Virginia Real Estate Blog

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!

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!!!)

Green is...Looking forward to celebrating 30 Years of keeping Norfolk Beautiful - Gala event coming 14 November - I have tickets -- who wants to join me???  Food by the BOOT!  Live Music! Silent Auction!  Recycled or Reclaimed Clothing Preferred! 

Check out the website for more details or to buy tickets online.  You can also give me a call!  I have tickets available.  THis is for a great cause - Environmental Education Scholarship fund!   

Have a great time for a great benefit -- and get some of your shopping done for the holidays will be here before you know it!!

This weekend is Virginia's tax holiday on all things energy efficient and Energy Star Appliances.  I have posted about this each year, so why change??  Thinking about a new washer, dryer, refrigerator?  Need to reduce drafts for the winter months?  Supplies and replacements may be part of the tax credit. 

A quick review of the Virginian-Pilot showed some stores are offering discounts along with the tax holiday.  Shop around and make that upgrade this weekend! 

Check out the details on the Website!

Join Friends of Norfolks Environment at the Norfolk Botanical Garden for a fun evening of music, food, and auctioning to benefit the ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND and to celecbrate the 30 year anniversary of Keep Norfolk Beautiful!   Mark your calendar for November 14!  Don't miss it!  Give me a call for tickets or contact Keep Norfolk Beautiful!  SPONSORSHIP Opportunities are also available - Get your name out there now! 

Just another friendly reminder!!!

Date:  Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 

Time:   8:30 am - 12:00 pm

The 2009 Hampton Roads Solar Tour is the first tour of its type to be held in the region.  The purpose of the Solar Tour is to demonstrate and demystify solar, renewable, and sustainable technologies.  

For this tour, 22 homes, facilities and businesses across Hampton Roads, both Southside and on the Peninsula, will throw open their doors, inviting visitors to tour and discover the benefits of alternative energy and green building for themselves.

In addition, Solar Services, Inc. is conducting a free workshop at 8:30am, The Basics of Photovoltaics, to discuss topics such as types of systems, benefits and drawbacks, basic operation, site evaluation, approximate costs, tax benefits, energy savings and more.

Click here to view the flyer. Click here to download the registration form.
Space is limited and pre-registration required.

•1.      Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.

•2.      Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.

•3.      Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.

•4.      Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.

•5.      Cancel the newspaper.

•6.      Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

•7.      Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

•8.      Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

•9.      Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.

•10.  Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most-toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

 IF you are thinking of selling your home, or would like to have your home for sale in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or other Hampton Roads city, I am happy to help!  Call Me!

I have written about this before but let me do it again - what a great time to buy an investment property, vacation home, second home, any home in Norfolk on the Bay!  This great area in Norfolk's real estate market has seen dramatic price corrections over the past few years.  Looking for a single family home?  First time home buyer in Norfolk?  How about a waterfront property with 3 bedroom 2 bath and almost 1300 square feet on Little Creek in East Ocean View?  This home is listed for just $160,000!  As a first time home buyer, you may qualify for the $8,000 credit from the government! This is a foreclosure so is being sold as is and repairs will likely be needed, but still!!!  Only $160,000.  Wow! 

Not a fan of yard work?  A condo might be right for you. If you are looking for bargains in the Norfolk homes for sale, consider another foreclosure just 2 blocks to the beach in Ocean View.  This property is 2 bedroom, 2 bath and just under 1,000 square feet.  It is one-level living with a fireplace, balcony, and looks great!  With a low condo fee of $140, the price of $121,500 may be the bargain in real estate you are looking for! 

Location of Condo:

I would be happy to show these homes to you!  Give me a call!  I hope to hear from you!