Deborah Beran's Blog

Most of us have a hobby, skill or career we wish we could pursue but put on the back burner while life is full of other priorities and demands. We tell ourselves one day we’ll have time for it but that day never seems to come. Smith Mountain Lake is a perfect place for reigniting the flame of tha...

Here at Deb Beran Properties, we like to make it a point to find out how community members not native to the area found themselves at Smith Mountain Lake. In many cases residents had been looking for a similar type of location for years before a family member, someone in their work place or an ac...

Smith Mountain Lake is not without highly successful water safety advocacy, and an event in May helped prove the lake community’s excellence in safety awareness. The National Safe Boating Council held its fourth annual “Ready, Set, Wear It!” world record day on May 18th this year, of which Smith...

Smith Mountain Lake recently welcomed its own fixture in one of the nation’s fastest growing trends: a microbrewery. Sunken City Brewing Company, located in the town of Westlake, made its official debut in May and has been “hopping” ever since. Owner Jerome Parnell had established its signature b...

Earlier this month, the National Association of Realtors published an update focusing on the latest buying trends of the under 40 generations. During tough economic times, potential home owners in this age range were commonly living with their parents or opted to rent a home or apartment. Now wit...

  We at Deb Beran Properties often hear that older residents searched for years before finding the idyllic place to retire at Smith Mountain Lake. A retirement location isn’t easy to narrow down. Where you retire effects both the retiree and other family members. Location plays a large part in qu...

It’s easy to be proud of a community when its key establishments are frequently on the receiving end of state and national accolades. In the news last week is a report that one of the Smith Mountain Lake area’s preschools received a star rating by the Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI). The ...

Smith Mountain Lake is a great place for hobbyists to develop and master a craft - particularly antique boat crafters. One boat admirer is bringing a first to Smith Mountain Lake - building a steam-powered launch right in his own Smith Mountain Lake back yard. Mark White of Bedford’s major undert...

Deb Beran RE/MAX Lakefront Realty had the privilege of participating in a special Hole In One sponsorship last month. The sponsorship took place at a dedication in memory of local women who were avid golfers and beloved friends and community members. A memorial clock was presented in memory of PT...

This weekend, thousands of locals and tourists will venture out on Smith Mountain Lake. Like most other places, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the most fun in the sun one can have in a three month span. As we have in summers past, we will be providing you with tips to enjoy the l...