I was just doing some looking for homes throughout the southside. I think I just saw the deal of the day in Norfolk. This is a home in Ghent Commons. It is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home built in 1981. There is a garage and a small fenced yard.  Now for the best part.... It is priced $40,000 lower than the other home currently for sale in the neighborhood AND it is under $280,000!  This is the first time a home has sold under $300,000 in Ghent Commons since 2004!  (this home is a foreclosure, and like many foreclosures, is sold as-is, and may need some work) If you are looking for convenience (walk to downtown, the Chrysler Musuem of Art, the YMCA, etc), and potential, look at this home!  Search for homes in Hamton Roads and Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk and Portsmouth! 11/19/2008

This year's Fair Trade Festival will be held on December 1st and 2nd in Norfolk Virginia at the Downtown Farmer's Market site outside the MacArther Center Mall.  If you're in the area, please come by to check out what Fair Trade is all about. The Fair Trade Festival is transforming the Hampton Roads area by increasing consumer demand for fair trade and responsibly produced products.  Since the Festival's inception 5 years ago, availability of fair trade products has grown from one retailer to more than 40 around the Hampton Roads area, a total increase of more than 4000%.  Consumers, who would have had to order fairly produced coffee, tea, or chocolate, can now buy it in a store or restaurant in their neighborhood, thus supporting the local economy as well.  Other products such as fruit... 11/18/2008

I had the pleasure of seeing Hampton Roads from the air today. I was flying home from a trip and the path of the airplane was wonderful -- over most of southside Hampton Roads. One thing came to mind... ITS THE WATER, PEOPLE! You can even see it using google maps... View Larger MapUnfortunately I didn't have my camera with me but next time!!! By the way... this is a fun way to check out Ocean View and Norfolk Real Estate! If you are relocating to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake or anywhere in Hampton Roads, call me! I will give suggestions on what to look for from the air! 11/17/2008

  It is so hard for me to find a rental property that has handicap features. Some say they have handicap features but they only offer a ramp. Well, what about after you get in the house how can one take a shower with out a walk-in/roll-in shower? If anyone can help me with this, please enlighten me. 11/13/2008

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk recently had a spate of births.  There was a bongo, an armadillo, two box turtles, four copperhead snakes and a bog turtle.  What it means is that the breeding and conservation program at the zoo is working.  I am looking forward to seeing the little critters. http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen     11/12/2008

In our current financial market, it has become increasingly more difficult for the average real estate investor to purchase an investment property due to the large downpayment requirements, especially with multi-family property. There are a couple of ways to get around the large downpayment requirements coming out of your pocket. The old philosophy of OPM, or using Other People's Money, still holds true, why not leverage yourself to do more? Just be certain that if you plan to leverage yourself and "borrow" the money, have a strategy in place to payback what you have borrowed, the easiest way is from the newly acquired property. The most common way to leverage is to secure a line of crediton one of your existing properties, whether it's investment property or your home that you live in.... 11/11/2008

Bayview Beach is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Norfolk for someone who wants to consider buying a detached home around $200k or even below.  It's a very quaint area that could be a short walk or bike ride to the bay.  Most of the homes are older but have been kept up nicely for the most part.  As of today(11/10), there are 34 homes for sale here ranging from $160k - $574k.  If this interest you, click the link below to view the full listings and definitely contact me if you would like to see any of these properties or any others in person.  Bayview Beach ListingsJeff NelsonThe Real Estate Groupjeff@homesandfood.comHomes and Food757-749-1616 11/10/2008

With the onset of colder weather here in Virginia (well, maybe not today, it is 65 degrees and gorgeous outside!), I wanted to remind you that if you have a drafty house you may as well burn money to keep warm!  Consider spending a few hours this week on an energy audit for your home!  Sealing drafts around windows and doors, installing insulation, and correcting other household mistakes, can save you money!  For an energy audit checklist go to the EPA website.  You can also hire someone to help. See my blog on Blower Door Tests and energy audits.   Feel free to call or email me for an Energy Savers Handbook from the Department of Energy!  For real estate in Hampton Roads including Norfolk Suffolk Chesapeake Virginia Beach and Portsmouth, I am happy to help! 11/09/2008

Norfolk is working on plans to provide $1 million in grants and loans to help fix up homes in three Wards corner neighborhoods.  The city has pledged the money to Denby Park, Monticello Village and Oakdale Farms but so far has not figured out how to administer the money or when it will be available.  There are over 2100 households in the area but only money enough for about 21 homeowners and 5 landlords.  It should help with real estate assesments when they are done.  The money if and when it comes surely won't be around for long. http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Go... 11/08/2008

I spent some time this week looking at property in the Willoughby / Ocean View areas of Norfolk. I have written about this area before- I love it- great beaches on the Chesapeake Bay, good values for condos and single family houses, easy access to many parts of Hampton Roads, both southside and the peninsula.  I was struck by the lack of staging in some of the properties. Just a little bit of effort goes  a long way. Are you thinking about selling your home? Here are just few things I will help you consider... 1. Clean and organize- remove excess family photos and clear off countertops! 2. Create a "livable' home in the eyes of the buyer - Minimize accessories, neutral color schemes, decluttering, and spotlessly clean are all ways that the buyer can see your home as move-in ready. 3. St... 11/06/2008

NOAA has deployed a big bad "smart buoy" on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk recently.  It is designed to measure all sorts of weather conditions, environmental conditions and water quality.  This is the first buoy in the area but there will be several more deployed.  If you are into that sort of data, go to www.buoybay.org and have a peek. http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen 11/04/2008

Even without employee raises or new programs the budget for Norfolk is facing a $22 million deficit.  Expenses are rising and revenues are flat according to the City Manager.  Resale home prices have fallen but new home prices have risen.  Couple this with a little bit of rise on the commercial real estate, less state aid and you have the gap.  Hopefully the city will work some magic and not have to raise the real estate taxes.  http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen 11/04/2008

I participated in a lunch and learn at the office this past week. The conversation was about FHA loans. Here are some highlights... 1.  Citizenship is not required!  But a Social security number is... 2.  Minimum down payment is 3% BUT the down payment can be a gift from a family member or close relative. 3.  Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the sales price 4.  Loan amounts are very competitive - UP to $428,750 for single family or $548, 850 for two family dwellings! 5.  Two or more borrowers, not necessarily related, can finance together under FHA For more information on home buying or loan qualification, call Charlotte Hauck at Virginia Home Mortgage or Bethany Phillips, Prudential Decker Realty, both at 757 217 4200.  Search for homes throughout Hampton Roads including Norfolk, Vir... 11/03/2008

Just few of our Great Neighborhoods for Dogs!  •      Lafayette Residence Park (N) - Great Dog Park, quite streets •      Colonial Place (N) - Romp along the waterfront, hang out with the big dogs at the park •      Downtown (N)- Who can resist a stroll with a pooch along the waterfront? And with the PETA close-by for swimming - even better! Plus, dogs are welcome on the ferry for free for a walk in... •      Old Towne Portsmouth - stroll the High Street, Check out the architecture •      Chesapeake Beach (VB) - Beach walking, hiking in First Landing State park!  Awesome. •      Greenbrier, Chesapeake, VA - Close to City Park which has off-leash, fenced-in park for dogs contains benches, water fountain for dogs and owners, poop-scoop bags and covered trash cans •      Bennett's Creek ar... 10/27/2008

TOP TEN List of Places to RE-USE in Norfolk!   These are in no particular order!  Hope House Thrift Shop, Norfolk, VA -  open Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and are located at 1800 Monticello Avenue across from Doumar's. 625-7493 Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters - locations throughout south-eastern Virginia and north-eastern North Carolina  Mommy and Me, Norfolk - upscale consignment shop in Norfolk - Tidewater Drive.  Specializing in infant, children, and maternity items; we offer a wide variety of infant through materinity clothes & shoes, toys, strollers, swings, bouncers, cribs, household items, and so much more!  588-6755‎ Savvy Seconds is a great place to find like-new consignments. On Monticello Ave.   623-9300‎ Boobala's Importers IncBoobala's Importers on... 10/25/2008

CAMELLIAS really show their stuff in this area!  Here is a great way to learn more about them and to add these plants to your garden.  Also -- think about the coming holidays - wouldn't planting a camellia for someone be a nice gift!?? FALL CAMELLIA SHOW & PLANT SALE Saturday, November 1, 2008     10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. BAKER HALL  CAMELLIA SHOW OPENS TO PUBLIC WHEN JUDGING IS COMPLETE (approx. 12:00 p.m.)  PLANT SALES will begin at 10:00 a.m.-NOT  before.  PLANT SALES END WHEN CURRENT SUPPLY IS SOLD OUT, or at 4:00 p.m.   3 gallon plants $27   1 gallon plants $15 (Cash or personal checks for plant sales--sorry no credit or debit cards.) Free Heirloom air layered camellia for new Virginia Camellia Society members and all new American Camellia Society members. We encourage all visitors t... 10/24/2008

Lafayette Residence Park Market Snapshot Wanted to share some information on this terrific neighborhood in Norfolk that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  This neighborhood is cool! Bungalows, Cape Cods, Craftsman, Victorian, Colonial, even a ranch or two! Some Features: •      Lots of water with the Lafayette River adjacent to the neighborhood.  •      A great dog park, fully fenced, with obstacles courtesy of the local boy scout! •      Childrens park with swings, jungle gyms and more •      Great open spaces, quiet streets for walking, and super neighbors. Lafayette Residence Park, Norfolk Market Report : January 1 - October 7, 2008 Residential Sold or Pending : 11 Median Days on Market: 64 Average Days on Market: 80 Median Sale price: $ 275,000 Average price : $... 10/21/2008

I was just reading a recent USA Today article. The author was quoting a number of sources but one in particular was a survey: Shea Homes and Harris Interactive recently polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 about their interest in the environment: • 81% are concerned about the environmental legacy they will leave for their grandchildren. • 94% have taken steps in the past six months to go green. • 79% want to do more to reduce their carbon footprint. • 36% say a green home saves money, 27% say it improves health, and 25% say a home built from green products and technologies is the smartest green investment, second only to a hybrid car or other alternative-fuel vehicle.   So the question remains... DO YOU HAVE TO BE OLD to Be GREEN?? Link to the full article Hampton Roads and Norfolk Real Es... 10/18/2008

Due to slow ticket sales and a dip in dontations, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra begins the season already $1.5 million in debt.  Last year, the Symphony started with no debt, thanks in large part to Norfolk Southern Corp. and this year they are trying hard to raise money but as they are finding out, times are tough.  http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search. Google gene allen   10/13/2008

Conservation is King with Kaine Governor Kaine issued a press conference release last week asking residents of Virginia to focus on energy efficiency and conservation in their homes. This is a reminder that comes at an important time of the year - just before we start heating our houses for winter.  You may have read in my earlier blogs about some of the efforts I have taken to reduce energy consumption in my home.  That effort continues and I encourage you all to take steps in the same way.  This week, I finally purchased the PULLEY SEALS I need for my windows. These should decrease the energy loss during both the heating and cooling seasons.  I will let you know how it goes! The website I used for these is http://www.jrproductsinc.com/shop/pc/home.asp Real Estate Norfolk and Hampton R... 10/13/2008