Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Lawn Care Tips to Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

If you’re planning to sell your home, chances are you’re busy decluttering, organizing and updating the inside to make it picture perfect. But since buyers first see the front of the house when viewing online photos and visiting, you’ll want to make a good first impression there, too.

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Tips for Selling a Home at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and profitable experience. If you’re considering selling your home at Smith Mountain Lake this year, here are some tips that might help you!

Read More
Joe Bratt Joe Bratt

Home Ownership: From Dream to Reality!

Owning a home is a dream shared by many, but the path to homeownership can seem daunting, especially when it comes to affording a home. However, with careful planning and smart saving strategies, you can turn this dream into a reality.

Read More
Irene May Irene May

House Flipping 101: Do you have what it takes?

 If you have ever turned on any home improvement channels, you most certainly have noticed the absolute barrage of "house flipper" shows, which dramatize the world of home renovations. Let's face it, these shows are on TV because they are entertaining and can get you hooked. I know that years ago, when I was a new house flipper, I would spend lots of down time watching, learning from their mistakes, and hopefully getting ideas and becoming inspired for my next project.

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Quick, Low Cost Tips For Staging Your Home To Sell Quickly

When it comes to selling your home in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, things can get overwhelming quickly. But that’s what I’m here for as Next Door Realty Group’s resident expert for all things regarding selling or buying your home in Franklin County and the surrounding areas! In this blogpost, I share a few low to no cost tips that you can do to easily stage your home to make it even more appealing to potential buyers for a quick sell at its maximum value!

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Choosing the Right Paint Colors to Sell Your Home Fast

Getting your home ready to hit the market can be a daunting task but Next Door Realty Group is here to help make the process a bit easier! In this blogpost we discuss the power of leveraging neutral color to paint your home to sell quickly. When selling your home it’s important to create an environment in which buyers can imagine them living. Creating a clean, blank canvas with neutral colors provides a backdrop that buyers will more easily envision their furniture and decor. Read on for neutral color pallet inspiration!

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Why Buy a Home in the Roanoke Valley?

People often ask why they should move to the southwestern part of Virginia, after all, it’s much more rural than other regions of the Commonwealth. In this blog, we share a few great reasons including affordability, scenic beauty, and much more on why you should consider moving to this beautiful Roanoke Valley region of Virginia.

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Common Questions Buyers ask when Purchasing a Home

When buying a new home, potential buyers often have many questions to ensure they make informed decisions. Today on the blog, we address some of the most commonly asked questions we’ve answered when making a home purchase in Southwestern Virginia.

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Franklin County VA Real Estate Guide

Franklin County, Virginia is a large county with a fairly large population just outside of Roanoke and it’s become more of a bedroom community in recent years. The wonderful thing about the “land between the lakes” is that you have roughly 7 areas of the county, ranging from high-end homes on Smith Mountain Lake to small cabins and cottages nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and just about everything else in between. Learn more in this blogpost about the various sections of the county and what you can find in home and land value within each the area.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Best Fall Hikes in the Roanoke Valley

Fall is the best time of year to take advantage of the cooling temperatures and soak in the glorious color of the changing leaves. Roanoke Valley, nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, offers no shortage of the best trails and viewing spots to take in nature’s autumn color show. CNN named Roanoke as the second best hiking city in the United States and in celebration of this well-deserved recognition, I’d like to share some of the best locations in Southwest Virginia to hike or drive to take in all of the fall splendor.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Top 6 Best Franklin County Outdoor Adventures (NOT on Smith Mountain Lake!)

Located in Southwest Virginia along the Roanoke Valley, Franklin County is perfectly nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains to host a variety of activities for all outdoor enthusiasts. Sure, you can spend days at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake soaking in all the adventures that SML offers, but in this blog post I’ll share some of my favorite outdoor experiences outside of Smith Mountain Lake to encourage you to explore additional adventures that can be found in Franklin County.

Read More
Lindsey Banks Lindsey Banks

Fall at Smith Mountain Lake

Autumn months are here and as the weather is getting cooler that means days ON the lake tubing, swimming, and fishing are decreasing but there is still so much fun to be had AT Smith Mountain Lake located in Southwest Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains! I’m here to share with you all of my favorite fall lake activities. Read on to be inspired to come enjoy my favorite fall activities at SML.

Read More
Joshua Gabrielson Joshua Gabrielson

What Makes Bedford a Great Place to Live

Considering relocating to Southwest Virginia? We recommend taking a closer look at Bedford. There are many amenities that make living in Bedford, Virginia wonderful! From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Smith Mountain Lake to easy commuting distances to historical heritage and everything in between, in this blogpost we share some compelling reasons why we think you should move to Bedford.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Navigating the Seller's Market: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Today’s Market

In the real estate world, there are two types of markets: the buyer's market and the seller’s market. While a buyer's market offers ample choices and favorable prices, a seller's market can be a bit more challenging to navigate. But fear not, as this blog post is your comprehensive guide to buying a home in a seller's market.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Maximizing Your Home's Value: Small, Strategic Changes That Make a Big Difference

Are you considering selling your home and wanting to maximize its value without breaking the bank? While major renovations can be costly and time-consuming, there are several small, strategic changes you can make to your home that can add significant value when you’re preparing to sell. These changes can help your property stand out in a competitive market and potentially lead to a higher selling price. In this blog post, we share some little, low cost changes that can potentially yield major returns without major remodeling.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Starting a New Chapter in Blacksburg: Relocating to a Vibrant College Town

Are you contemplating a move that's not just about changing your address, but also your entire lifestyle? Relocating to Blacksburg, Virginia, a vibrant Virginia Tech town, might be the perfect choice for you. College towns are unique, bustling communities that offer more than just proximity to academic institutions; they provide an atmosphere of youthful energy, cultural diversity, and a wealth of opportunities. In this blog post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of relocating to Blacksburg and why partnering with a seasoned realtor can make your transition smooth and seamless.

Read More
Brenda Bratt Brenda Bratt

Relocating to Smith Mountain Lake

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water against the shore, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. This dreamy scenario becomes a reality for those who choose to relocate to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Nestled within the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake offers an idyllic setting that promises a peaceful and enriching lifestyle. In this blog post, let’s explore the allure of relocating to this picturesque haven and delve into the myriad reasons why it's a destination worth considering.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Your Ultimate Guide to Hiring the Right Real Estate Agent

Purchasing or selling a property is one of the most significant financial transactions we make in our lives. It's essential to have a knowledgeable and reliable real estate agent by your side to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here at Next Door Realty Group, we know that choosing the right real estate agent can be the difference between a seamless experience and a stressful one. In this blog post, we'll share key factors to consider when hiring the right real estate agent, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

What Makes Roanoke a Great Place to Live

I’ve had the opportunity to live in several great Virginia and North Carolina communities, but none have had as much to offer than Roanoke, especially for a young family. In this blogpost, I share some reasons why I think Roanoke is a great place to live.

Read More
Carole Gabrielson Carole Gabrielson

Mastering Real Estate Negotiation: Essential Tips for Success

For home buyers, the negotiation phase is a critical juncture in the home buying process. It's an opportunity to secure the best possible deal and terms while ensuring a smooth and favorable transaction. To empower you as a home buyer, we have curated a collection of effective negotiation strategies. At Next Door Realty Group, Brenda Bratt and her team regularly employ these strategies, along with other approaches, to increase their client’s chances of acquiring their dream home at a price that aligns with their budget and must-haves. Read on to learn more about these valuable negotiation tactics.

Read More