Glenda McDaniel Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate Specialist

06/19/2026

According to a recent survey by Platinum Home Builders & Design, the friction is real: 37% of homeowners regret buying in an HOA community, and 64% say their HOA causes some level of day-to-day stress.

It's understandable that homeowners associations can cause some consternation. HOAs govern the rules of a community, from landscaping standards to exterior paint colors, and enforce them through fees and fines that homeowners have little choice but to pay.

06/18/2026

A lower rate or closing-cost credit can be helpful, especially when affordability is tight, but it’s smart to compare the full offer carefully.

New construction can come with more room to negotiate than buyers sometimes expect. This article breaks down common builder incentives, including mortgage rate buydowns, closing-cost help, upgrade credits, and other perks that may be available at different stages of a project. The big takeaway is si...

06/16/2026

Only you can decide whether a home is worth the investment, but one way to know for sure is to get to know the neighborhood you're buying into.

How to best approach them can be tricky, but when done correctly, it's the most effective way to uncover hidden insights that can seal the deal or raise red flags on buying a home nearby.

06/15/2026

Selling a home is about visibility, and an open house is one of several tools that can help buyers picture themselves living there.

Open houses have been part of the home-selling process for decades, but many sellers still wonder whether they're worth the effort. This article looks at the potential benefits, including increased exposure, buyer interest, and opportunities to generate momentum when a home first hits the market. If...

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

More renters are turning living rooms, dining rooms, and other shared spaces into bedrooms as housing costs continue to climb.

As rents remain high in many markets, some tenants are converting living rooms and other shared spaces into sleeping areas to reduce monthly costs. The trend highlights how affordability pressures are changing the way people use their homes and what they're willing to compromise on to stay within bu...

06/12/2026

Homeownership starts long before the house hunt, and building strong financial habits can make the process a lot less stressful.

Buying a home takes more than finding the right property. It also requires preparation, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment, closing costs, and the expenses that come with moving. This article highlights a practical money-saving approach that can help future buyers build financial....

06/11/2026

Homes aren’t selling instantly like they were a few years ago, and Zillow’s CEO says pricing right from the start matters more than ever.

Zillow’s CEO shared a few practical reminders for sellers navigating a slower housing market, including the importance of accurate pricing, strong listing presentation, and making homes move-in ready when possible. Buyers in many markets now have more inventory and more time to compare options, so...