If you are interested in buying a property in the future, you need to know that it is still a buyer's market in Williamsburg, Virginia.   According to data taken from the Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors and our local MLS, we had over 16 months of inventory of active homes listed for sale in the month of September.  According to researchers 6 months of inventory is a balanced real estate market.   Although 16 months of inventory sounds really high, our MLS showed that we had over 28 months of inventory in November of 2008. While in many area of the country sales have increased substantially, that is not the case in Williamsburg.  The Williamsburg real estate market is still very much in favor of the buyer.  I believe that this is partially due to the fact that the foreclosures ... 10/19/2009

Whatever you do, don't miss the open house Saturday in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The lovely home is located at 3973 Longhill Station Road.  The open house will be held this Saturday, October 10th from 11 A.M. to 2 P. M.   This beautiful home has 2300 square feet, four bedrooms two and one half baths with formal living and dining rooms. The large family room has a gas fireplace and adjacent sunroom. From the deck one can enjoy peace and privacy of the rear yard backing to wooded green space. Upgrades include beautiful hardwood floors, corian countertops and new stainless steel appliances. Directions to the open house: From Richmond take I -64 east to 199.  Exit on route 60.  Go west to Centerville Rd.  Follow Centerville Rd to Longhill Station.  Look for the open house signs.  The house i... 10/08/2009

How God led me into Real Estate:   I have no doubt that God led me into Real Estate.  It's funny how He works things out sometimes, but when we look back at it, we can always see that He was working things together for our good (Romans 8:28)   I have always enjoyed meeting people and have often hosted luncheons or coffees for new ladies in the area.   I often thought that about becoming a REALTOR®, but never followed through with it. When my youngest child was in high school, I attended UNF to finish my degree in Psychology.  After receiving my BA, I took a couple of masters level courses at UNF but felt that the masters program there was not a good fit for me.     I decided to pursue a Masters degree in counseling through Liberty University knowing that I would be getting a faith based... 08/22/2009

Williamsburg has many romantic locations. Drive along the Colonial Parkway, walk down Duke Of Gloucester street in Colonial Williamsburg, York River State Park has many walking trails, or walk the beach at Jamestown. Catch a movie in New Town, and then go to Barnes & Noble and read some poetry together. There are also lots of great restaurants in Williamsburg for every taste.  Remember to make the day special for your loved ones.  It only comes around once a year.  Chocolate is always a great gift.  Enjoy your day!!! 02/13/2009

The 2008 Holiday Season Past in Colonial Williamsburg Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite times of year, decorative wreaths made with pine boughs, fruit, pine cones and mistletoe adorn the doors. The smell of wood fires and burning leaves are in the air, couples stroll hand in hand drinking hot beverages and talking, young lovers pause beneath hanging mistletoe to steal a kiss. The summer crowds are gone and the streets are once again quiet and peaceful.  Another reason why Hampton Roads is so wonderful during all seasons. See you next year! The Governor's palace in all it's Holiday finery   December Twilight   A decorative wreath made with pine boughs and real fruit   Twilight on the Courthouse   2008, 757RealEstateInfo.com and B. Payden Photography, LLC.All rights... 01/29/2009

Every year my family and I visit Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia.  After all, it's only a 10 minute drive for me.  We usually get season passes.  Busch Gardens has some amazing roller coasters, including Apollo's Chariot and the newest ride, the Griffin.  It also has terrific shows and special events.  The theme at the Williamsburg location is Europe (or rather The Old Country).  Here you can ride the "Loch Ness Monster", hoist a tankard of beer at the Festhaus, travel through the ruins of Pompeii and even pet the Budweiser Clydesdales.  It's a great place to take the whole family and definitely a "must visit" for those amusement park fans out there.  And that's one reason why I was pleased to hear that Busch Gardens would once again be offering free admission to our military fam... 01/11/2009

WILLIAMSBURG LOCAL Gets GRAMMY Nomination! Williamsburg native, Bruce Hornsby received his 13th Grammy nomination last week.  The nomination is for the collaboration on "Family & Friends: Rambling Boy" by Charlie Haden.  Pat Metheny and Jerry Douglas also took part in the collaboration.  It has been nominated in the Best Country Instrumental Performance. Bruce Hornsby has won 3 Grammys in his career of more than 30 years.  Bruce was born in WILLIAMSBURG, VA and he and continues to reside here with his family. The Grammys air in February. Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster, REALTORS®Williamsburg, VA  23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com 12/10/2008

  INDOCTRINATING SELLERS Upon reading the article from Inman News - Death of a Listing Presentation, I have put to rest the presentation portion of the listing presentation and adopted EDUCATION.   Managing a seller's expectation is done through preparation.  We are better able to do that if we give them the (as Lenn Harley would say) Hard Core Real Estate Talks!  I've come up with some things that should be explained during your education process: 1.  You should let the seller know HOW they can contact you.  Is it email?  What's your response time for replying to emails?  What is your response time for a phone call?  How soon can they expect to hear from you after leaving a voice mail?  This is important, you're setting the stage for the entire relationship.  TELL THEM NOW what they ca... 12/09/2008

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - YORK COUNTY November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008 RESIDENTIAL   Area:  York County MLS Total Current Active Listings   Number 94 List Price Average 441,161 Average Days on Market 127 Total Sold   Number 2 List Price Average 230,500 Sales Price Average 223,500 Average Days on Market 103 Under Contract Listings   Number 6 List Price Average 243,617 Average Days on Market 98   Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®757-753-7472WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATELong and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA  23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com   We believe this information is accurate, but we have not independently verified it and we do not vouch for its accuracy. Recipients of this information are urged to take whatever steps they fe... 12/06/2008

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for WILLIAMSBURG - James City County November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008 RESIDENTIAL   Area:  JAMES CITY COUNTY MLS Total Current Active Listings   Number 888 List Price Average 489,981 Average Days on Market 189 Total Sold   Number 39 List Price Average 400,735 Sales Price Average 378,179 Average Days on Market 151 Under Contract Listings   Number 22 List Price Average 331,530 Average Days on Market 182   If you are someone who is looking to BUY a home in Williamsburg - James City County, NOW is YOUR time!  There are literally hundreds of properties to choose from depending on your price, financing, criteria, etc.  WHY NOT take advantage of this market to UPGRADE, DOWN-SIZE, buy a VACATION HOME, or buy a CONDO for your college-aged son or daughter?  The possib... 12/06/2008

SUPPLY and DEMAND Report for the CITY of WILLIAMSBURG  November 6, 2008 - December 6, 2008 RESIDENTIAL   Area:  City of Williamsburg MLS Total Current Active Listings   Number 92 List Price Average 475,183 Average Days on Market 217 Total Sold   Number 3 List Price Average 651,300 Sales Price Average 619,167 Average Days on Market 209 Under Contract Listings   Number 4 List Price Average 302,600 Average Days on Market 94   Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®757-753-7472WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATELong and Foster, REALTORS®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA  23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com     We believe this information is accurate, but we have not independently verified it and we do not vouch for its accuracy. Recipients of this information are urged to take whatever ste... 12/06/2008

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite times of year, decorative wreaths made with pine boughs, fruit, pine cones and mistletoe adorn the doors. The smell of wood fires and burning leaves are in the air, couples stroll hand in hand drinking hot beverages and talking, young lovers pause beneath hanging mistletoe to steal a kiss. The summer crowds are gone and the streets are once again quiet and peaceful, yes it's that time of year again, it's Christmas in Williamsburg. The Governor's palace in all it's Holiday finery   December Twilight   A decorative wreath made with pine boughs and real fruit   Twilight on the Courthouse   Copyright Notice All images appearing herein are the exclusive property of B. Payden Photography, LLC and are protected under the United States (U... 12/03/2008

How You Can Go GREEN This Christmas! When you decorate this holiday season, consider going au naturel - without lights!  You can make or buy wreaths and garlands of natural materials that can be composted or will naturally decompose.  Natural greenery can be found at local farm stands throughout your town. Yes, an artificial tree can be used for years, but it will eventually end up in a landfill somewhere.  A cut, live tree from a tree farm is better because tree farmers are continually replacing harvested trees.  And, because live trees can be recycled after Christmas.  Williamsburg-James City County Recycling allows residents to drop off live trees until February 29, 2009.  The trees are then mulched or composted by the Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority. But, if you must ha... 12/03/2008

  FUN DAYS IN DECEMBER! HO, HO, HO! Today, December 1, is World AID's Day.  A day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together and bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic.  December, the last month of the year, is a month of many fun occasions.  The more obvious is Christmas (25th) and New Year's Eve (31st).  As you shop this month, whether on the Internet or in the stores, be aware of thieves.  This month is Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month.  As we round out the year and ponder on the New Year to come, you can begin your business plans.  It's not too early to start thinking about what camp to send the children to.  December is National Write a Business Plan Month and Choose a Summer Camp Month!  December is also Bingo's Birthday month for thos... 12/01/2008

  TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE Holidays can be hectic.  There's shopping, cooking, traveling and of course the every day details of life.  During this time of the year, people's minds are not focused on donating blood. That can mean area blood supplies can reach critical levels.  Winter months, just like the summer months, especially around the holidays, are tough times for blood collection.   According to the Red Cross website, blood types O-positive and B-negative are at critical levels.  Blood types including A and B-positive and O and A-negative is the most needed and most requested by hospitals because it is the universal blood type. According to the American Red Cross, only 5% of people who could give blood actually do. Blood can be donated every 56 days, and is used in a variety of hea... 11/30/2008

  HOLIDAY CONCERTS in WILLIAMSBURG @ William & Mary If Thanksgiving did not get you into the holiday spirit, try a little music!  The College of William & Mary is sponsoring a number of holiday concerts that will surely get your sleigh bells ringing! Wednesday, December 3, 8 p.m.William & Mary Symphony Orchestra        Akiko Fujimoto, conductor        "Carmen" Fantasy by Saraste featuring Renowned violinist Charles Castleman and Johannes Brahms' Symphony        No. 4 in E minor        $8 general/$2 students/free for children under 12 Thursday, December 4, 8 p.m.William & Mary Wind Symphony        Angela Holt, conductor        Holiday musical journey from America, around the world and back to America, with a special appearance by the             W&M Middle Eastern Ensemble.         $7 ge... 11/29/2008

  Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster Realtors®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsburg.com   11/26/2008

USE IT OR LOSE IT!! Many Seniors are acting on the use-it-or lose-it theory and taking advantage of local opportunities to strengthen mental capacity and build social connections.  Participating in activities that stimulate the mind has shown to decrease dementia in aging adults.  The goal is to continue challenging your mind after retirement to maintain full mental capacity.  Just as lifting weights builds muscle, mental exercise builds brainpower.  Modern seniors no longer have to spend days confined to the house and instead can continue to remain vital parts of the local community. The Historic Triangle Senior Center, which is part of the James City-Williamsburg Community Center, offers trips, computer classes, sewing classes, dances, and luncheons to people over 55.  There is no co... 11/26/2008

FUN Craft for CHILDREN (& YOU) this Thanksgiving! Make Tin Can Thanksgiving Turkeys!                  Save a tin can and after cleaning it out well, cover the entire tin can with brown construction paper.  Cut out the turkey's features - feet, eyes, goggler and beak from different colors of construction paper and attach with glue.  Don't forget the turkey's tail feathers.  Glue them on the back of the tin can.  You can also use markers for highlights.  Tin Can Turkeys are great to use as place markers at your Thanksgiving dinner table. Wishing you all a joyous and thankful Thanksgiving from Colonial Williamsburg! Courtesy of Yvette Smith, SRES® REALTOR®WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE757-753-7472Long and Foster Realtors®6610-J Mooretown RoadWilliamsburg, VA  23188YvetteSmith@AtHomeInWilliamsbu... 11/25/2008

TOP 10 REASONS To Visit The BLACK ANGUS GRILLE 1.  A new lighter fare menu priced at $10.00 2.  New local pricing for the complete menu that is comparable to chain restaurant pricing.  Prices remain consistent all year round. 3.  99% of the complete menu is made from scratch; no prepackaged and proportioned soups, sauces, steaks, seafood, pasta or desserts. 4.  Unlimited combinations of beef, seafood, pasta, pork, lamb, veal and poultry. 5.  All menu items prepared with a lack of pretension or fuss with a careful focus on each ingredient and its true flavor without showing off! 6.  No performance art cooking.  No squeeze bottle squirts on plates, no frilly presentations, no overstated menu descriptions.  The food speaks for itself and it speaks with clarity. 7.  Casual upscale ambiance... 11/24/2008