Now that summer’s here, you’re probably planning your next getaway — but what if your escape was already waiting for you at Smith Mountain Lake? Owning a vacation home here means more than just weekend getaways. It’s a chance to create lasting memories, enjoy the water all season long, and invest in a property that can generate rental income and even serve as a future retirement destination.
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong.
Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move.
Selling at the Lake? Here’s Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent at Smith Mountain Lake
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Selling a home at Smith Mountain Lake — whether it’s a cherished weekend retreat, a full-time residence, or an investment property—is more than just putting a listing online. Our local market is unique. The rhythm of lake life, the seasonal swings in buyer interest, and the high value of waterfront property make experience and insight essential.
What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market
Thursday, June 26th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.
It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years.
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):
You May Have Enough Equity To Downsize and Buy Your Next House in Cash
Friday, June 13th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
Chances are you have a lot more equity than you think.
A record number of homeowners are using their equity to downsize and buy their next place in all-cash (no mortgage, no monthly payment). And that’s helping them move faster, stand out to sellers, and cut down on their monthly expenses.
Want to know if you have enough equity to be an all-cash buyer, too? Let’s connect and run the numbers.
Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.
It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):
Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.
It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
Gretchen Tipps
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.
| Older Posts |