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Virginia Beach, VA Real Estate News

By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
Sandbridge Dolphin Challenge 5K and 10K Ever since I completed the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon in September my 4 yr old has been wanting to run.  Not just jog - run.  He wants to run a race and win a trophy!  Every day when I get home from work he is asking - "Can we run again?  I really need to practice running."  Pat Bowler - a co-worker of mine is helping to organize a race here in Virginia Beach - The Sandbridge Dolphin Challenge 5k, 10k and 1 mile kids fun run and he suggested a kids run would be perfect. So tomorrow morning 8 am by little guy will be running his very first race!  I am so excited for him and love his enthusiasm in running!  Come on down and join us in Sandbridge, VA and support a great cause and to cheer on my Hunter!  I will be taking lots of photos and video of my l...
Comments 6
By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
It has came to my attention that some agents and buyers are still unclear with the new condo changes that are coming up for FHA.  Deadline has been pushed from October 1st to November 1st, 2009.   In the past, you only needed to satisfy one of the following two criteria to finance a condo unit using FHA financing. 1.) The Condo Project has a FHA warranty - This requires the Homeowners Association of the condominium project to apply and receive a warranty on the project from the HUD. 2.) The unit must pass a questionnaire called a “Spot Check” done on an individual basis   As of right now, after November 2nd 2009 FHA is voiding all condo project approvals that were done BEFORE October 1, 2008.  This means FHA loans will not be able to be done in an ineligible project until it is re-appr...
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By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
It has been awhile since we have had a "tweetup" here in Hampton Roads so I am organizing one next week! September 30, 2009 - celebrate the end of the month!              6:00pm - 8:30pm approximately Gordon Biersch Town Center @GBVABeach 4561 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23462   Gordon Biersch is sponsoring this one with the venue AND Free appetizers!  Why should you attend Hampton Roads largest tweetup? 1. Learn new twitter strategies 2. Meet your tweeps in person and get to know the person behind the avatar 3. Not on twitter yet? That's ok! You can still join un and get in on "what is everyone doing?" and "what do I tweet about? 4. Connect with like minded techie folks who share similar interests 5. Why not? It is the end of the month and time to relax with friends and a co...
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By Gene Allen, Realty Consultant for Cary Real Estate
(Fathom Realty)
We have had some good rain in Virgina Beach a few weeks ago.  I guess the ants that live below my mailbox in Glenwood decided to abandon ship as they invaded my mailbox eggs and all.  I put my hand in for my mail and came out with hundreds of ants along with it. 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
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By Drick Ward Property Management / Broker Assoc, "RealtorDrick" - Experienced Representation
(NEPTUNE REALTY)
These are pictures from a foreclosure property currently on the market. I predict that it will sell very quickly and there is even likely to be a bidding war because of the condition it’s in and the price the bank has placed on selling it. Priced at $188,900 while properly maintained houses in the neighborhood easily sell for $220,000. Here are just a few of the indicators that it’s a great value:     Here’s what I think the property needs to be in top notch shape. Mind you, I am not a home inspector and a thorough inspection of the property has not been completed, but I’ve been doing this more than a week or two and believe I know how to recognize the really hot properties.  
Comments 8
By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
You know I've pondered this question all weekend. In my opinion it opens the door to unlimited potential to collaborate and market on a global scale. Last week I attended an amazing seminar that opened my eyes to what "New Media" actually is, and no, it's not social media. New Media, in my opinion, is the never ending emergence of digital communication and networking through many mediums which are ever changing, thus the term "new" in new media. Out of the box thinking is really what keeps you in front of your competition. I find we sometimes get complacent, and allow ourselves to become comfortable in where we are in our business. I have been guilty of this as well, but NO MORE. In order to meet my goals, I am renewing my commitment to grow my business and step out of my comfort zone. ...
Comments 8
By Jim Willis, Knows Virginia Beach Area Real Estate
(Rose and Womble Realty)
Well, it's September of '09 and we all have a little bit different idea of where we are as far as hitting bottom in Home Pricing. We know what happens when inventory of Homes for sale go down (which it's doing now--less homes for sale in *S Hampton Roads currently then in 2008 by 3.8%.) AND the gap continues to close between median Sales Prices of Homes in '08 vs '09 (from -12.1% in January of this year to -2.6% in August of '09) AND, Hey, Interest Rates continue to hang around in the 5% range, a little higher but not much. That's good news. Still time left to purchase a primary or 2nd Home at a great price before Home prices hit bottom and start going up along with increases in interest rates. Also, if your a 1st Time Homebuyer or haven't owned a Home in 3 years you are eligible for an...
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By Sean Schroeder, Century 21 top producers
(Century 21)
The overall health of the Hampton Roads real estate market is showing strong signs of improvement.   With the current inventory levels holding steady and sales continuing to rise. As with any market, the real estate market utilizes key indexes to judge the health of the market.   Based on the indexes know as the "absorption rate", "months' supply" and List Price to Sale Price (lp/sp). It is widely accepted that a healthy market, where neither the seller nor the buyer have an advantage over the other, has a 6 month supply of inventory.   It is interesting to see the LP/SP comparison. That is how low home sellers are actually accepting (sale price), on average, when compared to their LP (list price).   Virginia Beach has a 7.39 months supply of residential real estate, that is at its curr...
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By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
This past week, Virginia Beach City Council unanimously voted to approve residents and business owners installing windmills to generate electricity. Homeowners may only install a windmill if they own at least 1/3 of an acre of land.  In most zoning districts, one free standing windmill up to 35 feet high or a roof mounted turbine is permitted. It is important to note that many Virginia Beach neighborhoods are part of a homeowner's association and approval must be obtained from the association prior to installing any type of windmill. In business and industrial areas, there is not a height restriction on the wind turbines. According to Virginiaplaces.org, Virginia Beach is considered a good-to-excellent wind resource.  For more information on wind energy resources, visit the American Win...
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Through the end of 2010, Chris will donate $250.00 on behalf of every family that she helps buy or sell a home. In honor of September's Hunger Action Month, Chris is challenging the real estate community to join her in her mission to end hunger in Hampton Roads. On September 26, 2009 from 9:00AM - 2:00PM, at Realty Executives, 316 Office Square Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (behind Pollards at Witchduck Road & Princess Anne Road) Chris will sponsor her first annual food drive by accepting donations of can goods or non-perishables for the Foodbank. She is urging everyone to help end hunger in Hampton Roads. Hunger affects us all. One in four people in our community are hungry. Statistics show you may know someone who is hungry and don't even realize it, may be your friends, your neighbo...
Comments 2
By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
  I did it!  I completed the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon this past Sunday! What can I say?  Finishing a 1/2 Marathon is a true feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line.  I will have to admit I was at first scared out of my mind because I had no training prior which was really stupid on my part but I was talked into it by some friends of mine.  They are the kind of friends that push me to always do better in my career as well as my personal life.  I have gotton to know these special ladies through a weekly mastermind group that we do and they have changed my life and my outlook on life!  We made a goal that we were to complete this race together and cross the finish line as a team!  Our goal was to finish and to not finish last!  Well...3 hours and 22 mins la...
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By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
I LOVE my Blackberry Curve!  And yes I am an addict and not ashamed at all.  I purchased almost a year ago and I do not know how I survived without it.  It has made my business more efficient in many ways.  Here are 3 of my favorite blackberry applications:    Funambol - I love because it syncs my Outlook contacts, calendar, tasks and notes.  So even if I am not at my computer I can check my outlook calendar and vice versa.        Vlingo - In the state of Virginia it is now illegal to drive and text (as it should be in every state)  So with Vlingo I can record into my phone text, email, call someone in my address book, quickly go to internet search without typing in, and update my facebook and my twitter status.      Ubertwitter - This is so much better than Twitterberry!  I can RT, Cop...
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By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
My life has become so hectic lately and after realizing that although I am in the people business - my job isn't to network at every event.  I used to fill my calendar with events almost everyday thinking I had to be there.  But in all reality I have figured out that social networking can be just as powerful and I don't have to sacrifice my precious family time. Social networking has allowed me to gain powerful relationships and get clients in my own time!  Now don't get me wrong I love being around people and learning from them but I do not have to be a part of every group.  I have my favorites ( and you know who you are :))  But these networking groups that I have been involved in Hampton Roads and will still support.  So, if you don't see me around as much - I am learning about bala...
Comments 6
By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
Contractors will begin dredging and mobilizing associated equipment during the 2nd week of September. Sand placement will start at the western end of the beach, closest to the Lesner Bridge on or about 9/15/09. As they clear the channel, the sand placement on Cape Henry Beach will move eastward towards First Landing State Park at a fairly good pace. Completion of the entire operation is estimated at 60 days. Work will be performed on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. Once underway, limited sections of the beach will be closed, temporarily.
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By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
Interesting article on federall funding to rehabilitate neighborhoods plagued by foreclosure. Read on.. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/08/chesapeake-beach-land-funds-rehab-distressed-properties
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By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
Today's mortgage rates are holding flat.  Even though price action in the secondary market was choppy and economic reports were better than expected, conventional 30 year par mortgage rates held steady near 5.00% as prices of mortgage backed securities managed to end the week higher.    The calendar is busy this week with Friday providing the most noteworthy event...the Employment Situation report.   If you purchased a property over the weekend, today is good day to lock in your rates.      Justin Williams Home Mortgage Consultant Wells Fargo Home Mortgage M8612-011 4701 Columbus Street Suite 300 Virginia Beach, VA  23462 (757) 490-9200 Tel 757-692-3464 Cell 1-866-922-5123 Fax Justin.Williams@prosperitymortgage.com
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By Tina Merritt, Virginia Real Estate
(Nest Realty)
Adam Thoroughgood arrived in Virginia as an indentured servant in 1621.  He became a key figure in the settlement of the South Hampton Roads area.  His home is estimated to have been built sometime between 1680 and 1720, making it one of the oldest standing homes in America.  The property became a museum in the 1950's and is now owned by the City of Virginia Beach, VA.  In the 1960's it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Adam Thoroughgood House is open daily for public tours and sits on a beautiful piece of property overlooking the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River.  The address is:  1636 Parish Rd, Virginia Beach and is located in the back of the Thoroughgood neighborhood off North Independence Blvd. Hours and Fees Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 ...
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By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
We are hearing that all to familiar buzz word "green" popping up everywhere. Buyer beware. Green washing is described as the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. It is a deceptive use of GREEN PR or GREEN marketing. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment. There are a lot of claims made about building products and contractors that require scrutiny. The general rule about these seemingly simple descriptions is to be skeptical look behind the claim for some form of verification. Ask yourself the following: Is this claim obviously false? For exam...
Comments 6
By Chris Faircloth
(Realty Executives)
What is it? Well first not all drywall manufactured in China is problematic. At this time, it is unknown whether such drywall is actually manufactured in the US or made in China and re-branded here. Typically, the drywall is 1/2", but not always. as the same compounds and gases have been in 5/8" drywall. Based on University of New Orleans, highly toxic compounds have been found in Chinese drywall and prolonged exposure to these compounds can cause serious problems. Strontium sulfide may be dangerous to developing children; it affects bone growth. Chronic exposure to these gasxes may affect he central nervous system, cardiovascular system, eyes, kidneys, liver, skin, etc. This concern has recently been added to our consumer disclosures here in Virginia Beach. I've included a link to rece...
Comments 5
By Naoma Doriguzzi, New Media Director
(Virginia Beach)
Ok realtors don't hate me - I am just trying to show the power of social media and social networking.  One of the managers here at New American Mortgage who put his house up for sale last Tuesday For Sale By Owner for $299,500.  He received a full price offer in 1 week by placing it on facebook.  They sold the home to a friend of a friend who had seen the photos on Facebook and bought it! They are scheduled to close in 1 week! So this is to all the skeptical out there....facebook and social networking WORKS!      Are you a fan of New American Mortgage on facebook? Are you following us on twitter?  
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