Susanna's Blog

Blueberry French Toast

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:10:03 -0700

This is a delicious and unique breakfast or brunch dish. Great to serve your overnight guests or good for a lazy weekend morning. It is filled with fresh blueberries and covered with a rich blueberry sauce that is wonderful. Enjoy! ~Susanna

12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 cup fresh blueberries

12 eggs, beaten

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup maple syrup

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup water

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese and top with remaining bread cubes.

2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and syrup. Pour over the bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 25-30 minutes until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.

5. In a medium saucepan mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly cook 3-4 minutes. Mix the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until the blueberries burst. Stir in butter and pour over the baked French Toast.

HOME ENHANCEMENT and CURB APPEAL

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:59:29 -0800

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

If you have plans to sell your home, now and in the coming weeks is a great time to do so. This important process involves careful and honest evaluation of the interior and exterior. Increasing your home's appeal, often referred to as home staging, should be included in your plans. Here are several ideas to get you started:

Your Home's Interior:
The fewer personal items, such as family photos, souvenirs, keepsakes, awards, etc. displayed, the better. You want the prospective buyers to view your home as their home. This also applies to closets and storage areas. Painting dark or scuffed walls and cleaning your carpet and window coverings will also increase the appeal of the interior. Set out nice towels and new soap in the bathroom and create a pleasant aroma in your home with vanilla scented air fresheners. This scent appeals to a broader audience.

Your Home's Entry:
The look of the entry is especially important during this time. It is advantageous for prospective buyers to feel welcome when entering your home, so make certain this area is clean and beautiful. Paint where needed and repair any chips. Consider replacing doorknobs and hardware and add a nice doormat. Add lighting to increase the existing wattage for evening showings.

Your Home's Exterior:
Since the lawn and exterior of your home is the first thing a buyer will see, it is important to make sure your lawn is well-maintained and manicured and your walkway is mended of any cracks or chips as well as swept. Invest in some attractive foliage (make sure to follow seasonal planting directions.)

When preparing your home, be sure to view your property as you think someone else will. Take a good look at both the exterior and interior features and make a list of areas of concern.

I am here to help you by offering honest advice regarding your home's condition. A successful sale starts with increasing your home's appeal.

Contact me for home enhancement ideas! ~Susanna 540.320.9444

Benefits of Proper Home Pricing

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:28:47 -0800

When your home sells faster, you save carrying costs, mortgage payments and other ownership costs. A quicker sale creates less inconvenience for you. If you've moved before, you know the energy it takes to prepare for showings: keeping the home clean, making childcare arrangements, and altering your lifestyle. Proper pricing reduces these demands on you, by helping your home sell faster. At market value your home will gain exposure to more prospects that can afford the price.

Sellers who list at a high price are looking for that one buyer who will pay it, often not realizing that they have discouraged many potential buyers who could have afforded the home. The final sales price is probably one that will be affordable by more purchasers. This is because sellers many times accept a much lower price at a much later date since that one buyer willing to pay the higher price never comes.

When Realtors are excited about a home and its price, they make special efforts to contact all of their potential buyers. Knowing that it is priced properly for its market, they expect it to sell soon and encourage their prospects to act quickly. Their excitement is contagious!

Ad calls and sign calls to REALTORS® turn into showings when price is not a deterrent. Most serious prospects are well educated about asking prices in the areas they are seeking. They will not waste their time on a home they consider overpriced.

Buyers fear they might lose out on a good home when it is priced right. They are less likely to make "low ball offers." Better pricing attracts multiple offers!

Bottom line, if a home is priced right, the excitement produces a higher sale prices. You net more both in terms of actual sale price and in less carrying costs.

Contact me with questions concerning real estate and pricing.

Respect Trust Loyalty..... The rest will follow.

~Susanna

Keys to Achieving your Goals in 2010

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:28:18 -0800

Another year and another set of resolutions. If you're like most Americans, you'll probably forget your goals by mid-February. So how do you make your resolutions actually happen this year?

First, keep in mind that goals are dreams; but don't stop at just dreaming. Turn your dreams into bite-sized pieces that will gradually create a big event in your life. If you're waiting on an outside variable to change your life, you have a long wait. You have to do something. It's your responsibility to fix your life, not someone else's. It's time to sit down, make some goals, and take control.

Goal setting is how you win. Once you've made your resolutions, they will drive you forward. The goals will motivate you to seek activities that will help you succeed. It's not always fun, but those exercises bring you closer to your goal and make you a winner.

If you want to actually achieve your goals this year, then consider the following from financial guru Dave Ramsey:

Be specific.
When setting goals, be specific in what you want to achieve. Vagueness will only cause you to feel overwhelmed, and you will just give up.
Make your goals measureable.
In order to know if you achieved the goal, it must be measurable. For example, if you want to lose weight, don't simply write down "lose weight" as a goal. How much weight do you want to lose? Or don't just write "spend more time with family." How much time do you want to spend with your family every night?
Are they your goals?
Only you can set your own goals. If your spouse, co-worker or friend sets a goal for you, you're not going to achieve it. Taking ownership will give you more incentive to meet your goal.
Set a time limit.
Setting a time frame will help you set realistic goals. For example, if you want to save more money, list how much money a month you want to put into your savings account.
Put them in writing.
Putting your goals in writing will make you much more likely to achieve them. Write down your goals and review them often. This will give you motivation to make them a reality.

This is the process to succeed. Successful people reassess their lives and then start living intentionally, in writing, on paper, on purpose. Make your resolutions a reality in 2010.

Best wishes for a healthy, joyful and prosperous New Year! ~Susanna

A Hokie Carol from Virginia Tech

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:57:42 -0800

You Haven't seen a HOKIE Carol like this before!

http://www.pursuant4.com/virginiatech/2009/esol/default.asp?tpgid=27676599&sn=1

Blacksburg Winter Lights Festival

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:57:44 -0800

Winter Lights Festival and Sounds of the Seasons Holiday Parade

Friday, December 4, 4:30 - 8 pm

Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg Annual Open Houses, 4 – 8 pm: Late night shopping, free gift wrap, snacks and beverages, holiday specials.

Deo Gloria will carol through the stores and streets.
Holiday Farmer's Market, 4 – 7 pm: Crafts, Funnel Cakes, free hot chocolate and hot cider, Student Government Association selling Hokie Basketball shirts, Blacksburg Junior Master Chorale Bake Sale, and more in the new Market Square Park, (fomer Blacksburg Farmer's Market space)
Pictures with Santa at The Lyric, 4:30 pm: Bring your own camera.
Opening Reception and Book Signing for Signs of Dysfunction at the Mish Mish Gallery, 5 -7 pm: In the show are photographs from the new book, Signs of Dysfunction by local photographer Kirk Carter. The show and book depict the subtext of signage through photos of incomplete, vandalized, weathered, painted-over and otherwise remarkably useless signs. Most of the photos were taken in or near Southwest Virginia. Framed prints and copies of the book will be available for purchase during the run of the show, December 4-31.
Tree lighting with music from the Blacksburg Children's Master Chorale, 5:30 pm
TubaChristmas, 6 pm: Market Square Park, co-sponsored by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, the Lyric Theatre and the Department of Music at Virginia Tech
Sounds of the Season Holiday Parade, 7 pm: co-sponsored by Blacksburg Parks and Recreation Department and Virginia Tech Chapter of Circle K

Holiday Shopping Specials

Thursday, December 10, 4-8 pm: Downtown Merchants host “Ladies Late Night Shopping” with free gift wrap, gift wish list, snacks and beverages and more.
Thursday, December 17, 4-8 pm: Downtown Merchants host “Gentlemen’s Late Night Shopping” with free gift wrap, gift wish list, snacks and beverages and more.
Participating merchants include: Fringe Benefit, Matrix Gallery, Xanadu, Bookholders, Kent Jewelers, Bollo's, Gillie's, Mad Dog, Homebody, Tech Bookstore, Campus Cruizers, Gourmet Pantry with more to follow. Visit Main Street Inn during these events for free gift wrapping, hot cocoa and holiday cookies by the fireside.

HISTORY of THANKSGIVING

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:57:16 -0800

I thought this was fitting to post since I'm in St. Augustine visiting. It was sent to me by my friend, Brandon Nicely.

Thanksgiving Day is now a favorite American holiday...but did you know it took awhile to catch on as an annual tradition?

According to scholars, the first known Thanksgiving took place on September 8, 1565 in Saint Augustine, Florida when Spanish settlers held a Mass of Thanksgiving after arriving safely in the New World. English settlers in the Virginia Colony held a similar day of thanks in 1619. Two years after that, the colonists at Plymouth Plantation celebrated the most famous Thanksgiving, during 1621.

It wasn't until October 3, 1789, that it actually became a holiday, when then President George Washington proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving...but just for that year. In 1795, Washington again proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving, and President John Adams also declared Thanksgivings in 1798 and 1799.

After a decade and a half without the celebration taking place at all, President James Madison renewed the tradition in 1814, and even went so far as to declare the holiday twice in 1815!

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving that should take place every year. Years later, President Franklin Roosevelt stated that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month - as opposed to landing on the occasional fifth Thursday.

In observance of the holiday, both the Stock and Bond markets will be closed on Thursday, November 26th, and on Friday the 27th, the Bond market will close early at 2:00 pm ET, while the Stock market will close at 1:00 pm ET.

May you & your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

I know I have so much to be thankful for! ~Susanna

$1 Million set aside for Pulaski, VA First Time Home Buyers Program!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:21:11 -0800

A wonderful incentive for quaint and historical town of Pulaski, VA! I love it when the local news features one of my listings! Check out news feed below.

The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) recently notified the Town of Pulaski that it has been selected to receive a set-aside (reservation of funds) for the SPARC program (Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities). These funds will be available until June 30, 2010.

The SPARC loan is a program that reserves funds for localities and organizations to promote affordable housing to first-time home buyers. Homebuyers who qualify for a SPARC loan receive ½% (one half percent) reduction in the standard VHDA interest rate for first-time homebuyers. The Town of Pulaski for Round 8 currently has $1,000,000 (one million dollars) reserved by VHDA at the ½% reduction. A citizen who is interested in buying or building a home in the Town of Pulaski may want to consider applying for a SPARC loan through one of the VHDA approved lenders.

The Town has targeted households with an income between $34,500 and $46,000 to receive the ½% reduction in their mortgage. As part of the program, the Town will cover the cost of the required home inspection and waive any building permit fees. Connection fees for new construction will be waived. Homes may be purchased or built up to $225,100.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me at 540.320.9444. I will help you in working with an approved VHDA lender, as well as step by step instruction on becoming a first time home owner.

I look forward to hearing from you! ~Susanna 540.320.9444

For more information about this Pulaski listing click here.

View Featured News Segment:

Virginia Tech Duck Pond in Autumn

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:08:14 -0700

I had forgotten about the Duck Pond located on the Virginia Tech campus here in Blacksburg. My husband and I decided to take a stroll around the pond while out hiking last weekend.

I also had forgotten what a little gem it really is. The Duck Pond which was created in 1937 was bustling with activity. It is home to numerous ducks & geese and a great place to fish. Picnicking is a common activity since there are grills, tables, and benches throughout the trail.

While there we saw bikers, walkers, and joggers. We even stumbled upon a photographer capturing a bride & groom amidst the autumn foliage. Beautiful!

I am often reminded by outsiders about Blacksburg's bounty of unique scenery. I'm glad we remembered the Duck Pond and took time to stop by. It's an appealing place to visit in any season.

Blacksburg and NRV Summer Festival Event Schedule

Sun, 31 May 2009 12:43:43 -0700

WOW! Is it just me or is every REALTOR busy!? I know I am & could use a little summer fun! Read on:

"Friday Night Out" Concert Series

6pm on The Virginia Tech Drill Field

5/29 Gerry Timlin-Folk Music

6/5 Island Pan and Panjammers

6/12 Crossties-Bluegrass Band

6/19 No Strings Attached-Eclectic and Jazz

6/26 Key West Band-Caribbean Rock

7/10 Front Porch Swing-Swing, Blues, and Jazz

7/17 Dixie Power Trio-Jazz

7/24 Blues Agent-Variety Band

7/31 Summer Musical Enterprise-Songs from past Musicals

Giles River Fest

6/13 Seminars & Canoe Races in Pembroke & Pearisburg

Claytor Lake Festival

6/13 10-10 Fishing Tournament, Sand Sculpting, Car Show, & Arts & Crafts

Summer Solstice Fest

6/20 Downtown Blacksburg

Floyd Town Jubilee

6/20 11am-dusk Info:745.6643

Independence Day Celebration

July 4

Steppin' Out Street Festival

August 7 & 8 Downtown Blacksburg

Newport Agricultural Fair

August-Livestock & Agricultural Exhibits, Jousting Tournament, & Pet & Talent Show

See you there! ~Susanna

SEVEN SUCCESS KEYS by ZIG & Others

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:06:00 -0700

Right now with the economic meltdown going on, or not going on, depending on if it's Monday or Friday, I think we all want our individual success to depend on us, not on the economy, not our employer, and certainly not the government! So here are a few keys to consider:

"You have to be before you can do, and you have to do before you can have," Zig Ziglar, www.ziglar.com. Dad lays it out pretty clearly right here. Success starts with being the right kind of person first. Build the proper character foundation in your life, then apply it with great work ethic, and only then can you have the things in life you want.
"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want," Zig Ziglar. This is the philosophy that guides your be, do, and have mindset.
"All great failures are moral failures," Fred Smith www.breakfastwithfred.com. Dad's mentor Fred Smith points out that anytime you see a great failure, it is not because of their intellect, but because of some great moral failure. The current economic crisis is a perfect example of this. Greed and instant gratification are the two primary reasons we have a crisis right now. Isn't it morally wrong to knowingly encourage someone to take a huge risk? Isn't it morally wrong to take a huge risk for no other reason than instant gratification?
"The five predictors of success for someone starting and running their own business are passion, talent, determination, self-discipline, and faith," Dan Miller, No More Mondays, www.48days.com. Do you have what it takes to be your own boss? Dan is the go-to guy for advice on this. How cool would it be to wake up every day doing what you are passionate about? (Trust me, it's COOL!)
"Debt is dumb, cash is king," Dave Ramsey, www.daveramsey.com. Imagine having no debt in your life. Would you sleep better? How much freedom would you have? Being debt free is a choice and Dave gives you a specific plan of action on how to become debt free. I must warn you though; the plan is very simple, although not necessarily easy because there are no gimmicks or shortcuts. It only requires common sense and uncommon discipline!
"Eat pure," Tom Ziglar, The Purity Diet. The most important asset you have is your health. The best thing you can do to benefit your health is to eat right. If you "eat pure" every day you will be amazed at the results.
"I've heard it, too: Motivation is temporary, and I agree. But then, so is bathing and eating, but if you do both of them on a daily basis you will live longer and smell better in the process," Zig Ziglar. What kind of fuel are you running your brain on? Put the good, the clean, the pure, the powerful and the positive into your brain on a daily basis and the amount of good stuff that comes out will astonish you!

IMPROVING YOUR HOME PURCHASE CONTRACT

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:21:18 -0700

Improve Your Chances

In this season when inventory diminishes and some multiple offers are being taken, it is of great importance that you position yourself to have the best chance to get your offer accepted and make your dream come true. I'm grateful actually that I have written several contracts lately that have been a competing offer!!! Our market is changing or maybe the media is just losing its stronghold!

Enhance your chance of getting the home of your choice by doing the following:

First, get pre-qualified for the purchase. This takes very little time and is of great value. At this time, identify the price range for which you qualify and which fits your lifestyle.

Submit a strong competitive offer. Submit the offer as if there will be multiple offers. Include substantial earnest money deposit. Acceptance of an offer is sometimes determined by the amount of the deposit. A larger amount may signify a bigger commitment to the seller.

Minimize or eliminate contingencies; the fewer contingencies, the stronger the offer.

Make a buyer profile available. Include time on the job, flexibility, and reason for purchasing seller's home.

Be prepared to preview a new property quickly. Homes sometimes sell in hours. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be accessible to change the terms instantly. Buyer and agent need to have instant communication access via cell phone, voice mail, and fax.

Contact me...I'm here to help! ~Susanna 540.320.9444

THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:32:47 -0800

P.M. Forni is the cofounder of the Civility Initiative Project at John's Hopkins University. He has written the best-selling book Choosing Civility which offers twenty-five rules of considerate conduct - at home, at work, and in our daily encounters.

A few years ago ABC News distributed a questionnaire to find out how Americans felt about good manners in general and about the state of American manners in particular. About 56 percent of the respondents said that it is better for people to have good manners, while 38 percent responded that it is better for them to express what they really think. Also, Eighty percent of Americans think rudeness is a serious national problem, but 99 percent say that they themselves are not rude.?

Having manners doesn't come naturally to people, but is a skill they need to be taught, according to Forni. We need more good manners in order to improve the quality of our lives. A training in good manners is a training in sensitivity. The way we treat others always depends on the health of our sense of self. Good manners require self-esteem, self control, sensitivity, tolerance, fairness, and generosity.

Forni covers a few topics in Choosing Civility that include:

Accept and Give Praise
Respect Others' Opinions
Think Twice Before Asking Favors
Refrain from Idle Complaints
Give Constructive Criticism
Don't Shift Responsibility and Blame

This book is clear, witty, and a short read. Forni provides examples of how to put each rule into practice. A great book to start the New Year off with...and a must re-read throughout the year(s)!

Take Control in 2009

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:51:16 -0800

Motivations From Financial Author and Speaker Dave Ramsey:

Think back to December 2007. Doesn't seem very long ago, does it?

Well, now we're finished with 2008. We're all making the new year's resolutions that will last to mid-January-lose 20 pounds, get out of debt or maybe even read a book. Statistics show that most of us will quit before we get anywhere close to those objectives.

This year, set a goal to not quit!

If you had stuck with the goals you made last year, then you would already be done. Wow! Last year went by quickly, and so will this year, so don't let the time get away from you. The sooner you make something part of your routine, the less you'll notice that you're doing it, and the quicker you'll be finished.

Don't make a goal and then look at it as something you have to do. That's the wrong attitude. Soon you'll come to resent doing the thing that is supposed to make you better. Remember that every time you pay off a debt, get on the treadmill, or do something else productive, you become stronger and get closer to your target.

Think about when you graduated from college. You were used to going to bed at midnight or later. But now that you have a job, you need to get up earlier. So you start going to bed at 10 or even 9:30 p.m. You didn't like it at first, and it took some adjusting. But now you've done it so much that you don't even notice. It's part of your routine.

Getting out of debt, losing weight, or anything else is the same way. Do it for a while, and it goes from being difficult to being a bother to just another thing. By the time beating debt becomes just another thing, you are reaping the rewards from it, which makes the process fun. And when it's fun, the year passes quickly.

www.DaveRamsey.com

VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES to the Orange Bowl

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:36:21 -0800

Virginia Tech Hokies are headed to the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida! The game is tomorrow, New Year's Day, against the Cincinnati Bearcats. I think it will be a really good game!

We will be celebrating with friends at their home for this exciting event. It is sure to be a fun evening! As big fans we will be cheering the Hokies on, especially since Virginia Tech is where my daughter attends.

LET'S GO HOKIES!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:01:00 -0800

FLAMINGOS & CHRISTMAS

It was great spending Christmas unexpectedly in Orlando with my family and friends! It was a different experience for Christmas, but we truly enjoyed ourselves. The hospitality our friends shared was awesome!

Saving our gifts to open upon our return home to Virginia was wonderful. It extended Christmas for us! This is causing us to leave our home "decked out" with lights & such a little longer this year and appreciate all the work that went into getting everything ready for Christmas. I love it! I didn't have to feel the slight let-down on December 26 this year.

Just a few more days to "be still" before getting down to business for 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THE CHRISTMAS RUSH

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:46:09 -0800

It was an exciting time for the little town of Bethlehem where life was usually quiet and predictable. But ever since Caesar Augustus had ordered everyone back to his birthplace to be counted in the census, life had begun to stir! Housewives cleaned and baked in preparation for the arrival of relatives. Merchants worked hard preparing their wares. Innkeepers were making every available space ready. The crowds descended and the streets thronged with people.

It was into this milling throng of activity that a young girl came, riding on a donkey, nine months pregnant. She and Joseph had made the long journey only to find there was no room for them until an innkeeper offered them his stable. Mary knew the child within her was special - an angel had appeared to her and told her this was the Son of God. That night in the stable Mary and Joseph beheld the birth of the child! They didn't understand why they were in a stable rather than a more noteworthy place, but they did know this baby was God's Son. Joseph named Him JESUS as the angel had told him to.

Outside of Bethlehem the shepherds watched over the flocks of sheep. This night however, an amazing thing happened. They saw an angel who told them that this night the Son of God was born in the City of David, which was Bethlehem. They heard a host of angels praising God and they were overwhelmed! After their fear and wonder subsided, they decided to go and find the baby. When they found Him, they worshipped Him knowing that this Baby would be the Savior of the world - the gateway to God.

Today life goes on as much as it did that busy day in Bethlehem. Partying and visiting, baking and cleaning, buying and selling, calculating profits and losses, and preparing business plans for the upcoming year. It would be just as easy today to miss the presence of the Savior as it was on that night so long ago.

God looks for those who are quiet and still, as the shepherds were. He looks for those who take the time to listen. He reveals Himself to those who are not to busy that they drown out His voice with a frenzy of activity. He says, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10a). Knowing God and being still go hand in hand. The harried busyness of our day can rob our souls and bring a dryness that only quiet time in His presence can water.

This Christmas, find your own quiet hillside. Carve out a corner in your world where you can "be still and know that He is God." Not only will you give Him the gift of your worship, but you will receive rest for your soul. For Me, this is permission to take a few days off to really "be still" before I have to focus on my business plan for 2009!

Peace & Joy, Susanna

Opportunity To Serve

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:17:02 -0800

I just helped out with the local Radford "Meals on Wheels" organization. The experience is a pretty awesome thing. It really doesn't take very long at all. I usually partner up with someone in my office. Today, it was Diane, who is so faithful to the organization. After picking up and organizing the meals in order of homes, one person drives while the other takes the meals inside the home to the recipient.

The reaction and smiles you get from these folks is pretty special. They are all so very thankful and appreciative. They enjoy seeing and talking to someone even for only a few minutes. This makes me smile and feel really good.

I am thankful that occasionally I can give back a little something. I am the one blessed in this! New Years Resolution: Give more often - what you receive is more than you give.

Off to Orlando, FL - Very Unexpectedly

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:49:04 -0800

My family and I are going to Orlando for Christmas! We received a phone call from friends inviting us! Apparently, some of their family will be unable to make the trip. And they said they thought of us! We are very surprised to say the least.

Now, most people would just use the extra room and enjoy the family they are sharing Christmas with, but they thought of us! I still cannot get over their generosity. Special friendship is priceless! Our friends expressed they immediately knew we would enjoy the surprise and are excited that we accepted their invitation.

Wow, my husband, daughter and I are thrilled! Sunshine and warm weather here we come!

Home Enhancement is Important

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:05:20 -0800

Recently, someone asked me how important curb appeal and home staging is when getting ready to list a property.

If you have plans to sell your home, over the next few months is a great time to do so. This important process involves careful and honest evaluation of the interior and exterior. Increasing your home's appeal, often referred to as staging, should be included in your plans. Here are great ideas to get you started:

Your Home's Interior:

The fewer personal items, such as family photos, souvenirs, keepsakes, awards, etc. displayed, the better. You want the prospective buyers to view your home as their home. This also applies to closets and storage areas. Painting dark or scuffed walls and cleaning your carpet and window coverings will also increase the appeal of the interior. Set out nice towels and new soap in the bathroom and create a pleasant aroma in your home with vanilla airfreshners. This scent appeals to a broader audience.

Your Home's Entry:

The look of the entry is especially important during this time. Because it is advantageous for prospective buyers to feel welcome when entering your home, make certain this area is clean and beautiful. Paint where needed and repair any chips. Consider replacing doorknobs and hardware and add a nice doormat. Add lighting to increase the existing wattage for evening showings.

Your Home's Exterior:

Since the lawn and exterior of your home is the first thing a buyer will see, it is important to make sure your lawn is well-maintained and manicured and your walkway is mended of any cracks or chips as well as swept. Invest in some attractive foliage (make sure to follow seasonal planting directions.)

When preparing your home, be sure to view your property as you think someone else will. Take a good look at both the exterior and interior features and make a list of areas of concern. Have a friend come by and give their honest opinion. Make it fun...sometimes others see things differently and can make suggestions we do not think of!

Blacksburg Winter Lights Festival

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:45:56 -0800

A Fun Start to the Christmas Season!

Friday, December 5, Downtown Blacksburg.

This event will be rain, shine or snow unless the weather is dangerous. In the event that the parade is postponed the other activities will carry on as scheduled.

In The Farmers Market 4-7 p.m.

Treats on the Street
- For Sale: Funnel Cakes by Chocolate Spike, Kettle Corn by Scott Booher, Cotton Candy by Friends of the Animal Shelter
- Free hot cider and hot chocolate from the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg
WPSK- 107.1 Radio live remote: Holiday music, games, contests, karaoke, prizes
Montgomery County Christmas Store: Accepting donations of new or gently used toys, games, clothing and more
Smithfield Plantation: Information and some entertainment
Blacksburg Museum Group: Information
Holiday craft activities for the children
Margaret Beeks PTA will be selling holiday wreaths outside National Bank of Blacksburg and in the Farmers Market lot.
Holiday Headgear and more: Reindeer antlers, Santa hats and DMOB gift certificates.
Steel Drum Group: Pan-Lites, a division of PanJammers at 5 p.m.
Poinsettia Sales: Blacksburg High School
Crafts from vendors of the Farmers Market

In The Lyric

Performing Arts Institute of Virginia, (PAIVA), Music will sing holiday songs at 4:30 p.m. and outside during the tree lighting.
Photos with Santa: Bring your own camera!
Music from a variety of small groups
Make ornaments with Darcy Meeker, Local Artist

Around Town

Open Houses: Treats and sales in many stores.
Singing in the streets: Deo Gloria - Caroling Group, PAIVA Children’s chorus
Armory Sculpture Show
Parade starts at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg at (540) 951-0454.

Gift Cards and Shopping

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:21:04 -0800

BE CAREFUL When BUYING GIFT CARDS this holiday. It would be better to give cash or a present. Here's why: Stores across America are being scheduled to close after the Christmas season due to economic difficulties and bankruptcy. If the store closes, the gift cards would be no good. Of course these companies would love you to give them money for a gift card that would be no good later on. Actually purchasing a gift from a store would be safer, since once a store declares bankruptcy they don't have to honor their gift cards.

I love to give and receive gift cards but, have been burned several times after a store or restaurant has closed! And we all know a gift chosen for a special recipient is far more personal anyway! Happy shopping!

Meet a Friend For Lunch

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:58:19 -0800

I finally met with a long-time friend for lunch today. We had talked about getting together for over a year! The sad part is we only work across town (a small town) from each other and even live somewhat in the same area.

The time never seemed to work out when trying to get together...but over a year to finally meet again!? CRAZY!!! I cannot believe how life gets in the way of taking time out for the people we care about!

As we talked and reminisced about old times it occurred to me how for granted we take each other. And the disconnection we often have with our friends. Several big events have occurred in both our lives so it was nice to connect and share them as friends!

I am seriously going to really try to make time often for meeting up with friends...especially those that it has been awhile. hmmm...Maybe, I'll make a list of friends to call and possibly meet for lunch next week.

An American Creed

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:51:56 -0700

An American Creed

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon-if I can.

I seek opportunity-not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, "This I have done."

By Dean Alfange

Awesome writing about being accountable and doing the best you can, and rising up to the challenges of life. The Real American Dream!

Thanks for the recommendation, Dave Ramsey!

DO YOU KNOW?

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:51:00 -0700

I recently had the privilege of taking a class with instructor Marcus Wally... an International Specialist. Marcus focused on International Business and factors affecting your local market.

The class was very eye opening! Marcus introduced things I was unfamiliar with like the FIRPTA law (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). This law basically says if you are not an American citizen or do not hold a Green Card (actually it's pink) and are selling property in the U.S. you are responsible for withholding 10% (capitol gains) of any property over $300,000. As a REALTOR, I could be held responsible for this! Always, ask your seller if they are a U.S. citizen and make sure appropriate measures are taken for the HUD prior to closing. Who Knew?

I was also unfamiliar with ICREA (International Consortium of Real Estate Association) that I am part of as a benefit from NAR's affiliation...without even knowing it! This program is a transnational referral system (TRC) which you can earn certification. Who Knew?

This all comes at an odd time: I have had the privilege of working with more internationals in the last few months than I ever have. Our world is ever changing with the intertwining of economies and markets. I think we are becoming more and more globalized in conducting business in a worldwide marketplace. Did you know the United States attracts foreign investment and will only get stronger in the next few years?

A few years back when I first started in Real Estate a book caught my eye and I bought it. It was bought more out of curiosity I'm afraid than having any kind of idea that our entire world would become so easily accessible in such a very short time. KISS, BOW, or SHAKE HANDS by Terri Morrison & Wayne Conaway has been a great reference tool for me when working with international buyers & sellers. I recommend this one!

Ready or not our world is changing:

DID YOU KNOW? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljbI-363A2Q