Don't buy at Smith Mountain Lake… until you read this book
Waterfront property carries nuances that can cost you dearly. Before you buy at the lake, read the book Smith Mountain Lake buyers trust first.
- Avoid the mistakes that haunt unprepared buyers
- Understand docks, water depth & true property value
- Learn the lake before you love the listing
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Every active listing on the lake, price low to high.
Begin search →Buying waterfront blind is expensive
Two similar-looking homes on the same cove can differ by hundreds of thousands of dollars — for reasons you can't see in listing photos: dock rights, water depth, slope, shoreline length. Paul has watched well-meaning buyers make costly mistakes here for 25+ years. That's why he wrote it all down.
"A lot of well-meaning buyers have made mistakes buying at Smith Mountain Lake. Don't let that be you."— Paul Moore, AuthorSee what the book covers →

Everything you wish you'd known before buying on the lake
Smith Mountain Lake has quietly become one of the East's most sought-after destinations — but waterfront property carries nuances that can seriously affect value and quality of life.
"A lot of well-meaning buyers have made mistakes buying at Smith Mountain Lake. Don't let that be you."— Paul Moore, Author
Written by Paul Moore, this 207-page book distills 25+ years of lakefront expertise into a clear, practical resource — yours free as a PDF — with an audiobook edition available.
Learn the lake before you buy here
The 7 FactorsWhat drives waterfront value?
Why two homes on one cove differ by hundreds of thousands — view, slope, water, and more.
Docks & BoathousesCan I have a dock?
The Shoreline Management Plan, permits, setbacks, and the rules that surprise buyers.
Waterfront vs. AccessWhich one is right for you?
The price gap is substantial — and for many buyers, water-access is the smartest money on the lake.
The Buying ProcessFrom search to closing
Financing, inspections, surveys, dock transfer, and closing — step by step.
The Smith Mountain Lake Buyer's E-Course
Many buyers take their first step by "attending" our free buyer's course — right at their own computer, at their own pace. When you're done, you'll be armed with information that can:
- Help you save thousands on your waterfront dream home
- Make your real estate purchase quick and easy
- Help you avoid buying a home you'll regret
- Give you ideas for improving your view, getting the best boathouse and much more
…with us or any Realtor — until you take this free online course.
Take the Free E-CourseExplore every home on the lake
Set your price range and bedrooms — or browse everything, updated daily from the regional MLS.
Local experts who live what they sell
Trusted by buyers, owners, and industry leaders
"I was skeptical it would just be a marketing pitch — but found a great deal of genuinely valuable information."
"The guide answered questions we didn't even know we needed to ask before buying on the water."
"Straight, honest advice from someone who clearly knows this lake inside and out."
Smith Mountain Lake real estate news
Start with the book. It's free
The complete 3rd edition PDF — ready to download instantly. Audiobook edition available too.
Get the Free Book


