Norfolk Virginia Real Estate Blog

Yeah!  JEL TILE finished the job today!  It looks great!  I need to paint, install the lights, put up mirrors, and well... the rest of it. But the hard work is done.  Thanks again to John and Lori at JEL TILE!

I know everyone has been waiting for an update!  So here it.... The tiles are going in beautifully!  The contractor, JELTile on Garrisonville Road in Stafford, VA is really attentive to detail and takes the steps needed to 'get it right'. I am very pleased with their work so far.

As you know from reading earlier blogs, this bathroom remodel was not elective, but requisite!  On the plus, if we were considering selling the house, a bathroom remodel is a great investment and one where the homeowner may see a return on investment for the project.  Bankrate says almost 85% of the value can be recovered while the COST vs VALUE report from National Association of Realtors (Realtor.org) says about 75% of costs are recouped.

Regardless, I am loving the results and it will be worth every penny to me.

Stage one is compete.  The old cracked tiles have been removed and the shower has been gutted.

We added insulation for sound dampening to the shower walls and the plumber comes this afternoon to install the new 'guts' - shower diverter, etc. 

The plumbing fixtures have been the biggest challenge.  This home isn't old.  1992 seems like a new house to me compared to my previous Norfolk home, built in 1912. But sure enough, the 'guts' of the shower and the tub are so old that no new fixtures, even ones of the same brand, do not fit.  Anyway, after numerous online attempts and trips to home stores in the area, I finally understood that all new plumbing was required. 

John from JELTile (a tile store in Stafford VA) is here today to start laying the floor and next week they will finish up the shower walls, tub surround and the vanity goes back in.

In an effort to discover Fredericksburg, our new town, and to take advantage of one of the first warm (over 50 degrees) days since our move, my husband and I decided to 'take a walk in the woods'. This walk would surely be less taxing than Bill Bryson's for several reasons

1. We were NOT attacking the Appalachian Trial from either end or even from the middle

2. We would have 2 beagle dogs with us who would surely be looking for their beds after an hour or two

3. We would be leaving an elderly beagle boy home to guard the house in our absence and he would need food and the outdoor facilities in short order.

Regardless of our time constraints, but aware of them, we set off to Caledon Natural Area in King George VA (this between our home in Fredericksburg and the area near Dahlgren).

The walk was, in a word, monochromatic. In two words, monochromatic and flat.  We will try harder next time!  Actually it was quite lovely, peaceful, and provided a intertesting view of the Potomac River with ice. The area is known for its eagle population and so is off limits during breeding season. I am glad we had a chance to see it in winter and I look forward to another visit in spring.

Today, it is chores on the agenda! 

PS, the girls were, in fact, pooped after the walk. Seen here in the back seat of the Ford Escape Hybrid! 

PPS we did in fact pick up the trash that floated onto shore - I dont think eagles like Corona.

Wanted to take this opportunity to introduce Maize to you.  She is a SWEET beagle girl of a certain age (she's not telling) who is available for adoption through Beagles to the Rescue in Hampton Roads Virginia.

Find a friend, adopt a beagle!

http://www.beaglestotherescue.org/maize.cfm

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday week! 

And a white christmas -- if you want it!  =)

Are you looking for space?  This home in Norfolk has it!  With more than 3000 square feet of living space, plus a full basement and a garage with extra storage, this home is currently listed at $389,900.  Recent comps suggest a price in the mid-400s so this is a great value!  

Unfortunately for the seller (me - owner/agent!) the home was under contract but it fell through.  This is good news for your potential buyers and agents looking for a quick close.  The home inspection has been done and there is a clear termite/moisture letter.  

For closing by the end of the year, the sellers are offering $5k in Closing Cost Assistance.

Are you a first-time homebuyer or looking to move up to a larger home? You may qualify for even more savings through the governments home buyer incentive programs!  Contact your lender or Jan Lui at NewTowne Mortgage

I am helping some wonderful people purchase homes in Norfolk right now!  What fun!  They are so nice to work with and the homes they have chosen are so different yet both perfectly in tune with our area.

The first is a new construction home in the upscale subdivision called East Beach. This was the site of our building association's HOMEARAMA about 5 years ago. Now the subdivision is about 75% built including the playground, tennis courts, and open spaces... not to mention access to the beach!  All homes are considered executive style homes and abide by strict architectural guidelines.

The second property is a 1910 bungalow with a 2 car garage. This home is in one of Norfolk's Historic neighborhoods called Lafayette Residence Park. Lafayette and Winona, along with Gowrie Park and Old Lafayette Shores share a very active civic league. This great neighborhood is filled with not only bungalows, but cape cods, Victorians, and arts and crafts style homes. The dog park, playground and water views are additional features of the neighborhood.

There are more homes like this for sale in our area!  Don't be shy - get out there are find the home of your dreams!

Just a quick note to say that Hampton Roads was really walloped by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Our home, along with thousands of others, was without power for more than 40 hours.   Many trees were felled, cars damaged by water, and basements inundated with rising groundwater (not so much flood water, thankfully!).     We are glad for sunny days and power!  Hope you all are surviving... 

From Green America Today. org

1. PAINT:  Look for no- or low-VOC paint

2.  PAPER: Always buy recycled content and unbleached

3. LIGHT BULBS: Compact Flourescents are your first choice!

4. APPLIANCES: ENERGY is the way to go - save money!  Save Energy!

5. Fruits and Vegetables: Select choices that are - Organic!  Local!  In-season!

  (most important to avoid pesticides: Apples, bell peppers, Celery, Cherries, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes,  spinach, strawberries - things with thin skins!!!)