Be Sure to Download Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce New Mobile App.

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce is now providing a mobile app (MyChamberApp) that helps consumers find discounts, events, and services offered by Chamber of Commerce members.

MyChamberApp provides maps, locations, phone numbers, websites, images, and even videos to help consumers make a shopping decision.

MyChamberApp is available to iPhone, iPod, Android and Blackberry users for Free (www.MyChamberApp.com/download).

The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber is one of the early adopters of this mobile technology; we are proudly serving our community and continue to help stimulate local commerce while supporting our members.

To find out more, contact Annette Stamus, 540-721-1203

www.MyChamberApp.com

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.

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.

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!

Friends often share holidays, vacation together and are there for all the important moments in life. So, why not buy a home at Smith Mountain Lake together?

An increasing number of consumers are considering joint ownership. Such as transaction makes sense, as it can help those who may not have been able to afford a Smith Mountain Lake home on their own, it gives each owner a real estate investment, and it can even strengthen the friendship.

But the opposite could happen as well. Friends can feud over the most trivial of things, placing the long-term housing investment at risk.

Here are some tips for surviving Smith Mountain Lake co-ownership with a friend.

1. Be sure before agreeing to this life-altering decision that all parties are willing to disclose their financial information, agree upon the type of home and location they are after, and are truly comfortable with living with one another.

2. Consult with an attorney: A contract between the parties is vital, as is listing each person’s name on the deed and the mortgage papers. The percentage of ownership must be clearly stated in the contract, including details of each person’s share of the down payment and the way in which mortgage payments will be divided. This sets the stage for deciding each one’s share upon sale.

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Mortgage companies aren’t always thrilled with lending to two unmarried or unrelated people. Odds are those buying a home at Smith Mountain Lake will need to jointly qualify as co-borrowers on a single mortgage in order to purchase a property held in tenancy in common or joint tenancy.

4. Understand each other’s wants and needs: House options, mortgage rates and contract terms will be contingent on each individual’s credit history, financial health and both short-term and long-term obligations, so it is smart to discuss all of this ahead of time. During the house-hunting stage, the friends may have different ideas on what they are looking for. It’s always a smart idea to sit down and list the most important features to each and figure out what each is willing to give up.

5. Have an exit strategy: Jobs change or a surprising romance could evolve where marriage will soon be in the picture. What happens to the house then? This is something that should be agreed upon before the house is bought.

Once everything is agreed to and a mortgage commitment is in hand, things still aren’t easy. It’s hard enough finding the perfect home, but to have to find the perfect home for two is even tougher.

Friendships can stand the test of  housing issues, so don’t be scared off; just make sure that when buying any real estate with friends that you don’t let the friendship cloud your judgment.

Wherever you turn these days, it seems that someone is talking about “Green”, or “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED”) certified buildings, “EarthCraft” and “Zero Energy Homes.” Each of these share a commitment to reduced energy consumption and the “re-use, repurposing and recycling of materials,” “improved indoor air quality” and use of “environmentally friendly” and “renewable products.” Green or LEED buildings generally generate 20 to 70 percent in energy savings, while a Zero Energy Home (ZEH) by definition must generate enough energy to meet or exceed its own heating, cooling and electrical needs in any given year.

With all of the recent attention being given to energy conservation, you might not realize that a handful of individuals began vigorously exploring ways to significantly reduce energy consumption in the early 1970′s. Since then, energy saving practices have been refined and expanded and have been incorporated into projects ranging from small homes to large commercial buildings, schools and fire stations to government buildings. Recent projects have successfully demonstrated the economic viability and sustainability of incorporating rigorous energy and conservation standards into new construction without increasing budgets or extending schedules.

Many conservation efforts are most easily incorporated at the time of initial construction, however some are easily adapted either as a stand-alone project or as part of routine equipment replacement.

Heating, Cooling and Electricity

High efficiency furnaces and/or heat pumps – replacing old furnaces with higher efficiency models or possibly converting from an older type of heating and/or cooling device to one utilizing newer technology can lead to significant energy savings. Many furnaces built just 15 years ago are quite inefficient when compared to models available today.

Insulation – adding additional insulation in attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls are all potential areas for reducing energy costs. Also, by sealing cracks in the attic around areas where ceiling lights and fans are installed or wires are strung can also cut energy costs substantially. When all these small openings are added together, they can have the same effect as having a window left open.

Horizontal Loop Ground Source Heat Pump System – this relatively unheard of heat pump system runs coils 4 to 6 feet underground to tap into the constant temperature of the earth’s soil to provide either heating or cooling depending upon the season.

Windows – installation of wood or vinyl encased triple pane windows significantly reduces heat loss and eliminates drafts.

Building Site Orientation – for new construction, orienting a building to utilize the southern exposure along with window placement allows for the exploitation of both natural lighting and solar heat.

Light bulbs – the days of the incandescent light bulbs may be numbered as legislators across the nation discuss legislation to ban their use in favor of the more efficient LED and CFL lighting technology as a measure to reduce energy usage.

Higher efficiency appliances – installation of high efficiency appliances will significantly reduce energy consumption, particularly for appliances that run all the time, are energy consumers or are used with high frequency.

Water Consumption

Water heaters – there are several energy saving strategies available when it comes to water heaters. When opting to use a traditional storage tank, the location of the tank can have a significant impact on the amount of water consumed and the cost of heating the water. The most economical placement is to have the tank as close as possible to where the water is used most so there is less water wasted waiting for the hot water to arrive. Adding insulation to the first foot of the pipe coming out of the hot water tank will reduce heat leakage. An alternative to the traditional hot water heater is the tankless water heater that only heats the water as needed by running the water through heated coils. This method eliminates the need to keep water hot all the time and the energy required to do so.

Landscaping -by designing and implementing a landscape centered on plants native to your locale that are also drought tolerant will reduce landscape watering requirements.

Rainwater cisterns with filtration systems – also gaining popularity are rainwater cisterns that store water from rooftop collection systems to be later used for irrigation. Sizes vary and can be selected based up on rainfall averages, collection area size, and available storage locations.

Impervious Paving Systems – porous surfaces reduce the impact on surrounding areas by allowing rain water to penetrate surfaces and be absorbed into the soil. Reducing runoff helps alleviate premature expansion of storm water treatment facilities.

Indoor Air Quality

Flooring – several options exist when making flooring selections that will increase air quality. For those willing to either reduce the quantity of carpeting or forego it all together, selecting sustainably harvested wood or bamboo is a good alternative. However, for those set on having carpeting, selecting carpets made using natural fibers with a low-pile can reduce the collection of allergens. Also, air quality will remain stable when carpeting is installed using tacks rather than fume emitting glue.

Paint – better air quality is achieved by using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and low-toxic interior paints and finishes instead of other paints and finishes that release higher levels of chemicals and toxins.

Additional Energy Sources

Solar – once thought of as an “alternative” source of energy, solar panels are gaining popularity. Solar panels remain an expensive option; however, their cost has dropped significantly over the last number of years, making them less cost prohibitive. Although solar panels will work in any climate, sunnier locations will result in higher productivity. To encourage the installation of solar panels, governmental agencies as well as some utilities have created different incentive and rebate programs to lower the cost.

Wind – although not practical for the average home owner due to its high installation costs ($40,000 or more), it does remain an option for those located in areas with sufficient wind and land resources. Generally, a home tower will produce between 8,000 – 18,000 kWh per year given sufficient air movement and requires being located on at least an acre of land.

One of the great debates in real estate concerns the prospect of keeping a Smith Mountain Lake house on the market during the holiday season. Some argue that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is busy enough without the worry of buying a home, while proponents like the prospects since those shopping are generally more serious about buying.

A downside for the seller is that the hectic time of year makes it harder to get your home ready at the drop of a hat if a call comes in. People are busy making food, wrapping presents and preparing for a house-full of guests.

However, your house will also be decorated with beautiful lights and decorations and will create a festive elegance to a home that will attract buyers.

Some agents believe that keeping your house on the market will have you appealing to a much smaller inventory of buyers who have very specific needs that your home might not match. Others counter that less inventory over the holidays means less competition and since more people have vacations this time of year, they actually have more time to search for their ideal home.

The holidays can provide a breather for homes that have been on the market awhile, as some use the time to remove property from the market in favor of a fresh start in January. However, you risk losing the buyer who may have been looking in December to capture tax benefits that many consider with their need to buy a home.

What’s the best solution? Of course it’s up to individual homeowners and their respective circumstances. Prospective sellers should discuss their holiday prospects in detail with their Prudential Waterfront Properties agent. Working together, they can make holiday wishes come true.

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.

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