Cynthia Hash's Blog

6 BR/3.5 BA Colonial - 2 Master Suites - 1.74 Acres in Charlottesville, VA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:33:34 -0700

MLS #479208, $378,000.00. Beautiful colonial on perfect setting! 2 master suites. 2 heat pumps. Much larger than it appears in photos. Lots of upgrades. Hardwood & ceramic tile floors. Great flowing floor plan. Surrounded by huge farms & estates. Sits statefully on large 1.74 acre lot, overlooking the countryside. Short scenic drive to Cville or Scottsville (closer to Cville). Near Hardware River. $3k water filter system installed for well. Asphalt driveway. For photos & details, please visit my website.

Type	Detached
Address	4710 Carters Mountain Rd
Bedrooms	6	Total Baths	4
Full Baths	3	Half Baths	1
Year Built	2006	Sq Feet(Finished)	3,512
Acreage	1.74	Sq Feet(Unfinished)	484
Garage?	Y
Basement	Crawl
Interior	Ceiling Fan(s), Chair Rail, Crown Molding, Skylights, Walk-in Closet, Water Conditioner
Exterior	Brick, Vinyl
Design	Colonial

Name	Dimensions	Level
Foyer	18x7	1
Half Bath	6x3	1
Dining Room	15x12	1
Kitchen	18x14	1
Breakfast Room	11x9	1
Family Room	16x14	1
Parlor	14x11	1
Bedroom	15x11	2
Bedroom	11x10	2
Bedroom	11x10	2
Laundry	8x7	2
Full Bath	10x7	2
Full Bath	9x6	2
Master Bedroom	20x12	2
Master Bedroom	18x14	2
Full Bath	20x12-4	2
Bedroom	35x14	3

Cynthia Hash, Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
Charlottesville, VA
Cell: (434) 531-5351
Fax: (801) 681-0286
Email: hash@kw.com
FULL-SERVICE REALTOR .. www.FindHomesInCharlottesville.com
ALWAYS WANTED A LOG HOME? .. www.CedarLogStructures.net
GET HELP THRU CAREGIVERS LIBRARY .. www.AgingYourWay.org
WANT TO PAY OFF YOUR HOUSE? .. www.PayOffYourHome.org

24 Acres w/ 7 Division Rights in Gordonsville, VA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:23:40 -0700

7 Division Rights, 24+ Acres, Build A Dream Home!

$73,000.00

828 Shellhorn Road, Gordonsville, VA 22942

10 Photos

Tour # 2227187

Gloriously private 24.108 acres of vacant land on a quiet privately maintained road 5 minutes from the quaint town of Gordonsville. Build your dream home (to be built, the is land only price)! Or, use the 7 division rights left to divide it & sell off the lots as an investment! #828 address is estimated.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Townhome for Sale in Webland Park, Charlottesville, VA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:18:56 -0700

3 BR/2.5 BA Townhome with Beautiful Upgrades

$170,000.00

1722 Webland Park, Charlottesville, VA 22901

8 Photos

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath
1200 SF
Tour # 2212765

Clean townhome with some beautiful upgrades. Dark pergo floor in LR/dining area of first floor. Both baths and the half bath have ceramic tile floors. Kitchen has ceramic back splash and gorgeous granite counters. Webland Park is a town home style condominium community located conveniently near Route 29 shopping, dining, entertainment, Barracks Road Shopping Center, the University of Virginia and is just 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Located in the Barracks Area of Charlottesville, Webland Park Condos are sheltered on a private lane well off Hydraulic Road near Albemarle High School. These three-bedroom town homes offer open floor plans, 2nd floor master suites, and back patios. Nice back patio areas and convenient parking. Paved walking path. Quiet, well kept small community.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Gorgeous 5 BR Custom-Built on 1 Acre in Lake Anna - Bumpass, VA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:10:53 -0700

Waterview, Custom, Comfortable, Convenient!

$420,000.00

195 Longway Dr., Bumpass, VA 23024

88 Photos

5 Bed, 3.0 Bath
4174 SF
Tour # 2258801

WATER: Gorgeous Lake Anna. CUSTOM: Diagonally laid mahogany floors & much more! COMFORTABLE: Open floor plan, wrap around porch, & much more! CONVENIENT: Work - Fredericksburg, Richmond, Mineral, Louisa, Gordonsville. Play - Fishing, sailing, water skiing, golfing, camping, boating. Walk to private dock.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

3 BR/2 BA on 1.85 Acres in Deer Lake Estates - 5 min from NGIC/DIA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 31 May 2010 21:11:21 -0700

Beautiful House, Fantastic Location, Gorgeous Lot!

$245,000.00

106 Rudolph St., Ruckersville, VA 22968

42 Photos

3 Bed, 2.0 Bath
1522 SF
Tour # 2189057

Open House:
Sat Jun 5
8:00am to 2:00pm

Well-kept home, 5 minutes to NGIC/DIA, on one of the largest, scenic, & private lots in the neighborhood! Mature landscaping. Room for a veggie garden. Goldfish pond. Tall dry crawl space storage. 2010: New dining room & foyer light fixtures, 2 sets energy efficient sliding glass door curtains, garage door opener, FP gas logs, freshly painted, ext vinyl power washed, UV protectant on oversized decks. 2007: kitchen wood laminate floor, new washer/dryer. Seller & agent are sis-in-laws.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Lovely curb appeal with this 3 BR/2.5 BA in Lake Monticello subdivision

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 31 May 2010 21:01:06 -0700

Adorable Curb Appeal!

$195,000.00

27 Woodlawn Dr., Palmyra, VA 22963

23 Photos

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath
1500 SF
Tour # 2208390

Adorable curb appeal! Level yard. Master suite on 1st floor. Beautiful hardwood floors. Spacious deck. Quiet street. Ceiling fans. Chair rails. Walk-in closets all bedrms. Walk-in attics. Walk to Beach 4. Improvements: 2010 refinished kitchen cabinets, updated counters, crown molding, painted, new master bath floor; 2009 new digital thermostat, stained sealed deck & swing set, new shelving in master bdrm closet; 2008 new kitchen floor, new shower heads & towel racks, new master bath window.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Beautiful mountain views 15 min. from downtown - 3BR/2BA on 2 Acres

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:25:16 -0700

Beautiful mountain views 15 min. from downtown!

$148,000.00

2565 Proffit Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911

25 Photos

3 Bed, 2.0 Bath
1920 SF
Tour # 2141457

Beautiful mountain views 15 min. from downtown! Extra large rear wrap-around deck with trellis takes full advantage of the mtn views! Improvements: 2010 carpet in living room & 2 bedrooms, new toilets both bathrooms. Wood shed. Dog house. Walk-out basement is dry-walled w/drop ceiling, just needs flooring. Whole-house generator system for power outages.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Well Maintained 3BR/2BA in Heart of Historic Stanardsville, VA

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:19:05 -0700

Babbling Brook, Small Town Privacy, Neat as a Pin!

$175,000.00

125 Krystal Ct., Stanardsville, VA 22973

23 Photos

3 Bed, 2.0 Bath
1080 SF
Tour # 2140721

Well maintained single level living home in the heart of historical Standardsville with beautiful pastoral views! Lovely landscaping that's destined to catch your eye in the Spring/Summer! Pleasant babbling brook to enjoy nature. ALSO FOR RENT $1K/MO.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Country Living Just 15 Minutes to Charlottesville - 3BR/1BA on 2.53 Acres

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:15:10 -0700

Country Living Only 15 Min. to Cville!

$156,000.00

3255 Presidents Rd., Scottsville, VA 24590

22 Photos

3 Bed, 1.0 Bath
960 SF
Tour # 2118769

Country Living only 15 min. to Cville! Upgrades: 2009 heat pump; 2008 stove/oven; 2007 underground utilities, vinyl siding, gutters & gutter guards, well pump, water filter system rebuilt, pressure tank in crawl; 1998 paneling in kitchen & hall, replaced doors, 1997 replacement vinyl windows tilt sash double pane.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

A Real Bargain in Albemarle County - 3BR/1BA on 1.64 Acres - Mountain Views

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:10:41 -0700

Bargain With Mountain Views!

$93,000.00

5435 Ames Gap Ln, Covesville, VA 22931

16 Photos

3 Bed, 1.0 Bath
1056 SF
Tour # 2101484

A real bargain in Albemarle County VA near Historic Charlottesville! Ranch style with mountain views & tons of potential. Sold as-is with $5500 repair allowance offered.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

2005 Parade of Homes Winner - 4BR/4.5BA Gardener's Delight!

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:58:54 -0700

2005 Parade of Homes Winner!

$610,000.00

4915 Moriah Way, Keswick, VA 22947

50 Photos

4 Bed, 4.5 Bath
4528 SF
Tour # 2148349

Beautiful Home & Gardeners' Delight! 2005 Parade Hms winner! Each bedrm has attached tiled bath & walkin closet. CAT-5 wiring thruout, ready for home theatre, speakers on private back deck. Chef's kitchen: micro/convect oven, 2nd convect oven, granite counters, lg breakfast area, covered side porch, hardwood flrs, ceramic tile. Central VAC. Full walkout mostly fin. bsmnt w/workshop storage. 400 amp/svc. Insulated garage. 10 min-Cville/UVA, 10 min-Zion Xrd, 45 min-Short Pump. Also 4 RENT $2800/mo.	For more information, please contact:
	Cynthia Hash, Realtor Keller Williams Realty Charlottesville, VA 434-531-5351 Cell 801-681-0286 Fax

Information supplied by sellers. Deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Single Women Homebuyers

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:52:35 -0800

Single women account for the fastest growing segment of the home-buying population in the U.S. This trend has been on the rise for many years. From 1994 to 2002, the number of unmarried women owning homes climbed from 13.9 million to 17.5 million. By 2004, 18% of all homebuyers were single women. According to the latest NAR profile of homebuyers and sellers, that number has risen to 22%. Factors leading to this increase include the following demographic trends: better education, more women working and seeking financial independence, and young women delaying marriage. Also, women have significantly increased their purchasing power. They own and operate 38% of all businesses in America and make up nearly 40% of all business school graduates. More immediately, historically low interest rates, affordable home prices, ample housing supply and the first-time homebuyer tax credit are fueling the increase of single women homebuyers. Statistically, women do more research and spend a longer period of time searching for a home. They?re also more inclined to make home repairs. Studies show that nearly half of all purchases made in Home Depot and Lowes are made by women. And 94% of women homeowners claimed to have completed a home improvement project by themselves in the last five years. Some home characteristics that experts say appeal to women: a safe community (single women account for a large number of condominium purchases where they find a sense of security), a home office (home-based businesses are very popular among women), maintenance friendly yards, lots of storage, and natural light, particularly in the master suite and bathroom. Statistically, women are also more likely to work with female mortgage brokers, attorneys and real estate professionals. Compliments of: Mike Platt, Loan Officer, Prospect Mortgage, Charlottesville,VA (434) 295-1944.

FREE MEMORIAL DAY MOVIE SCREENINGS

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:04:23 -0700

Scott Mactavish, a former Hollywood insider and US Navy vet, will be screening his film GOD AND COUNTRY
this Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday and Monday at the Elks Club at Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville, VA.

5:00 pm both days.

Admission is free and open to the public.
A Q&A session with the director will follow.

More to know:

GOD AND COUNTRY: Untold Stories of the American Military
A Scott Mactavish Film
Run time: 55 minutes

American troops have a long and noble tradition of humanitarian service. From handing out candy bars and care packages to street children, to offering medical and dental care to the poor, to building churches and orphanages in third world countries... these American men and women commit thousands of hours to the service of others around the world, without expectation of gratitude or praise. GOD AND COUNTRY examines these heroes and their missions, and reveals a side of the military rarely mentioned in the mainstream media.

The film also profiles the extraordinary character of Bradley T. "Brad" Arms, a Charlottesville, VA native and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brother at the University of Georgia who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and ultimately gave his life so that others may live free of tyranny. Brad was a Marine, but also a man of strong faith who dedicated his life to the service of his fellow man.

Details : www.GodandCountry.tv

Know Your Family's Health History

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:32:51 -0800

Several years ago, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of individuals knowing their family health history. Since many diseases can run in families (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.), knowing your own family's history could help prevent your getting the disease and even save your life. For more information, visit www.hhs.gov/familyhistory. At your next family reunion, you'll have plenty to share!

By the way, here's an interesting tid bit about the American health insurance crisis. According to the AARP Bulletin*, from 2005 to 2006, there was an increase of 2.2 million Americans without health insurance coverage.

Supply and Demand in the Housing Market

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:31:09 -0800

We've all seen changes in the housing market lately. If you purchased a house in 2004-05, your equity is growing slower than expected due to buyers' market conditions. In a sellers' market, equity tends to grow at a higher rate of return. In 2003-05, sales prices grew about 10%-16% in the Charlottesville and surrounding areas. It tapered off to about 6% in 2006 and 2% in 2007. This shows a pattern of a housing boom for 2 years, a correction period for 2 years, now it's a more "normal" market.

It's a great time to buy if you plan on staying in your house for at least 5 years. Supply and demand determines market and price. With too much supply, buyers become more choosey or shy away from buying, prices drop, and number of Days on Market (DOM) increases. If not enough supply, demand increases, houses may get multiple offers, and prices increase.

In 2006-07, we saw an increase in supply and a decrease in demand for houses, compared to 2004-05, resulting in a decrease in # of sales and longer DOM. Homes are now averaging 30 days longer DOM than in 2005.

There's so much more I could share, but it may be better to send you a "market snapshot" of your neighborhood to show you how your home compares. If you're interested, contact me. Also, if you or anyone you know may be thinking of buying, selling, or investing in real estate, please let me put my experience to work for you or your friend.

Contact me at hash@kw.com or (434) 531-5351 or visit my website at www.findhomesincharlottesville.com for more information.

Remodeling Costs vs. Value

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:28:36 -0800

Thinking about remodeling your home? Many homeowners don't think about remodeling until they're ready to sell. This is wise, but, only in part. Remodeling recovery rates were down in 2007 from 2006 due to rising remodeling costs and slowing home appreciations. Currently, if a remodel is recently completed before listing it for sale, the recoup rate ranges from 60-86%, depending upon the project. This may change a homeowner's perspective - make the decision to do the remodel job based on your own personal enjoyment first, but, get an experienced Realtor's advice regarding the remodel project of choice for resale purposes in the future.

Remodeling "cost versus value" varies widely depending upon other factors in the house and the surrounding area: location, market conditions, competition, condition of the rest of the house, values of neighboring properties, and wise remodeling project decisions to maximize the rate of return. For instance, a home office remodel project will only yield about a 60% rate of return upon sale on a $25k investment. In our region, the highest remodeling recoup rates have been (approx.): $11k fiber-cement siding replacement at 89%, $9k wood deck addition at 85%, $20k kitchen remodel at 83%, and $54k basement remodel at 81%. Bottom line - keep your house up every year that you live there and it won't be so overwhelming when it's time to sell.

Buying? Consider it a 5+ year investment and let me put you in touch with a reputable lender. Selling? Contact me if you'd like a "market snapshot" of your neighborhood to show you how your home compares.

Paying Off Mortgage is Important for Financial Freedom

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:26:35 -0800

According to Peter Cefarati of Mahone Mortgage, LLC, financial freedom gives you more control over your life in times of economic uncertainty and rising costs. That means owning enough working assets to support you, so you have time to enjoy life, family, helping others, and give your children and grandchildren a head start to their own financial freedom. Over the years, Peter has helped many families use their real estate financing as a tool to grow their wealth.

One very viable solution to finding financial freedom is paying off your house. IF I COULD SHOW YOU A PROGRAM THAT COULD HELP YOU PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE IN 1/3 TO 1/2 OF THE TIME ...

1) Without refinancing your current mortgage,
2) Without changing your monthly payment, and
3) With little or no change to your current lifestyle

... WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED?

Would you like to see if you can be pre-qualified for it?

Contact me for more information: hash@kw.com, (434) 531-5351.

For an OVERVIEW of this program, go to www.U1stFinancial.net/CynthiaHash, then click on "Money Merge Account Overview" in the middle of the page. Turn up the volume and take 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to see how you can pay off your mortgage much earlier than you thought. For a FREE, No Obligation Analysis, click on "FREE Money Merge Account Analysis".

Don't wait another day ... you're paying too much interest on your mortgage!

Sign Up Now for the 2008 Regional Housing Conference

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:45:23 -0800

A broad coalition of organizations has come together to plan a regional housing conference to grapple with issues and develop an action agenda for our region. The Regional Housing Conference "Finding Common Ground" will provide opportunities to participate in in-depth discussions on a variety of topics, including:

Emerging housing approaches
Density & Sprawl
Community Design
Possible Partnerships
Community Land Trust
Proffers
Lending and Finance
Mixed Use/Mixed Income

The keynote speaker for the event will be Joseph R. Molinaro, Manager of Smart Growth Programs for the National Association of REALTORS® in Washington, DC. In this capacity, he manages NAR's Smart Growth efforts, which include REALTOR® training, technical assistance on land use regulation to state and local REALTOR® associations, voter surveys on growth issues, research, and publication of the On Common Ground magazine.

Event: Finding Common Ground - Regional Housing Conference
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2008
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Place: Covenant Church, 1025 E. Rio Road, Charlottesville
Contact: Billie Campbell, 979-7310 ext 230, bcampbell@tjpdc.org
Website: http://www.housingconference08.org/

How Can You Tell if an E-mail is Truth or Scam?

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:25:42 -0800

Have you ever wondered if an e-mail you have received is the truth or a scam? For example, are there really organ thieves out there stealing peoples' kidneys. Have you recently won a foreign lottery you don't remember entering? Is the IRS really paying people to take their on-line survey? Or, are students who take the SAT really awarded 200 points for spelling their names correctly?

With the barrage of e-mails we receive every day, it's difficult to tell which ones are true and which are a waste of disk space. Some of them give us a good laugh, while others can actually be used against us.

In the case of the Nigerian scam (and there are many variations of it), you receive an e-mail from a wealthy dignitary, government official or family member of such who needs help moving money from their country to an American bank. For your assistance, you are promised a hefty percentage. This is actually a real and dangerous fraud that has duped people out of thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars. It plays on peoples' "get something for nothing" mentality.

Perhaps you have received an e-mail from your financial institution or credit card company indicating "unusual activity" on your account and the need for you to log in and unlock it. Or, a request to re-verify your information. This is a phishing scam intended to steal your personal, non-public information, which can lead to identify theft.

A good rule of thumb is, if you did not initiate contact with your financial institution, do not reply to an e-mail (or even a phone call) until you verify it is legitimate. Credit cards and banks will NEVER ask for your personal information via e-mail.

Before you act on, forward or even believe something you receive by e-mail, check out http://www.snopes.com/. Snopes covers the latest scams, urban legends, fallacies, misinformation, old wives' tales, strange news stories, rumors, celebrity gossip and similar items being propagated through e-mail. Not only will you be wiser, but friends and family will thank you for not clogging up their in-boxes with false information.

Please visit my website and blog at www.FindHomesInCharlottesville.com for information on housing and demographics in Charlottesville, VA, as well as helpful information on a variety of topics.

Are Boomers Adequately Planning for Parents' Long-Term Care?

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:57:52 -0800

A recent study conducted by AARP indicates that less than half of women baby boomers have begun planning for their parents' care as they age.

The study, according to Laura Skufca of AARP Knowledge Management, found that:

Approximately 2/3 of the 629 survey respondents have talked with their parents about living independently as they age. Only 40% have actually begun to plan. 2/3 also believe their parents could afford assistance.
Only 17% of respondents considered their parents moving into a nursing home. The remainder mentioned their parents moving in with them or providing paid help to ensure continued independent, in-home living.
More than half of those surveyed have begun considering their own long-term needs as they age.

For the complete article, visit The Mature Market by clicking here. For more articles and resources for seniors and their caregivers, visit my Caregivers Library at http://www.cynthiahashcares.org/.

Regional Housing Conference – SAVE THE DATE!

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:31:49 -0800

For those of you in the Charlottesville, VA and surrounding areas, there is a very important conference coming up that will focus on critical housing issues. I'd like to invite everyone who can to attend this Regional Housing Conference.

     DATE:                          Thursday, March 13, 2008
     TIME:                           8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     LOCATION:                 Covenant Church, 1025 E. Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901
     CONTACT:                  (434) 979-7310 or e-mail info@tjpdc.org

This conference will focus in-depth on issues such as: emerging housing approaches, density and sprawl, community design, possible partnerships, community land trust, proffers, lending and finance, mixed use/mixed income. If you are a Realtor, business person, public official, lender, builder, developer, architect, site planner, consumer, community leader or just a concerned citizen, you need to attend this important Regional Housing Conference. I hope to see you there!

Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 18:20:45 -0800

A loan consultant I work with sent me an article about opportunities in 2008. He recently saw Donald Trump on TV answering real estate questions and said that Trump believes residential real estate prices will bottom out sometime this summer and that people should start actively pursuing the buying process now.

Is this a good time to invest in real estate? Following is a summation of a talk show done by Jean Chatzky, Financial Editor and a TODAYShow.com contributor, with reporting by Arielle McGowen.

Interview of Robert Kiyosaki ("Rich Dad, Poor Dad"). According to Kiyosaki, now is as good a time as any to buy. Many experts continue to predict a decline in the housing market, but according to Kiyosaki and Trump, plummeting prices make buying more lucrative. But, investing in rental properties requires know-how, good credit, knowing your local market and an understanding of what you're getting into. To turn today's market to your advantage:

GET YOUR CREDIT IN SHAPE - If you have less than stellar credit, take the next 12 months to improve your credit score before investing. Pay your bills on time, turn down offers of new credit and reduce outstanding balances.

STUDY UP - Before you plunge into real estate investing, read up-to-date books on the subject. Then, visit in person any areas in which you want to invest. You can also look in the classifieds. Look at a variety of properties. What are they renting for? How much is insurance? Property taxes?

SPOT A GOOD INVESTMENT - Look for areas where you, yourself, would be willing to live. Look at crime rates and walk neighborhoods during the day and after dark. What is the age of the property? Get an inspector who can spot structural problems. If your inspector finds any issues, depending on their severity, you may be able to use them to negotiate a lower price. If too severe, you may want to walk away.

START SMALL - For example, consider a duplex. Live in one side and rent the other.

FOCUS ON CASH FLOW - Think in terms of cash flow rather than capital gains, says Kiyosaki. Add up your mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, then subtract that figure from what you can reasonably charge for rent. Whatever is left is your salary. (Hint: fixing things yourself can help increase your profit).

(For the complete article "GOOD TIME TO BECOME A REAL ESTATE MOGUL?", see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22222758/)

Decorating Holiday Garlands

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:54:56 -0800

Christmas is a beautiful time of year and one in which many of us spend extra time decorating our homes and yards. Garlands can be an inexpensive way to decorate doorways, stair rails, pillars, mantels or even for framing pictures.

Creating your own holiday garland can be completed in just one afternoon, depending on the length of the garland. Here are some garland decorating tips, courtesy of Lowe's Realtor Benefits*:

Decorate evergreen garland with flowers or poinsettias, holiday picks, ribbons, beads, berries, pine cones and other small holiday items. Select a length of fresh or artificial garland and begin at one end weaving the items through and around the greenery. Wired ribbons work best. Attach florist's bows throughout the garland and continue adding picks, berries, wheat or other accessories. Secure small items with florist's tape or wire.
For carnation garlands, cut the flower stems off just below the buds. String a length of double thread on a needle (as long as you want the garland to be) and then string the buds together by pushing the needle through them and out the tops of the flowers. Tie the ends of the garland together, if desired, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For fruit and candy garlands, use a combination of dried orange slices, popcorn, pine cones, cinnamon sticks and cranberries to make it natural. Or, string together wrapped peppermint candy, pretzels, gumdrops, candles and red licorice. Use double thread and a needle to string everything together, then tie the ends of the garland together, if you wish.
Keep your garlands greener and fresher by using sharp, clean cutters to cut branches and then immediately putting cut ends in water until ready to use. Crush the ends of woody stems to allow the cutting to soak up more water. Immerse greenery in water overnight before arranging so the cuttings can absorb the maximum amount of moisture. Be sure to keep the greenery out of sunlight.

For more decorating and home improvment tips, visit http://www.findhomesincharlottesville.com/ and click on "News You Can Use." And, if you have a client who is moving and is in the market for a new home in the Charlottesville, VA or surrounding areas, please give me a call at (434) 220-2251. I'd love to put more than 20 years of real estate experience to work for them!

*Reproduced with permission - http://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/.

“FREECYCLE” YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:08:11 -0800

Do you have items at home or work that you'd like to get rid of, but they still have life in them? Don't throw them away - FREECYCLE them by joining the Freecycle Network at http://www.freecycle.org/ and post what you want to give away or for something you need. By freecycling, you help the environment by reducing landfills. According to their website, "The Freecycle concept has since spread to over 75 countries, where there are thousands of local groups representing millions of members -- people helping people and 'changing the world one gift at a time'. As a result, we are currently keeping over 300 tons a day out of landfills!"

Chris Slade to Speak in Charlottesville, VA to Help Local Kids!

Cynthia Hash (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 13:04:07 -0800

For those of you in Virginia or D.C. area who would like to attend, former UVA Defensive End and New England Patriot Chris Slade will appear on Friday, November 9th, at the Monticello Event and Conference Center at the first annual Hope Foundation Sports Banquet. The event will benefit the Hope Community Center in Charlottesville, VA and is $250 per table or $35 for individual tickets. Dinner will be included as well as remarks from Chris - and a Drama, too. The Event is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHEN: November 9, 2007 - from 7 - 9 p.m.

WHY: Celebrating Hope Community Center & Its Future (to provide programs such as teaching English to adults & children who are new to this country, after school homework & exercise for neighborhood children, & more) http://www.rosefellowship.org/work/hopecommunitycenter/

WHERE: Monticello Event & Conference Center, 201 Monticello Ave. (Near ACAC downtown)http://www.MonticelloEvent.com/

COST: $250 per table of 8 or $35 per person (Dinner Served, Slide Show, Various Speakers)

CONTACT: Lori-Ann Strait, 434-825-1404, for payment & reservations

DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT & RESERVATIONS: Tues., Nov. 6, 2007, 11am