Dee Dee Jones Real Estate Blog

A Very Sad Last Tweet

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:11:31 -0400

Take the pledge DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE!!!! IT CAN WAIT!!!! As I was returning from a 5 hour roadtrip, I noticed dozens of people texting on the highway. As we made our way from South Carolina thru North Carolina to Virginia to Chesapeake I noticed more texting and tweeting drivers. I saw one women nearly crash into the car infront of her and countless swerveing cars. Put it down people!!!! Live to text another day!

Via Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Reston,VA (Momentum Realty,LLC):

If you are a news scanner, like I am, you probably saw that Dr. Frank Ryan (Plastic Surgeon to the stars) was killed on Monday, August 16, 2010 when his car drove over a cliff near his home in Los Angeles. At the time of the first report, the article I read said that Dr. Ryan did not drink or use drugs. It turns out now, however, that he was Tweeting about his dog at the time of the crash (Heidi Montag Plastic Surgeon Frank Ryan Texting Before Fatal Crash).

It is really hard to know what will get people to change this behavior. While it is very sad that this man died while texting/Tweeting, I hope that the cause of his death will get a lot of publicity. Especially for teens, and even busy executives, who are tied to their Blackberries, iPhones and Droids, the need to be in constant contact is virtually addictive.

The lure of the vibrating phone is one that is hard for all of us to turn away from, but it is critical that we continue to talk about the threat to personal and public safety caused by texting, emailing and tweeting while driving.

As the new school year begins, make a vow (if you haven't already done so) to put down the phone when you drive. If you don't have the will power to at least wait until the next stop light to check it, put it somewhere beyond your reach and make it impossible to check while driving.

This sad story shows that a person can make other wise health choices and still end up dead because the lure of the instant communication is too great.

Please remember this story the next time you 'just want to see who that email is from.'
Holly Weatherwax, Associate Broker

EcoBroker,Graduate of Realtors Institute,Accredited Buyers Representative,e-pro

If I can assist you with the purchase or sale of property in Northern Virginia, please visit my website: www.greatexperience.net , my blog Real Estate and Reston or email me at hollyweatherwax@mris.com. My direct number is 571-643-4902.

I believe buying or selling real estate should be a GREAT EXPERIENCE!

"I can dream alone, build alone and strive alone, but true success always requires the help and support of others. Please send me your referrals."

Visit my website today, The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady! Deandrea "Dee Dee" Jones

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

More options for the underwater homeowner: FHA Short Refinance to responsible homeowners

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:53:37 -0400

I hope this option will be available in the Southern Virginia Hampton Roads area. Lots of homeowners would benefit from this program.

Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten, Phoenix Property Shoppe 602-380-4886:

More options for the underwater homeowner: FHA Short Refinance to responsible homeowners

Owe more on your home than it's worth AND you're current on your existing mortgage?

FHA considers you as a responsible homeowner, and they're rewarding you for it.

If eligible, you now have additional refinancing options to help keep your home afloat.

It was announced this past Friday, August 6, that responsible homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than the value of their home could qualify for Federal Housing Administration’s Short Refinance option.

“Starting September 7, 2010, FHA will offer certain ‘underwater’ non-FHA borrowers who are current on their existing mortgage and whose lenders agree to write off at least ten percent of the unpaid principal balance of the first mortgage the opportunity to qualify for a new FHA-insured mortgage.”

This program is aimed to help FHA’s efforts to stabilize housing markets through offering 3 to 4 million ‘underwater’ homeowners a second chance through the end of 2012.

To be eligible…

The homeowner must qualify for the new loan under standard FHA underwriting requirements & have a credit score equal to or greater than 500.

The homeowner must owe more on his/her mortgage than their home is worth.

The homeowner must be current on his/her existing mortgage. The property must be the homeowner’s primary residence.

The borrower’s existing first lien holder must agree to write off at least 10% of their unpaid principal balance, bringing that borrower's combined loan-to-value ratio to no greater than 115%.

The existing loan to be refinanced must not be an FHA-insured loan, and the refinanced FHA-insured first mortgage must have a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 97.75%.

Lenders, want to know if you’re eligible?
Participation is completely voluntary. Read FHA’s mortgagee letter for more information.

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If you're thinking of selling your Phoenix-area home, please give us a call. We're here to help you and make the selling process simple and stress free.

Call us today to request your complimentary market analysis to determine how your home compares to others in your area.

Feel free to contact me by phone 602-380-4886 or Email Anna Banana

You can also visit our website for more information on Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

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The Masters Series

Anna "Banana" Kruchten was recently chosen as one of 12 Masters of Real Estate by the National Association of REALTORS® at realtor.org. ‘Banana’ has a knack for using unique strategies to market her properties, gain new clients & train her agents how to build a successful real estate practice.

Let's Connect!

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Hampton Condo for Sale only $79,000

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:23:55 -0400

Great homes come in small packages 1bd Hampton Condo For Sale

1 Bedroom, 1 bath condo, 698 sqft, yb 1988, Lantana Condos, END UNIT SECOND FLOOR MINUTES FROM HAMPTON UNIV AND LANGLEY AFB. PRIVATE BALCONY, WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE W/GLASS DOORS, KITCHEN W/ BAR AREA. CLOSE TO NEW TOWN CENTER SHOPPING CENTER & MOVE IN READY. N King St, Left Roland Ct, Left into Lantana Condominiums. Condo fee $130 per month, 110 Lantana #23 Hampton VA more info at http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Contact Information

Deandrea Dee Dee Jones Jones

757-831-8294

Location

110 Lantana #23
Hampton, Virginia 23669
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Neighbourhood

Lantana Condos

Links

More info

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Partial Bathrooms: 0

Square Footage: 698

Subdivision: Lantana Condos

Parking Space: 1

School District: Hampton

Year Built: 1988

MLS/IDX#: 102130

Metro Area: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Status: For Sale

Links To Your Website: http://DJonesRealEstate.com

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Dining Room

Master Bath

Interior Amenities

Central Air

Central Heat

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Linoleum / Vinyl

Exterior Amenities

Balcony

Near Public Transporation

Parking Lot

Building Exterior

Vinyl

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer / Dryer

Dishwasher

PRICING

Asking Price: 79000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency: USD

Additional Pricing Information: Closing cost assistance negotiable

Taxes: 712

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (13 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2186328

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2186328

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Portsmouth Townhome For Sale, Nicest unit in area!!! $133,500

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:20:52 -0400

Best townhome in area! 398 Circuit Lane #C Newport News for Sale

Open House Sat July 10th 1-4, Completely Remodeled, Move in ready 3bd, 1.5bth Brick Townhome, 1392 sqft, minutes from Ft. Eustis. All appliances convey, newer windows, fully fenced with private landscaped yard and patio,remodeled bathrooms with tile floors and double sink, master bedroom his and hers closets,closing cost negotiable. Courthouse Greens Subdivision HOA $40 per mnth includes clubhouse, playgrounds, trash, More info and photos at http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Contact Information

Deandrea Dee Dee Jones Jones

757-831-8294

Location

398 Circuit Lane #C
Newport News, Virginia 23608
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Neighbourhood

Courthouse Greens

Links

more info

My website

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Partial Bathrooms: 1

Square Footage: 1392

Subdivision: Courthouse Greens

Parking Space: 2

Attached on: 2 Sides

Year Built: 1973

School District: Newport News Denbigh HS

MLS/IDX#: 1016343

Status: For Sale

Metro Area: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Dining Room

Library

Master Bath

Interior Amenities

Attic

Central Air

Central Heat

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Linoleum / Vinyl

Tile

Exterior Amenities

Barbecue Area

Fenced Yard

Near Public Transporation

Patio

Building Exterior

Brick

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer / Dryer

Dishwasher

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 133500

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency: USD

Additional Pricing Information: Closing Cost Negotiable

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (7 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2178433

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2178433

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Portsmouth Home For Sale Move in Ready! $175,000

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:17:54 -0400

Immaculate and Ready for you! 2717 Bagley St

Open House Sun Aug 8th 1-4, Note date on photos is wrong ***Large Corner lot, 3bd, 2.5 bth, 2120 sqft, SPACIOUS, UPGRADED, READY TO MOVE IN! ENTRY WITH LAMINATE FLOORS, MASTER BEDROOM IS EXTRA LARGE WITH 2 WALK IN CLOSETS, AND PRIVATE BATH WITH DOUBLE SINKS. ALL BATHROOMS WITH NEW TILE, HUGE LIVING ROOM WITH NEW ELECTRIC FIREPLACE. Professional landscaping and completely fenced yard, GAS RANGE. Closing cost negotiable. more info http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Contact Information

Deandrea Dee Dee Jones

757-831-8294

Location

2717 Bagley St
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Neighbourhood

Truxton

Links

More Info

My Website

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms: 1

Square Footage: 2120

Subdivision: Truxton

Lot Size: 6098

Parking Space: 2

Year Built: 1947

School District: portsmouth

MLS/IDX#: 1026963

Metro Area: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Status: For Sale

Links To Your Website: http://Djonesrealestate.com

ATTRIBUTES

View

City

Rooms

Breakfast Nook

Dining Room

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Walk-in Closet

Interior Amenities

Attic

Cable Ready

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Fireplace

Security System

Floor Covering

Carpet

Laminate

Linoleum / Vinyl

Tile

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Lawn

Near Public Transporation

Building Exterior

Vinyl

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer / Dryer

Sink Disposal

PRICING

Asking Price: 175000

Additional Pricing Information: Closing cost negotiable.

Taxes: 1948

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (12 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2190698

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2190698

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Great Portsmouth Home For Sale, Sought after Neighborhood!

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:14:13 -0400

$195,000

9016 Crabapple St Portsmouth Home For Sale Great Neighborhood!

Open House SUn Aug 29th 1-4, 3bd 21/2bth on Cozy Culdesac, 1536 sqft, Sought after community, Close to Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Norfolk Bases and Shipyard, and Coast Guard base. Minutes from Downtown Portsmouth. MOVE-IN READY, LOOKS LIKE A MODEL! UPGRADED KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS APPLIANCES, DELUXE CABINETS, BREAKFAST AREA. LAMINATE FLOORING. LR, DR & DEN FLR PLAN. MASTER W/HUGE WALK IN CLOSET. mls#1015937 for more photos and info go to Http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Contact Information

Deandrea Dee Dee Jones Jones

757-831-8294

Location

9016 Crabapple St
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704
UNITED STATES

Show Map

Neighbourhood

Westbury Olde Towne

Links

more photos

website

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms: 1

Square Footage: 1536

Subdivision: Westbury

Parking Space: 2

Lot Size: 3920

School District: Portsmouth Norcom High

Year Built: 2000

MLS/IDX#: 1015937

Metro Area: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Status: For Sale

Links To Your Website: http://DJonesRealEstate.com

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Breakfast Nook

Dining Room

Laundry Room

Master Bath

Walk-in Closet

Interior Amenities

Additional Storage

Air Conditioning

Ceiling Fans

Central Air

Central Heat

Heating Source

Electric

Floor Covering

Carpet

Laminate

Linoleum / Vinyl

Exterior Amenities

Lawn

Building Exterior

Vinyl

Architectural Style

Colonial

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 195000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency:

Additional Pricing Information: Closing Cost Negotiable

Taxes: 1611

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow (11 Photos)

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2176973

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 2176973

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Ntelos Portsmouth Cheap family fun and entertainment

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:03:37 -0400

If you are looking for inexpensive summer activities check out concerts at the Ntelos Pavillion in Portsmouth. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary Season at nTelos Wireless Pavilion, for ten days, lawn tickets to a dozen shows will be only $10 each for every show. The promotion begins July 8 and ends July 17. Family friendly shows are great if you have kids. Cheap lawn tickets are affordable and can allow a whole family to experience a good concert. For a list of shows go to http://www.pavilionconcerts.com/. $10.00 tickets should be purchased at the boxoffice at 901 Crawford St Portsmouth.

This info passed on by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady Wainwright Real Estate Virginia Beach

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

FTC Cracks Down on "Free Credit Reports" That Just Aren't

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:24:12 -0500

Are you working on or watching your credit. This is great info from Eleanor Thorne reblogged to you by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

I Also recommend http://annualcreditreport.com

Via Eleanor Thorne 919-649-5057 Cary Mortgage Loans NMLS #67179 (First Financial Services, Inc):

I'm tired of that "F-R- Double E Spells FREE" credit report commercial! Because what they are "hawkin' is NOT free!
Thankfully, on March 3, 2010 the Federal Trade Commission file a revision to the Free Annual File Disclosure Rule to address the abuses and deceptive advertising for Free Credit Reports. This was part of the new Credit Card Accountability and Responsibility Act 2009.

The new disclosure is available now, but must be used after April 2, 2010, per the FTC ruling... however the Radio and Television Ads don't have to go off air until September 1, 2010 (although the advertisements must adhere to the interim disclosure in the Credit Card Accountability Act until then.)

"The pre-existing requirement to make a free annual credit report available to consumers applies to consumer reporting agencies that operate on a nationwide basis. The new marketing requirements apply to parties that offer free credit reports. For purposes of the requirement, a "Free Credit Report" is a file disclosure prepared by or obtained from, directly or indirectly, from a nationwide consumer reporting agency that is represented, either expressly or impliedly, to be available to the consumer at no cost if the consumer purchases a product or service, or agrees to purchase a product or service subject to cancellation."

I think this is GREAT news for consumers who have been PAYING for what services they don't need!

If you are looking for credit repair from someone who cares about your situation, and will show you how to immediately, and over time imporve your score - please call Steve Thorne, Credit repair specialist 919-649-5058 also check out this site ... it's all about credit repair and dispute information!

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Wear Socks While Househunting!

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:21:33 -0400

I have a drawer full of colorful pattern socks. Often my family and children wonder why I always put on stylish but crazy patterned socks. It is now a habit I formed from showing property. When a seller has white carpet or a sign that states please remove shoes, I never want to be stuck with dingy and dirty socks so I make stylish socks a part of my wardrobe. Brian Block with Remax Allegiance in DC states it perfectly in this blog passed on by the Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady.

Via Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance, Managing Broker/Branch Vice President):

Fashion advice on a real estate blog? Sure... why not?

Some may see this as fashion, but I see it as practicality and comfort. To be honest, it doesn't matter to me whether you show up for the home search in a three-piece suit, a leather mini-skirt, plaids clashing with polka dots, or sweatpants. I just want you to be comfortable and happy for your househunting expedition.

When heading out to go see homes, you'll likely notice that many sellers prefer that you take off your shoes. This is especially true when the carpets have just been cleaned and/or new carpets installed. After all, what potential buyer/new owner wants to mess up their own future home with dirt from the outside. Many homeowners selling their homes post signs admonishing potential buyers to "Please Remove Your Shoes!"

I learned this lesson a long, long time ago and generally wear my slip-on shoes as to avoid the repeated tying and untying of shoelaces during a lengthy home search. However, some of my clients are not as well-informed about this minutiae of the home search process.

Until today, I had never thought to warn my clients and present them with a dress code. However, I felt very sorry for one of my clients who had to remove her shoes at the 8 homes we visited today and walk around with bare feet on cold marble, tile, and wood floors!

ATTENTION HOMEBUYERS: PLEASE WEAR SOCKS WHILE HOUSEHUNTING!

Thank you for reading my blog post. If you like what you’ve read, then please:

Follow, Connect, Watch, Subscribe

If you plan to purchase or sell a home in the Northern Virginia or D.C. area,
you can visit my main Northern Virginia & D.C. real estate website at www.brianblock.com.

START YOUR NORTHERN VIRGINIA HOME SEARCH TODAY!

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Sellers May Not Realize That......

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:03:59 -0400

Some Funny but very true and real advice to home sellers written by Greg Nino Remax Houston. This rains true if your in Houston or Hampton Roads. If your selling your home or thinking about it Please Read. This info forwarded by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Via Greg Nino Houston Texas (RE/MAX West Houston Professionals):

1. Staying home for the appraisal. The Appraiser is licensed by the state and is required to perform an unbiased appraisal. Offering cookies, charm or discussion about why your home is VALUABLE will not help the appraisal.. After the appraisal is done the mortgage company almost always reviews the appraisal from afar. In other words, if the Appraiser inflated your home by 3% the Underwriter would likely catch it and order a new appraisal. The loan would be delayed and the buyer may become paranoid about buying the home all together. Simply put, don't be home trying to aid the Appraiser.

2. Painting window seals is usually a sign the seller is painting over holes where termites have eaten. The wisest thing to do is replace the wood, disclose the situation on your sellers disclosure and treat the area. Of course, get advice from a Termite professional.

3. Offering "closing costs assistance" on the MLS is like saying.. "We Sell Cheese With Our Pizzas!" out front of your local pizza parlor. WE KNOW. It's understood that the seller will be either providing a concession or reducing their price to some point. The promoting of closing costs help is over used and no longer effective.

4. JUST REDUCED signs on your real estate sign or on the MLS makes you look desperate, unable to sell, and unwanted. Imagine going to a dating website and seeing someones profile picture that had a banner above their head that read....... Passed Over Again.

5. I always shake my head when I see a home reduced by $1,500.00. People look for homes priced in increments of 5, 10, and 20 thousand dollars. If you were priced at 295k and decided to reduce to 291k then that would be a perfect example of doing nothing but simply giving money away. You have to DROP to 290k that way you can be viewed by buyers and their agents in a whole new price bracket.

6. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING then try to NEVER decline a showing. Buyers and buyers agents really don't care if the dishes haven't been cleaned. We REALLY just want to see the floor-plan, rooms and so on. If your daughter is sick, fine, but allow us to see the REST of the home. We'll work around it. Sometimes a seller being home for this reason is understandable.

7. SILLY REQUESTS prevent you from selling! Requesting a 30 minute or 1 hour window can get you passed on. Our showing service give us a TWO hour time slot to see a list of homes, usually 8. If your home has a very specific and narrow window, we may not be able to logistically work around your requests. The homes are mapped out on paper in a sequential order to provide a quick route to see as many homes in as little as time as possible.

8. You might like the scent of sugar cookies, but not everyone else does. Imagine if the candle has been burning for an hour before we show up. The living room is overbearing and almost nauseating to SOME buyers. Same goes with cinnamon, pumpkin spice and so forth. The best thing is a squirt or two of Fabreeze. A non scented product is best.

9. People WILL use your bathroom. Provide TP, Soap, towels and such. Discard any Hustler magazines, Tabloids, Muscle or Monster truck mags too. People love to "figure out the seller." While it may not matter, it's best to keep things clean, simple and orderly.

10. YES your home smells like DOG. Dog's pee, crap, pass gas and do other animal type things. You likely don't brush their teeth after every meal and they probably don't get 2 showers a day. Many buyers do not like pet odor. Plain & Simple. SMOKE OUTSIDE & THROW AWAY butts.

11. It's best to remove political items that could turn buyers off. I once showed a buyer who noticed a book about HITLER and the 3rd Reich. After seeing this book he noticed an entire wall of books about Adolf, Germany and other potent stuff that pissed him off. We left the house immediately.

12. If you're going to leave the radio on it's wise to leave it on a station that doesn't play offensive music. Any song that sings about running from cops, gettn jiggy with it or smoking drugs may turn off a soccor mom or the older couple that won't find it as cool or amusing. In Houston we have 99.1 a contemporary adult radio station.

13. It's never a bright idea to leave your bills, paperwork from your listing agent, divorce attorney or cpa laying out on the breakfast table!

14. Shotguns, pistols, swords, knives, beat sticks, numb chucks, wips, Chinese stars, brass knuckles should ALL be be stowed away. I've seen EVERYONE of these in houses. It's BAD because it's associated with death, violence and unhappy thoughts. Most Texans have a small bunker of weapons, and that's understandable, but PUT THEM AWAY when selling your home! We don't want to see a loaded .357 on top of the fridge.

15. Hunters just don't get it. A slew of dead heads on all the walls in the house is a ENORMOUS turn off. A stuffed bobcat with a bird in it's paw isn't cute, cool or neat; it's a foolish and arrogant way of saying..... "I DON'T CARE WHAT PEOPLE THINK." You are proud of your kill and that's fine, but use some common sense.

16. Trampolines, above the ground pools, punching bags in the breakfast room, 88 pairs of shoes by the front door are not okay. Put them all away...

NOBODY and I MEAN NOBODY likes above the ground pools. If you're thinking about selling I suggest you poke a hole in that sucker and drain the water. You enjoyed it, now throw it away. It actually TURNS OFF BUYERS!!! No above the ground pool is worth showing off when selling.

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The economy is so bad that

Thu, 13 May 2010 17:25:53 -0400

Just somethiing to make you laugh reblogged by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Via Fred Sweezer Sr. (Property Inspection Services):

A friend of mind sent this to me in an email "interesting"

The economy is so bad that:

I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

I ordered a burger at McDonald's and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can
you afford fries with that?"

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

If the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them
and ask if they meant you or them.

Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

McDonald's is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's
names.

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico .

Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great!!
The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people
who made $1.5 Trillion disappear!

And, finally...

I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my
savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc., I called the Suicide
Lifeline. I got a call center in Pakistan , and when I told them I was
suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck?

Just a funny saying people!

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Chesapeake Jubilee 2010, Don't miss the fun!

Wed, 19 May 2010 13:22:54 -0400

Its that time of year. Grab your lawn chair, pack up your kids and head over to City Park in Chesapeake, VA.

This Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun May 21-23rd there is a $2.00 admission at entry kids 5 and under are free. Inside you will find carnival rides, food, concerts, food, Crafts, Art, and there is an annual BBQ competition. Headliners like Steel Pulse, Tonic, and Rodney Atkins will be performing.

Amusement rides have a cost per ride fee, on Sat Only, you can by an all you can ride wrist band for $20.00 but they must be purchased before 2pm.

City Park is located at 900 Greenbrier Parkway Chesapeake, VA 23320

Just look for the line of cars trying to park. A fireworks display will start around 9pm on Saturday May 22nd.

This info provided from The Hampton Roads real Estate Lady! Hope to see you there!

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Free Busch Gardens Williamsburg pass for kids 5 and under

Thu, 20 May 2010 17:15:04 -0400

Today May 20th is the first day to register for a FREE preschool pass to Busch Gardens good for kids 5 and under. go to http://Buschgardens.com/va to register.

Print your voucher online and to redeem your voucher for your free ticket you will need to bring the voucher and a certified copy of your child's birth certificate to the front gate ticket window and you will be given a pass good to September 6th, 2010.

Pass is good at Busch Gardens Williamsburg only.

Park is promoting the new Sesame Street themed play land called the Forest of Fun. Filled with characters from Sesame Street and kids sized activities to entertain little people.

Don't miss out on your free ticket!!! This info provided by Dee Dee Jones The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady DjonesRealEstate.com Wainwright Real Estate Virginia Beach, VA.

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Hampton Roads Real Estate is like a Maze!

Tue, 25 May 2010 12:14:54 -0400

Today Real Estate in Hampton Roads is like a maze. When you enter a maze you may have to keep going back to your starting point and starting over to take a new path to get to the end. In this current market Sellers may find themselves relisting several times before they have a successful sale and buyers may write several contracts before closing on a home.

There are a few reasons for this in and out maze like behavior. Sellers and listing agents have to use every trend and tip in the book to find and attract buyers. The simple fact that the tax credit expired April 30th and many loan guidelines have been changed caused many buyers to be uncertain of the market and now we have a massive reduction of ready, willing, and able buyers. While sellers are waiting for a sale we are starting to see properties that have been sitting for months and a few for years. During this time sellers may also have to entertain more than one offer to find one they can net the correct amount on because offers are coming in very low. Another maze like issue for sellers is trying to keep up with the competition often huge and several price reductions are involved. Buyers are watching for low interest rates accompanied with a great DEAL. Buyers who frequent short sales (preforeclosures) and bank owned properties are often getting the run around.

The maze affect that buyers encounter could be one of many the most common are: Short Sales can take weeks and sometimes months for an approval to sell from the time an offer is written. Many buyers loose patience on the waiting process and go on to another home. Often bank owned properties appear to be a great deal but usually after inspecting the properties closer often buyers go running away. This causes buyers to look at multiple properties. This is simply a trend our Hampton Roads cities are not used to after record sales in 2003 thru 2007. The slow decline in 2008 through 2010 has everyone asking are we at the bottom yet? Many banks and forecast express different opinions but meanwhile serious buyers and sellers in Hampton Roads will continue to wander thru a real estate maze.

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Home maintenance items that cost less than 25$ each

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:57:23 -0400

Great Advice! Passed on by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

Via Lane Midgett (1776 Real Estate Group Richmond, VA Local Expert ):

From my trusted home inspector.

Dear Lane

The first step in proper home maintenance is to make sure small problems do not turn into big headaches.  Below is some valuable information for any homeowner and especially anyone selling a home right now.

The following maintenance items can typically be performed by the homeowner for less than $25 each, but will save far more than that down the road. Home maintenance should not be a mystery, and if homeowners follow a simple maintenance checklist on a regular basis, they can keep their home in working order for many years to come.

1) Clean the gutters. A clear passageway for rain runoff improves roof drainage and helps avoid expensive water damage to the house and its structures.

2) Extend or install downspouts or splash blocks. This helps divert water away from the house to avoid basement leaks, flooding and soil erosion.

3) Caulk exterior trim, windows and doors. Water finds its way into many crevices. Keep it out by sealing up small spaces.

4) Apply deck preservative regularly. Avoid premature wear and tear by protecting the wood from the elements.

5) Trim trees near house and roof. Falling branches and wind-blown limbs can damage the roof and siding and be an invitation for wood destroying insects.

6) Seal roof flashings or replace missing roof shingles. This simple weekend project helps avoid the little roof leaks that, over time can create expensive damage to the roof and underlying elements.

7) Regrout the bathroom/bathtub tile. This prevents water seepage behind the tile which can lead to costly problems down the road.

8) Clean or replace your kitchen exhaust fan. A grease buildup will tax the fan and increases the potential for a fire.

9) Clean out your clothes dryer vent. Clogged reduce the efficiency of the system and is considered a fire hazard.

10) Keep an eye out for termite tubes or carpenter ants. A regular, visual check of your home's structure will give you a chance to treat the infestation before and reduce the potential for costly structural damage.

11) Regularly change your furnace and air conditioning filter. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and will reduce the useful life of the appliance.

12) Fill in low spots at foundation with soil. Addressing these gaps will help prevent basement leaks and flooding down the road.

13) Move stored firewood away from the foundation to reduce the potential of wood destroying insect infestation.

14) Clean sluggish drains to reduce potential of leakage, pipe damage or overflow.

15) Check toilet for cracks in bowl or tank cover and verify the toilet is properly secured to the floor.

16) Clean debris from exterior A/C unit. Unlike most systems in your home your Central A/C system is generally housed on the exterior of the home. Keep free of debris at all times so the system is properly vented...

17) Check for proper venting in attic and soffits.

18) Make sure all exterior drains are free and clear of debris and are draining properly. Water that does not drain properly can cause seepage into lower level or basement.

19) Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters; special outlets designed to reduce the potential for electrical shock.

20) Seal asphalt driveways to reduce water related deterioration.

21) Test Auto retract feature of garage doors to ensure they stop/reverse immediately if something blocks their movement.

22) Remove vegetation growing along the foundation. Overgrown vegetation is an invitation to rodents, insects and moisture. In addition large roots can cause pressure on the foundation.

23) Flush out water heater through the drain valve to flush out sediment and allow gas or oil water heater to operate more efficiently and safely.

24) Check interior and exterior stairs for any possible tripping hazards. Also make sure all handrails are properly secured.

25) Apply deck preservative to wood decks to reduce potential rot and deterioration.

A little regular attention every year can help increase the enjoyment of your home, reduce the potential for major repairs and protect the value of your home. . Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com . Or call us at 804-745-4588.


Lane A. Midgett

Associate Broker, ABR®, e-PRO®

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