Lake homes are the most popular type of second home. They're also popular as main residences for those who don't mind commuting. Lake homes are attractive for many reasons: the beauty of the water and its surroundings, the sense of calm a lake view brings, the convenience for those who like boating and fishing, and serenity for those who simply like to get away from everything. If you're seriously looking at lake homes, you should consider several things to make sure you are making a sound investment and to ensure your enjoyment of such a home. For those who want to live in a lake home year-round, it is best for most people if a lake home for sale is withing a two hour drive of at least a medium sized city or a major airport. Recreational opportunities are important too. Does the lake you're considering have things beyond swimming and boating? In the off season, you can still enjoy hiking trails and sometimes fishing, but it's even better if the nearest town or city has cultural offerings you can partake of in the winter. And speaking of winter, the weather needs to be good enough that enjoying the lake isn't just a summertime activity. Sure, you want there to be seasons, but you have to consider how you would feel if you were snowed in for a week or two. If the towns and areas surrounding the lake are building new hotels or shopping facilities, it is a good indication that the lake is expected to be a fairly large draw for the area, and roads that are rural now may be significantly upgraded in the coming years. Educate yourself thoroughly before you ever think of making any offers. The words "lake homes for sale" can trigger all kinds of enthusiasm, but you don't want to lose your head and end up making an offer that's out of your league. Research the region's weather, roads, schools, medical facilities, and services before you choose a home to make an offer on. Some people keep folders of information on each house they are considering. A lot of real estate information is available online these days, so this may be a good way to organize your thoughts. Make a "top five" list of what your lake home and its surroundings must offer, particularly if you plan to live there year round. Do you want a multi-story house or everything on one level? Do you like being away from everything, or will you require at least some urban comforts like shopping and restaurants within easy driving distance? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Will you want to have overnight visits from relatives often, or not? If it's to be used as a second home, will you want to rent it out when you're not there? Will you be able to obtain flood insurance? Buying a lake home is a big step, even if you're only using it as a weekend or seasonal retreat. It is very important that you make this large investment wisely by doing all the necessary research up front.Find stunning lake homes for sale at http://www.smithmountainhomes.com