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Virginia Beach, VA Real Estate News

By Ingrid Laine, Loan Officer
(Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc.)
Hello AR Friends, I have noticed that palm is trying to make a comeback. They have done something I think is pretty smart. As we know most smartphones can tether a computer to the internet. Most of us use The blackberry as our goto phone of choice. The Blackberry uses a wire to connect a computer, but you have to pay an extra tethering fee. The new Palm Pre Plus can serve up to five computers by becoming a WiFi Hot Spot with no fee***. I had to check the no fee part but thats what a VZW rep told me. Plus there are no messy wires to work around. So far you need to be with Verizon Wireless to use this feature. ***I just went to buy the palm pre plus and there was a fee. but it is still a really cool phone. something I didn't know is that you can charge it by just placing it on a pad... no...
Comments 17
By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
Zillow Home Value IndexYou need the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.Download the free Flash Player now!More Virginia Beach Home Values
Comments 3
By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
This information was forwarded to me by the Laurel Cove Civic League.  It also includes information from the VA Rush soccer league and some families in the area.  The 2nd police precinct is looking into this information.  Please inform your children to be on alert!   "Dear Parents and Coaches - Below is a trail of emails that were forwarded to us by another soccer club in the area regarding an important issue - This is not to cause any panic but we want to make you aware of these incidents and make sure that you are on the lookout.  Hello Denise, I am the manager for XXXTEAM and several emails of people I know have come across my email today about a child predator. There is a man in a small blue pick up truck stalking and approaching children in our local neighborhoods. One incident yes...
Comments 6
By Drick Ward Property Management / Broker Assoc, "RealtorDrick" - Experienced Representation
(NEPTUNE REALTY)
Short sales in Pembroke Meadows are a rare occurrence, even in these trying times.  This community of approximately 500 homes was built primarily in the late 1960's and early 1970's.  The single family residences in Pembroke Meadows range in size from three to six bedrooms with square feet estimates from a low around 1,400 to over 2,700.  Some of the houses are waterfront, a few have pools, and almost all of them have attached garages.  But few of them have been short sales or foreclosures.  In fact, there have been only nineteen on the market in the past year and of that 19, four are currently on the market.  One of the active properties is a foreclosure property, or REO.  Fourteen were sold, one of them was a short sale, and one was withdrawn. It seems that once someone moves into the...
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By Ingrid Laine, Loan Officer
(Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc.)
AR Friends, Okay, I have been doing some research on camcorders. So far I have found out: 1. Sony seems to have better battery life than others, regardless of on the box claims (from salespeople and a few people in a photography club that also are avid video shooters) 2. A camcorder with a hard drive will eat up battery faster than a flash drive but has more space to hold video and you should buy an extra battery when you buy your camcorder 3. Getting a camcorder with removable memory is good 4. for stabilization reasons we should not buy over 60X Zoom 5. Most decent HD camcorders cost nearly $500 & you get what you pay for 6. The reps I have talked to say that Mic Location on the front is better So far the features I see to consider are: battery life, stabilization, low light, storage,...
Comments 7
By Ingrid Laine, Loan Officer
(Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc.)
AR Friends, Some time ago I had a friend that would network 3 days a week on the golf course. He was a great golfer that was always opening new great accounts.  Clearly he loved the game, and so many others tried to copy him and went to "network" on the golf course too but they were very unsuccessful in opening new accounts. So I asked him what he thought the difference was and he said "It's simple... I never forget why I am there." and it was simple, he was there to make money - not golf... the golfing was just a bonus.   I take that advice with me to all my networking events and it helps me meet quality prospects and stay on task. Maybe it will help you too. -Ingrid
Comments 7
By Drick Ward Property Management / Broker Assoc, "RealtorDrick" - Experienced Representation
(NEPTUNE REALTY)
Google is planning to build & test one or more ultra-high speed broadband networks and Virginia Beach is one of the cities being considered for the test.  In order to be considered for participation in the trial, the City must submit a Request to Google.  The city is requesting citizens and busineses complete a 4 question survey to assess the level of community interest as a part of this process.  Deadline for completing the survey is March 23rd.  If you live or work in Virginia Beach, you know this would be an excellent location for a high speed test as our area is heavily emmersed in technology.  Please participate in the survey, by visiting http://www.VBgov.com/surveys and select the Google Fiber for Communities survey. There is also a link to learn more about the project which goes ...
Comments 6
By Gene Allen, Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
(Fathom Realty)
I have been DROID ed and I like it.  Actually I bought two.  One for me and one for my bride of 36 years.  I had a Motorola Q9M and the wife a Curve Blackberry.  The battery life on the Q was dismal to say the least.  The Blackberry was quite good but using the internet was torture.  The DROID fixes all those problems and then some.  If you haven't surfed on a 3G network it is great.  No lag it just zooms.  The two keyboards and speech give you lots of ways to enter information.  I bought a mount window mount for mine to utilize the GPS and that works just super.  It is powered by Google by the way in case you didn't know.  The best thing is that if you don't like somethin for the most part there is an APP for that.  I have one for my text messaging that allows me to put a signature on ...
Comments 4
By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
Voting Starts now until March 31, 2010 and New American Mortgage AND Keller Williams needs your vote for a local contest here locally "best of" hampton roads. You don't have to be from our area to vote. We need everyone to text in your votes for New American Mortgage for each city AND online voting!  Can forward on to all of your clients, partners and online social media sites!   New American Mortgage Text codes Text CZW to 21333 for Chesapeake Text CZX to 21333 for Norfolk Text CZY to 21333 for Portsmouth Text CZZ to 21333 for Suffolk Text DAA to 21333 for Virginia Beach Text DAC to 21333 for Hampton Text DAD to 21333 for Newport News Text DAE to 21333 for Williamsburg Text DAF to 21333 for Western Branch Keller Williams is also one of our partners that is running for "best of"  need ...
Comments 2
By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
Walking a tightrope seems like an impossible feat. What's it take to make it to the other side? The ability to overcome fear - A great acronym for fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. First make a plan to accomplish your task, walking the tight rope, climbing that mountain, landing that big account. Dream big and create small incremental action steps. Create an action plans that outlines your monthly goals, then break them down into weekly goals and again into daily tasks. Step out of your comfort zone- The most growth happens when you take a leap into the unknown. Don't confuse this with jumping off your tightrope either. Identify your weaknesses, and make a decision to strengthen those areas of your life. Expand your horizons and feel rewarded. Work to improve your skills- Try to sc...
Comments 4
Courthouse Estate Market Report - Homes for sale in Courhouse Estate - Virginia Beach Due to REIN rules, I have had to take down the displays of information that I was using.  Stay tuned, as I will be making my own, and displaying the information in my own format. Map of Comparable Market Analysis or Market Report  in Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia                                                            The Courthouse Estates - Market Report - Homes for Sale Virginia Beach - Virginia  shows what we have seen in the region.  Houses are selling, as long as they are moderately priced and in great condition.  Above you can see the  map of homes for sale, sold and expired in the month of February, 2010.     Blue: Days on the Market       Green: List Price           Red:  S...
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By Gene Allen, Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
(Fathom Realty)
What milestones are in your life?  I recently went over 200,000 points on Active Rain.  I will be 55 in a few short days.  I just bought a new DROID and it is great.  I lived in the same house in Virginia Beach in Glenwood for over 10 years.  My car just went over 70,000 miles.  But the biggest milestone is 36 YEARS of marriage.  WOW can you believe it?  I certainly can't.  Well on my way to the next 36.
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By Ingrid Laine, Loan Officer
(Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc.)
I just did a refinance for an investor couple that have five properties. We were able to harvest income, lower the rate, shorten the life of the loan, and reduce their tax liability this year... all in about twenty days. This is the type of work I enjoy doing. These are Real Estate Investors sent to me by a local Financial Advisor. They have great credit and are a nice couple. This is why I prefer to work with experienced Realtors and Investors. Don't get me wrong... I am very good at getting the difficult loans through too... It's my job to get your buyer a loan! I respect all buyers from credit challenged to credit strong. I just enjoy working with more complex cases.
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By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
I was shocked to find out that I have a very small window in which to obtain certification by the EPA for lead based paint. I'm not an inspector? The deadline ladies and gents is April 22, 2010. As I read up on this new regulation and was made painfully aware that the liquidated damages for non-compliance was $37,000.00 a day! This is very serious as agents, brokers, property managers and contractors are now required to get this certification if they deal with or manage homes built prior to 1978. The following is a 17 minute video about the requirements and how they affect you.   CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO Information for Realtors and Property Management Firms Realtors and property managers should make themselves aware of the requirements in the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule...
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By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
  Tina's House Selling Tips   1.  Trash cans out of site - all of them.  You never see a trash can in a model home. 2.  Toilet seats down at all times (except when in use of course!) 3.  Buyers want to see your house, not your deodorant.  ALL toiletries go under the sink - get a bucket or tupperware container to store your daily essentials to make morning get-ready-time easy. 4.  Everything off the kitchen counters.  Acceptable exceptions:  vase of flowers, 1 coffee maker (spotless), microwave. 5.  Now is not the time to save on heating and electric bills.  If buyers are uncomfortable when they walk into your home, they will remember that.  Keep the windows closed during showings as well to keep outside noises to a minimum. 6.  Fireplace - clean/spotless with a few neatly stacked logs i...
Comments 6
By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
According to Zillow's Real Estate Market Reports for December 2009, Virginia Beach home values were up 0.1% compared to November 2009 and up 0.1% compared to December 2008. Zillow Home Value Index You need the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player.Download the free Flash Player now! More Virginia Beach Home Values
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By Gene Allen, Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
(Fathom Realty)
Will the tax rate increase for homeowners in Virginia Beach?  Home values in Virginia Beach and in my area of Glenwood have continued downward for the second year in a row.  The assessments on homes will fall by an average of 5.75%.  What a striking difference from 2006 - 2008 when assessments rose by over 20% each year in Virginia Beach.  If you want to see the entire report go to PilotOnline.com  While homeowners may think they will see their taxes go down, Mayor Will Sessoms thinks there should be a revenue nuetral budget.  Sounds like a plan to me.  What actually means is raising revenue and that would include the tax rate.  It looks like the tax rate would go up 2 or 3 cents.  The city has been hit hard by the state decreasing funding as well.  While I don't like taxes anymore then...
Comments 0
By Gene Allen, Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
(Fathom Realty)
I was reading in the Virginia-Pilot that the foreclosure crisis may be letting up a bit.  For the first time in three years the number of homeowners falling behind on their loans is declining.  This should help the housing market some but there are so many homes in default that the pain will probably last for years to come.  Thats the good news, the not so good news is that there are still a record number of foreclosures on the market or coming on the market.  It also appears more banks are delaying foreclosure and trying to help buyers with the mortgage relief effort.  The banks can lower interest rates to 2% for five years and extend the loan to 40 years.  So far it looks like out of a million homeowners who enrolled, only 116,300 have been helped.  Not a good track record but every  ...
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By Sean Schroeder, Century 21 top producers
(Century 21)
As of today’s posting there 437 Virginia beach short sales listed in the local MLS. Of these Virginia Beach short sales, 64 are pending, 373 remain active – awaiting a buyer! To put this in perspective there are 3,992 homes for sale in Virginia Beach, the current number of short sale properties in the city of Virginia beach is just over 10% of the total inventory. Short sales in Virginia Beach, that have closed in the lat 30 days have sold at 98% of the properties list price and were on the market for 75 days. The goal of the short sale is to save not only the current home owner from a foreclosure, but to also save the bank money and in the banks eyes it also protects the property from vandalism. To learn more about short sales in Virginia Beach or Hampton roads visit Hampton roads shor...
Comments 0
By Sean Schroeder, Century 21 top producers
(Century 21)
As of today’s posting there 437 Virginia beach short sales listed in the local MLS. Of these Virginia Beach short sales, 64 are pending, 373 remain active – awaiting a buyer! To put this in perspective there are 3,992 homes for sale in Virginia Beach, the current number of short sale properties in the city of Virginia beach is just over 10% of the total inventory. Short sales in Virginia Beach, that have closed in the lat 30 days have sold at 98% of the properties list price and were on the market for 75 days. The goal of the short sale is to save not only the current home owner from a foreclosure, but to also save the bank money and in the banks eyes it also protects the property from vandalism. To learn more about short sales in Virginia Beach or Hampton roads visit Hampton roads shor...
Comments 0
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