Building GREEN... or are they? - 08/30/09 12:04 PM
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 … (6 comments)

Chinese Drywall? What's to know? - 08/30/09 11:58 AM
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 … (5 comments)

Short on Questions? - 08/28/09 02:15 PM
Does your pre-listing package seem to be growing like the disclosures in your contract package? After a recent seminar by a local attorney I will be adding yet another list of questions to my collection. They are as follows:
A. Are you deliquent on your payments? If so, how many months?
B. Have you paid your real estate taxes?
C. Do you have an escrow account?
D. Are there any liens/judgements that may be attached to the home?
E. Have you filed for bankruptcy to stop a foreclosure? If so, when?  Are you on a payment plan with the bankruptcy?
F. How … (3 comments)

Virginia in the Top 10 States for Negative Equity - 08/27/09 06:11 AM
What this doesn't say is that these figures are not relative to Hampton Roads, the figures were based on three counties in Northern Virginia. So this leads me to the next question. Do you take stock in all the media coverage on the economy? Local or National? What's interesting is that in our market (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk), only 5% of sales were actually foreclosures. Several months ago the figure was as high as 16%. Interesting, wouldn't you say? Did you review the inventory statistics for July? If not, you should click on my previous blog entry. Several cities are … (7 comments)

Are you chasing the market? - 08/25/09 06:09 AM
Pricing your home correctly is more important now than ever. The common pricing strategy of "price it high to give me room to negotiate" can cost you far more than you realize.  A detailed Comparable Market Analysis should outline selling prices in the last 3 - 6 months and market times should give you a clear expectation of value. Additionally, you should be presented with a Seller Net Sheet, which outlines your estimated expenses and net profit at settlement. Once an offer is presented, I suggest you have another, more accurate Seller Net Sheet completed to reflect your position upon the acceptance … (4 comments)

A Wake Up Call - The Changing Face of Real Estate - 08/25/09 05:58 AM
Well, last night I had a lesson in reality and a harsh reality at that. I have committed to jumping into the world of "social media" with both feet. I have to confess, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I realized I have a lot of work to do, where do you fall?
Social Networking - How many of these tools are you familiar with?  Bebo, Facebook, Fast Pitch, Friendster, Gather.com, KickApps, LinkedIn, MOLI, MySpace, Ning, Orkkut, Plaxo
Publishing - Blogger.com, Constant Contact, Joomla, Knol, SlideShare, TypePad, Wikia, Wikipedia, Wordpress
Photo Sharing - Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa, Radar.net, SmugMug, Twitxr, … (8 comments)

BEWARE Rental Scams On the Rise - 08/24/09 05:11 AM
We have recently received a number of complaints regarding an internet rental scam that has been taking place across the country and is now affecting our area as well.  Scammers are copying information from legitimate online rental ads and then posting that information on Craig's List for a reduced price with their contact information in place of the property managers.  The scammers are often operating outside the country but many cases have also involved local scammers who are able to meet potential tenants in person.  In international cases, the potential tenants are usually required to send the deposit and first month's … (65 comments)

Do You Know the Pitfalls of Buying New Construction? - 08/23/09 06:28 AM
New home communities are very popular. Builders use open floor plans, including new appliances, interior decorator consultations, and blinds to complete the home buying experience for today's buyer. It's now easier than ever to get into a new home with little or no money, especially in today's buyer's market. Going out to a new home community without an agent present can be a BIG MISTAKE. Some sites will require the Buyer be accompanied by your REALTOR or you waive your rights in the future to have representation. Should you choose to go to the sales center of a new home community … (3 comments)

 

Chris Faircloth

Virginia Beach, VA

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Realty Executives

Address: 316 Office Square Lane, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462

Office Phone: (757) 456-9500

Cell Phone: (757) 288-0983

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