Not taking advantage of natural light: People love natural light, so blocking off any light with heavy curtains or furniture can hurt your sale, especially if the home has attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them.

4. Thinking more is better: Scale down your furniture. The size of the furniture needs to be in balance with the scale of the room and the other furniture in it. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. It is not meant to show that you can provide seating for 15 in your living room and every seat has a side table to rest drinks on.

5. Leaving pets at home: You need to remove all traces of animals from the house and make sure “Fido” or “Sunshine” is away during showings. Having a pet could kill a sale before someone even steps into a house.

6. Neglecting the outside: People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and add a few backyard accessories for the kids.

7. Only dealing with “main” rooms: People are quick to stage living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but don’t forget to spruce up the garage, basement and closets as well.

8. Forgetting fixtures: When staging a home, it’s important to ensure all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.

Remember, staging a home means showcasing the property’s many features, not concealing its flaws. Make sure your house is in good condition and use staging to cast the home in the best light.

There are many Real Estate opportunities at Smith Mountain Lake during the months of November and December. Check out these “Five Great Things About Homeownership” for buyers courtesy of Realty Times.

1. Equity: While buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs you will make that money back over time with equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year.  Homeownership is about building long-term wealth.

2. Predictability: Provided you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it’s predictable. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans.

3. Ownership: Homeownership means you “own” your home and with that come some incredible perks.  You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart’s desire. The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste.

4. Great Deals: It’s a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows and homes are more affordable than ever. This means big savings for today’s buyers. If you have steady income and cash for a down payment, contact a Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTOR about what homes in the Smith Mountain Lake area could be a fit for you.

5. Relationships: Homeowners have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors who own their homes stay put much longer than those who rent which means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.

In the spirit of the season, take advantage of the joys of Smith Mountain Lake homeownership! Visit www.SmithMtnLake.com to check out the latest properties available.

Check out this online photo gallery from the 9th-Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival held on Saturday, November 9th.  Congratulations to the winners!

The Willard Companies is pleased to announce it’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House event at Westlake Towne Center on Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in front of Westlake Library. Several new activities are planned as follows: attendees can register for a $1,000 shopping spree awarded at the conclusion of the event, live entertainment by EastLake Community Church and Westlake Baptist Church members, and special appearances by Miss Smith Mountain Lake and Miss Blue Ridge pageant winners!

Several other festive activities taking place during the two hour event includes the following:

• Special arrival of Santa on vintage fire truck
• Holiday photos with Santa provided by Your School Photos
• Horse and Carriage Rides sponsored by Kroger
• Antique Car Show at Kroger Fuel Center
• Live concert by Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers
• Live concert by Burnt Chimney and Dudley Elementary choirs
• Live concert by EastLake Community Church members
• Live concert by Westlake Baptist Church members
• Complimentary refreshments provided

In addition to the tree lighting and holiday festivities, the first 150 individuals who donate a new, unwrapped toy to WE CARE of Franklin County during the event will be given a complimentary ticket to a special showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Westlake Cinema showing immediately after the event. Collection boxes will be located inside the retail stores during the event and movie vouchers can be picked up after toy donation. Tickets are not available for purchase.

Participating Towne Center businesses will be serving refreshments during the event and will be offering previews to exclusive holiday gifts, which include Kroger, Westlake Library, Merle Norman, Haywood’s Jewelers, Westlake Salon & Spa, and Cottage Gate. Carilion Clinic will also be participating.

The Fraser fir selected for the event will stand approximately 22’ tall and was picked from Roll Out Farm in Pilot, Virginia. The tree will be centrally located at the retail shopping center and stand in front of Westlake Library at Westlake Towne Center.

According to Ron Willard, President of The Willard Companies, “This event serves as a great way to jump start the holiday season. It’s fun for the community to come together and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season while at the same time collecting toy donations for a worthy cause and supporting local businesses.”

As winter approaches, preparations should be considered both inside and outside your Smith Mountain Lake home to protect your investment, maintain your safety, and provide comfort throughout the colder winter months.

 

Indoor Preparations

The most obvious items to address as the winter months approach center largely around ensuring that your home remains warm. Regardless of your heat source there are preventative measures that should be taken to ensure that you remain warm and safe inside your home. Some of the most important areas to assess include:

• Furnaces – regular annual furnace inspections will help keep your furnace in good repair. Cleaning or replacing furnace filters monthly during the operating months will also keep your furnace operating efficiently.
• Oil Heaters – like furnaces, oil heaters require annual inspections and maintenance. Annual inspections should include: inspecting the chimney, cleaning the pipes to remove soot build up, replacing the air filter, checking oil pressure and cleaning the oil filter bowl. Oil supplies will need to be replenished.
• Fireplaces – periodic cleanings should be performed by a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote buildup to prevent chimney fires. It is also a good time to ensure that woodpiles are sufficiently stocked for the winter months with well-seasoned wood. Woodpiles should be located in a dry location and in an area away from structures to prevent granting wood-eating insects, such as termites, easy access to your home.
• Inspect windows and door for leaks – replacing cracked windows, or sealing air leaks around doors and windows will not only make the winter months more comfortable, but will also lower the costs of heating your home. One method of sealing leaks around windows is by using a removable caulking product which allows for easy removal and restoration of functionality for windows with the return of warmer weather in the spring.
• Evaluate smoke detectors and related safety equipment – the ending of daylight savings time is an ideal time to replace batteries in smoke detectors and any other battery-powered safety or emergency equipment. It is also a good time to evaluate existing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in terms of lifespan and whether they provide an adequate level of coverage. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are generally considered to have a lifespan of 10 years, whereas carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan generally ranging from 2 to 5 years. Beware that batteries in the carbon monoxide detectors may still function after the actual carbon monoxide sensor has ceased being operational.

Outdoor Preparations

Outdoor preparations should include a walk around your property with an eye for cracks in foundations, the mortar in brick structures, and caulking or weather stripping that has failed. Other things to look for include: evidence of uninvited guests in the form of rodents or birds living or nesting in unsafe or unwanted locations, exposed wood that may need some type of protective treatment applied, and items that are too close to heat sources that could become fire hazards. In addition to this general evaluation, here is a list of specific items to consider:

 

• Hoses/hose bibs – in regions where temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and either wrap hose bibs or cover them with insulating covers to prevent freezing pipes. A quick inspection for other exposed pipes that may need insulating will prevent the headache of dealing with broken pipes later.
• Sprinkler systems – in colder climates, sprinkler systems will need to be drained to prevent water from freezing and causing cracked or broken pipes. You may be able to drain the water yourself, or you may hire a professional to winterize it by blowing the water out of your system with an air compressor.
• Roof – inspect your roof for any loose, missing, worn or damaged shingles, tiles or other roofing material and have any needed repairs made to prevent unwanted water damage.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts – after leaves and other tree debris has fallen and collected in your gutters, it will be important to clean the gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing water damage or overflowing during winter storms.
• Clean landscaping tools – when storing your landscaping tools for winter, take the opportunity to clean them well, apply a light coat of lubricant on tools such as pruning shears to keep them operational and to extend their lifespan, and replace tools that are in poor condition so you’ll be prepared next spring when your landscaping begins to come to life once again.
• Prepare winter equipment – now is the time to test winter equipment that you may need in the coming months and make any necessary repairs ahead of time. Knowing that the snow blower or back-up generator will work and are in good repair and that you are prepared for inclement weather will provide peace of mind. It is also a good time to place this equipment along with shovels and salt in an accessible location so it is readily available when it is needed.
• Winter fertilizer – an application of winter fertilizer to lawns will promote stronger roots and help produce a healthier lawn in the spring.
• Plants – take a look at your landscaping and determine if there are plants that may be sensitive to cooler weather and require special preparation. While some plants may need to be trimmed, others may require additional composting materials around their roots to protect them during freezing temperatures, and others will need to be moved to a sheltered area or indoors. This is also a good time to lift bulbs that won’t survive the colder temperatures such as dahlias and to consider planting spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Emergency Planning

Lastly, don’t forget to review or establish an emergency plan and supply kit.

Emergency plans should include:

• Designated out-of-area contact as a centralized point person – often in emergencies it is easier to reach an out-of-area contact than a local one to relay information about impacted family members
• Back-up meeting place
• Back-up child care and pet care arrangements
• Accommodations for any special needs (non-ambulatory or disabled family members, family members using oxygen tanks, etc.)

Emergency supply kits should be kept in an easily accessible location and contain:

• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Pet food
• Blankets
• First Aid kit
• Candles and matches/lighter
• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlights
• Important phone numbers – relatives, utilities
• Fuel for any back-up heat sources
• Supplies for existing medical conditions
• For homes with infants, an adequate supply of diapers and infant related items

There’s an episode of the hit TV series “How I Met Your Mother” where the characters of Marshall and Lily decide to buy a home in a neighborhood they are unfamiliar with, only to learn later that it sits downwind from a sewer plant. The message is obvious: A buyer must do his or her due diligence on prospective neighborhoods throughout the Smith Mountain Lake and Franklin County region to make the best real estate decisions.

For starters, investigate the local school district in Franklin County as good schools boost your property value. Research the closest parks and community centers and consider how busy streets impact the neighborhood.

Profiling the perfect neighborhood also involves meeting prospective neighbors. Walk through the area and say hello to people, and ask them for their impressions of the neighborhood. While you’re at it look around. Are there lots of kids on the block? Do people walk or jog through the neighborhood at night? A neighborhood can speak volumes by itself.

Don’t forget to map out stores and restaurants in the area. You may be used to a five-minute drive to the local grocery store, only to find out that your new home is 25 minutes away from the nearest place to buy milk. Of course, find out if your potential new home is part of a neighborhood association bearing regular fees, and if your community has lawn or construction restrictions.

A good Prudential Waterfront Properties REALTOR can furnish you with a wealth of local information, and will take you on a tour of the closest commerce centers, restaurants and shops.

With a little groundwork you can help ensure that your dream house is surrounded by a dream neighborhood.

Westlake Cinema, in partnership with AFI Films, will be offering local screenings from AFI Films award-winning “100 Years…100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition) list beginning November 8 every Tuesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

The selected films chosen from AFI Films “100 Years…100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition) list and its respective ranking are scheduled through the end of the year as follows:

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) (#26)
Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Friday, Nov. 11        1 p.m.

“Casablanca” (1942) (#3)
Tuesday, Nov. 15 and Friday, Nov. 18      1 p.m.

“Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) (#5)
Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 25      1 p.m.

“Saving Private Ryan” (1998) (#71)
Tuesday, Nov. 29 and Friday, Dec. 2       1 p.m.

“Forrest Gump” (1994) (#76)
Tuesday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 9         1 p.m.

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) (#24)
Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Friday, Dec. 16     1 p.m.

“A Street Car Named Desire” (1951) (#47)
Tuesday, Dec. 20 and Friday, Dec. 23     1 p.m.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946) (#20)
Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 30     1 p.m.

The weekly showings will be offered for a discounted ticket cost of $5.00. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, Westlake Cinema will be offering a $1.00 discount off individual concessions for these special screenings. Movie times are subject to change. Show times will publish in local media as well as on facebook, online and on the box office recording.

“AFI is a proven leader in film, television and digital media and their “100 Years…100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition) list is determined by a jury of 1,500 industry film artists, critics and historians. We are excited to offer Smith Mountain Lake and area residents the chance to walk down memory lane and witness these timeless classics on the big screen,” stated Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and PR for The Willard Companies, owners of the cinema.

To view a complete film list of AFI’s “100 Years…100 Movies” (10th Anniversary Edition), visit online at WestlakeCinema.com. For additional questions about the Westlake Cinema and AFI Films “100 Years…100 Movies” film program, show times or other inquires, contact Thomas Althoff, General Manager of Westlake Cinema at (540) 721-6314.

About Westlake Cinema

Westlake Cinema is a 13,800-square-foot cinema featuring a four-plex movie theater with stadium seating, concessions and games. In addition, Westlake Cinema offers Dolby® Digital Surround Sound and optional headphones hooked to a USL Infrared Hearing System for those with hearing impairments. Westlake Cinema’s goal is to offer moviegoers an upscale theater with first run movies, state of the art sound system and full service concession area. Additional information about Westlake Cinema is available at WestlakeCinema.com

About the American Film Institute

AFI is America’s promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers. AFI is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts. Additional information about AFI is available at AFI.com.

Come to Smith Mountain Lake for the 9th-Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival on Saturday, November 9th.  Enjoy a full-day event featuring music, crafts and a spectacular competitive chili cook-off.  Trophies will be awarded for “Best Chili,” “People’s Choice,” and “Showmanship.”  It’ll be a hot time at Smith Mountain Lake.  Held lakeside at Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta, near the Hales Ford Bridge.

There’s an active schedule planned with cooking beginning at 9:00 AM, tasting at noon, judging at 3:00 PM, awards at 4:00 PM and great fun for everyone all day long! The doors are open to the public from 11:00 AM until 4:00PM.  The festival is located next to Halesford Bridge on Route 122 in Moneta. There will be music by the Harmoneers Waterfront 4 Quartet, Gretna Little Theater presents a takeoff on the TV show Hee Haw, Candy Top, the Clown, Kyle Edgell, nationally know caricature artist, and plenty of plaza activity. Come out and visit with Miss Smith Mountain Lake, and Miss SML Outstanding Teen. And, of course, you’ll find lots of chili for every taste as participants compete for the title of Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival Champion. The size of the trophy says it all! Stop by the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor’s Center to see for yourself. The trophies are already on display. Festival goers will share in the bounty and judging as they determine who wins the coveted ‘People’s Choice Award’. Showmanship and chili excellence go hand in hand at this event to the delight of the crowd.

There’s something for everyone at this lakeside event. Come by car or come by boat, there’s plenty of free parking. Put this festival into your ‘no frills’ entertainment schedule. Gatherings like this are all about enjoyment for everyone and what better place to gather than Smith Mountain Lake?

Official rules and contestant application forms are available on line at www.visitsmithmountainlake.com or at the SMLRCC Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza. The cost for chili contestants is only $25.00 for a 9 x 10 ft space.   Addtional spaces available at $75.00 each. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 PM, Friday, October 28th. This event features cooking, tasting, music, craft vendors…judges, prizes and much more. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in Chili Cooking, 1st place Showmanship and the People’s Choice award. Join in on the fun as a spectator or a contestant. It’s going to be a “hot time” at Smith Mountain Lake. For more information, contact the SML Visitor’s Center at: 540.721.1203 or check out the website.

At Smith Mountain Lake you’ll find wonderful places and people. Our area’s great natural beauty–from the waters and woods to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia–is the perfect destination for your very own style of fun, whether you seek days full of activities or just plain relaxing.  Smith Mountain Lake – it’s closer than you think!