The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady's Blog

Chesapeake VA Snake Invasion

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:17:59 -0500

Now that it is Summer my kids are out of school. After they roller skated all morning on the wood floors in the house I told them it was time to take the fun outside. I went off to go show homes. My mother is temporarily off work awaiting a fourth knee surgery in July. Instead of being a mellow grandma babysitter, I came home to find my home the subject of a 6pm news feature story on Snakes in Chesapeake VA. OK yes our backyard backs up to a gorgeous forest like place, We have raccoons, foxes, frogs, and yes Snakes! Here is the video of my mom with my girls. Try not to laugh to hard.

Click this link to view video!

Dee Dee Jones

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Wainwright Real Estate

Virginia Beach, VA

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

This Crisis is not Financial

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:30:18 -0500

Some of us need a quick swift kick in the pants for all the spending and lack of saving we have done over the years. Now with credit card debt and foreclosures at a all time high we are all quick to say it is the bank and government's fault. When do we stand up and take responsibility? Take a moment to read my AR friend John Mulkey's view below. This info brought to you by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

While the stock market, housing prices, jobless rate, and falling GDP may point to a financial crisis, those are only symptoms of the real illness. Just as a doctor would never describe an overweight patient’s condition as, “a crisis of too many fat cells,” we must look to the cause of our problem if we ever expect to effect a cure.

The USA has gorged itself on debt, but even that’s not the problem. It’s yet another symptom of a society focused upon personal comfort and satisfaction, chasing an ever-changing vision of happiness, a narcissistic assumption that it was about us, and that “we should have it all,” and have it now.

In the past few decades we've shifted from a country of savers to one of spenders—binge spenders, drunken in our chase for the “good life.” Movies and television told us we could have it, and their ads spewed a never ending array of what we “needed.” With the latest gadgets our lives would become simpler, less stressful. With wondrous images they carted us off to faraway beaches with perfect sunsets and plastic people.

But the images were all a lie; the contrary was true. The accumulation of “stuff” created a need for more money, requiring that both spouses work, and work harder, longer. The constant demand for money kept us forever chasing a better position, more pay, to help us afford the stuff we had already bought. More money would take us to an even better lifestyle that always remained just out of reach.

We didn’t want the simple house of our parents; we wanted more bedrooms, more bathrooms, bigger kitchens, fireplaces, media centers, and three car garages. We weren’t satisfied with a basic car; we needed SUVs, maybe two, and a sports car for the kids. A vacation at the beach wasn’t enough, unless the beach was in Hawaii.

We wanted the best for our children and we bought computers, video games, cell phones, and other electronics, expensive clothes and cars; we wanted them to have it all, too, to have a better life, to have more than we’d had. And we succeeded—after a fashion. We spent more, went in debt more, and lived for the pleasure of the moment.

We had more and our kids had more; but the ever-increasing indebtedness, like a millstone, pulled us into an abysmal stupor and caused us to miss out of much of the enjoyment. We drugged our stress with alcohol, pills or the latest pop psychology that promised to restore us to “Nirvana,” and the children whose happiness and love we purchased, became strangers.

Of course this isn’t a universal indictment; but it’s more widespread than many are willing to admit. And it doesn’t apply to ME or to YOU. It’s those “other people” who have allowed their problems to morph into a crisis. But WE all have an obligation to help find the solution.

As our country and the world enter the crucial stages of a financial meltdown, many are reflecting upon lives spent chasing an elusive future utopia that could never be; and many are ready to get off the train. Some have begun to reconsider where they have focused their energy, their labor, and have begun to realize that life was never about the stuff. It’s about discovering our place and helping others; it’s about the choices we make and the lives we lead; it’s about releasing ourselves from fear and living and sharing the wondrous joys of this life; and it’s about today. We don’t have tomorrow. The good life we’ve been seeking isn’t in the future. We’ve had it all along.

For the latest news in housing, visit: The Housing Guru

More Chinese Drywall

Fri, 29 May 2009 18:22:36 -0500

Add Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Homeowners to the list of those complaining of Chinese Drywall found in their homes. Residents have joined for a lawsuit against the local supplier, contractor and Chinese manufacturer of the drywall. The suit is one of several locally connected to the use of Chinese-made wallboard. Chinese-made drywall, which has been the focus of complaints in several states by people who say it emits a corrosive gas that damages household electrical systems and causes respiratory problems.

The local Virginia Beach couples are out of thousands from replacing appliances, they all have experienced bouts of sickness, and the inconvenience of a nagging egg like odor has made their homes difficult to live in. They have asked the CPSC to investigate.

According to CPSC, To date, the CPSC has received over 365 reports from residents in 18 States and the District of Columbia who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to the presence of drywall produced in China. State and local authorities have also received similar reports. We received our first incident report from a consumer on December 22, 2008. The majority of the reports to the CPSC have come from consumers residing in the State of Florida while others have come from consumers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

Consumers largely report that their homes were built in 2006 to 2007, when an unprecedented increase in new construction occurred in part due to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005.Common features of the reports submitted to the CPSC from homes believed to contain problem drywall have been:

Consumers have reported a "rotten egg" smell within their homes.
Consumers have reported health concerns such as irritated and itchy eyes and skin, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, bloody noses, runny noses, recurrent headaches, sinus infection, and asthma attacks.
Consumers have reported blackened and corroded metal components in their homes and the frequent replacement of components in air conditioning units.

For more info visit http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html

This info brought to you by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady! Dee Dee Jones Wainwright Real Estate

http://DJonesRealEstate.com

Sat May 23rd Krispy Kremes .99 per dozen

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:11:30 -0500

Krispy Kreme: 1 Dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts ONLY .99 on May 23rd!

Sounds like a great day to break my diet! I may even stock up for open houses and office meetings for the next week!

Mark your calendars for another yummy deal! Celebrate penny day on May 23rd with Krispy Kreme! They will be selling a dozen of their Original Glazed doughnuts (yum!) for ONLY $0.99! Limited one original glazed dozen per customer.

**This offer is valid only at participating Krispy Kremes, so I would definitely recommend calling ahead!

So when your clients drive you crazy, the husbands nagging you, the kids are begging, steal a moment to enjoy something sweet and good!

This info brought to you by The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady Dee Dee Jones!

Using First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits for the Downpayment - It's GONE !!!! - The story of the $8,000 tax credit

Fri, 15 May 2009 22:22:29 -0500

FHA buyers here is a little clarification on the current ruling on the use of the $8,000 tax credit for the use of Down Payment. This is by

Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com --

Hopefully we will be getting another update soon and I hope with good results!

Dee Dee Jones The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

The $8,000 first time homebuyers TAX CREDIT - HUD has saved the day. Well, okay, it saved it for a day. It's gone now, recinded, at least for now. Everything that you have been reading about yesterday, about FHA/HUD putting out mortgagee letter 2009-15, it's no longer there. Tom Burris had noticed this yesterday and I just got off the phone this morning with the HUD office. For reasons unknown, this letter, ML 09-15, has been taken off the self. Besides, I have my reasons to this and also felt that many of the blogs posted yesterday were incorrect. Here is why....

In regards to FHA loans, a borrower can only obtain monies for their actual downpayment of 3.5% by the following :

Their own funds

up to 100% of a gift from a relative/family member

From the Federal, state, and local governmental agencies and nonprofit instrumentalities of government

FHA approved non-profits

monies from their employer in a form of employee contribution

monies from secured borrowed funds... IE. borrowing equity from your home to buy another home or borrowing against your car that is free and clear or borrowing from your 401-k, etc, etc

Here is the major confusion that was put out yesterday both HUD, NAR, and many realtors and loan officers that wrote about this. In the body of the mortgagee letter, ML 09-15, at the bottom, it stated :

The Tax Credit: Short-Term Loan:

Entities that can offer the tax credit advance with short-term loans:

Federal, state, and local governmental agencies and nonprofit instrumentalities of government, FHA-approved nonprofits, and FHA-approved mortgagees may provide short-term or "bridge loans" secured only by the anticipated tax credit due the homebuyer as collateral.

The confusion : It states, As collateral and not as a secured lien against the home, but as a secured loan against the collateral. Which in this case would be the $8,000 tax credit, which would be secured against.

Because of this, HUD does not allow for monies to be borrowed or given to in any form that I did not mention above, to be used for the down payment. The reality of it all, basically everything that was stated in the mortgagee letter, that has been revoked for now, is old school FHA. When it comes to FHA loans / FHA mortgages, you could get monies for your down payment from the items that mentioned above, which is mentioned in the mortgagee letter. Well, was mentioned... One caveat to all of this is that HUD was going to allow for lenders to secure a short term loan or bridge loan against the $8,000 to be used to purchase a home. But again, that can't be used for the actual down payment, because it goes against the basic FHA guidelines of downpayment monies of 3.5%. Now, unless HUD changed this, it does not clearly state this in the mortgagee letter, even though that letter is no longer valid.

Summary : When I read the ML 09-15 the other day, all of this jumped into my head. But I didn't have time to dissect all of this, yet I wanted to get this out to the public. After seeing many blogs written with inaccurate information, because NAR stated certain things from a HUD spokesperson, it was never clear, in which this gave me large goose bumps. My advice, consult an FHA Expert, even if you hear it from others that are high up, such as the NAR. And be careful on those that call themselves Experts also. I personally think that this was immature of several agencies for putting this information out there without verifying it's accuracy and intentions. And I would have to assume that HUD feels the same way since they took this mortgagee letter off their site and off the HUD clips site. Thanks

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT REMINDER : Just because HUD or any other source puts information out there, doesn't mean it will happen. Keep in mind that most lenders have overlays and can add to certain rules and or guidelines.

And just for the fact that HUD says it's fraud to obtain the tax credit prior to closing. This question has been asked to HUD by many of us and their response is FRAUD. Why? You are receiving the monies before you are buying the house. Yes, you can give the IRS the address prior and a potential closing date. But I smell shit hitting the fan very soon, since a lot of this is still new. And remember those lender overlays? I know some lenders and underwriters that won't allow this type of loan to go to closing.

Ken Cook wrote a very short and brief blog about all of this. It's very clear. FALSE info flying around about the first time tax credit used as a downpayment.

For real, updated information on the First time Homebuyer's Tax Credit, please read : $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit.

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Kids Bowl Free all across the USA

Mon, 11 May 2009 11:09:13 -0500

AMF bowling centers is offering a great free deal.

Kids under the age of 15 can bowl 2 free games EVERYDAY, ALL SUMMER LONG. With the price of bowling this is a great offer.

You can also buy and adult pass good for 4 people for $23.95.

Select a bowling center near you.

Register directly on the bowling center page (The registration is valid only at the bowling center where you register and cannot be used at any other bowling center unless otherwise noted.)

For more details visit http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/amf.php

This info brought to you by the Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady Dee Dee Jones

DJonesRealEstate.com

Chesapeake Jubilee

Tue, 05 May 2009 09:39:02 -0500

The Chesapeake Jubilee is May 14-17 ,

This event will be held at Chesapeake City Park, of South Greenbrier Pkwy near Kempsville, This fun family friendly event is geared to all Ages. There will be rides, food, giveaways, and more food.

Amusements of America provides us with the largest array of traveling carnival rides and games east of the Mississippi!

Known for its great fireworks show. This is a must see event. The fireworks will be Saturday the 16th, at 9pm. Bring your lawn chair and a blanket and listen to live music all day and the headliners below.

Announcing the musical lineup for the 2009 Jubilee

The greatest living exponents of Jamaica's reggae tradition provide a dynamic start to the 2009 Chesapeake Jubilee. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of music as the Wailers perform the legendary "Exodus" album.

Brandishing heavy guitars and an unabashed fetish for British Invasion Pop, The Smithereens carved their niche on album rock radio and earned a reputation as a great concert attraction with sizzling pop songs including: "A Girl Like You," "Only A Memory," and "Blood and Roses."

These talented singer-songwriters bring their amazing "A Place to Land" tour to Chesapeake. Come hear the future of country music as Little Big Town's highly acclaimed album comes to life with a thrilling live performance on the Bagley Stage at City Park.

If you think you are the grill master on the 15th & 16th there will be a bbq cookout. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs.

From funnel cakes to smoothies, the Jubilee has food for everyone's taste

this info brought to you buy Dee Dee Jones The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady, http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Can we just enjoy Spring for goodness sake!!!!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:40:59 -0500

First the terrorist, then the financial crisis, then the mortgage meltdown, and now the swine flu. Enough is Enough!!!! I will turn off the TV the news at least for the next few weeks and try to just enjoy spring. I am going to plant some flowers, work in my yard, and enjoy the new warmth and sunshine. I have had enough. I will go ride a bike, get some exercise, ( I ordered the new Pilate's machine), I will show property to the smart buyers and savvy investors sharp enough to know that the best deals can be found now. I will relax, I will play with my kids, I may even go to the beach. I am at the point of burnout with all the bad news. My husband and son watch the History channel alot and are convinced the world is ending in 2012. I am a glass is half full kind of girl, and though I am not naive that we need to get the swine flu under raps before we are living a movie about a world epedemic, I do believe I have had just about all I can take of CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and my local news horror stories. I am looking for the happy stuff, the positive stuff, all this negative is breeding negative. Where are the awards for the do gooders, the stories on the war heroes, the thousands of people held at the borders for quarantine to be cured, the stories that the flu can be cured quickly if found early. Is anyone else sick of the negative, And if so keep writing positive blogs and I am one person who will be sure to read them!!!!!!

Dee Dee Jones The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!!!! http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Timely Tuesday Title Tips...Gimme Five...!!!

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:38:44 -0500

Ok it is Wednesday but here are Tuesdays title tips from Fran The Title Man but its worth the read.

Via Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.):

From time to time I like to pass on some practical suggestions that we glean from seeing a number of Real Estate closings pass through our system...

Keeping in mind 'Real Estate is local', and as such, real estate transactions are subject to local laws and customs...thus, practices may differ from region to region even within a State...!

1. If you hire an attorney to guide you through a transaction, be sure to employ them BEFORE you sign any legal documents, especially an agreement of sale...!!!

2. Be prepared to document all funds required in a transaction...'mystery' monies often will negate a transaction from closing...so providing bank statements detailing recent deposits will expedite greatly your closing time...!

3. When shopping for a mortgage, please don't use 'quoted interest rates' as the sole determinant of your final choice of lenders...interview loan officers until you find one you trust...then stick with him/her...!

4. Select your own choice of settlement service providers...don't buy into that 'one stop shopping' ploy...if someone wears more than one hat in a real estate transaction, chances are they have multiple agendas, which may not place you at the top of their 'care list'...!

5. In real estate transactions, where so much of your time and money are invested, there are no such thing as 'dumb questions'...there are, however, 'dumb answers', so don't be afraid to ask questions of the many real estate professionals involved in a typical real estate transaction...and don't wait until the last minute...if something is bothering you that you don't fully understand, raise a flag and get an answer...

Finally, use these tips and be assured that in spite of what you may read or hear about real estate professionals, the majority are concerned consumers just like you and me...!!!

10 Reasons That You Should Wait to Buy in this Market

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:02:32 -0500

My AR associate JL Boney III, from South Carolina gave 10 reasons that are great for anyone who is on the fence to read. With a little humor the point is well made so I am sharing his post with you.

Via JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat):

With all the posts out there about how now is the best time in history to run out and buy a home, I thought it only fair to show you the reasons that you should not do so. The last thing this economy needs is for consumers to start spending money, that would actually cause the great deals to go away. Mainly due to the fact that it would cause the economy and the real estate market to recover, and at this point that's the last thing we need.

10- Rent is fun to pay. I mean it's not at all like having to pay your own mortgage, why do that when you can pay a mortgage for someone else. If you went out and bought a home, there would be one less investor out there getting a free house with your money.

9- The amount of homes for sale on the market. There is no need to running out there when you have a ton of homes for sale at your disposal. You should certainly wait for the numbers to dwindle so you will have less of a choice you decide to buy. This will keep you from having to be so picky.

8- The great deals will be the first to go. This will be your indicator that you are getting close to time to start looking. All the good homes will be taken and then you can go sift through the left overs for what you can salvage.

7- Low Interest rates. Low interest rates will cause your mortgage payments to be lower, and this may make you feel like you are not doing your fair share. You should definitely wait around for those rates to rise so you can make a higher monthly payment. Then you won't have to deal with the guilt of saving money.

6- The price of homes for sale. Currently many homes for sale are on the market at very competitive lower prices. If you can manage to hang in there a little longer without buying a home, then you can catch market during or after a recovery. This means that you will get to pay more for the home than you would today.

5- With today's rates and prices, mortgages on many homes for sale are actually cheaper than rent on the same homes. Again this would possibly save you money, and that's not what you want to do. You need to wait for the prices to rise so you're not getting as good of a deal.

4- A 10% of the sales price tax credit up to $8,000. If you were to buy a home now,and you are a first time home buyer, then you would receive this tax credit. If you can hold out until next year, then you will be able to avoid this tax credit all together. This will save you the aggravation of trying to decide what to do with the extra money on next year's tax return.

3-Builder incentives. At present, in addition to the competitive prices, many builders are offering other incentives on new homes. Incentives like a percentage of of the home for sale depending on your employment and reduced pricing on upgrades. Some are even offering free upgrades and tossing in little extras that they normally do not offer in order to sweeten the pot. This would mean that you could get a great deal on a brand new home in your area, and that's the last thing you want. Wait for these deals to be snatched up other buyers before you even consider looking for your new home.

2- Lack of competition for you. Right now with many would be buyers sitting on the fence trying to make a decision, you would have your pick of the litter as far as the homes currently available are concerned. You need to wait until many more buyers are on the search, that way you can possibly end up in multiple offer situations and have to fight another buyer over the home you really want.

1- The pride of home ownership. There is no reason to come home to a home that actually belongs to you. Why not constantly come home to a house that you are buying for someone else.

I hope that in some way this has helped anyone reading to figure out why you should stay on that fence. There are really too many great deals and incentives out there to subject yourself to making a decision as to which one you want. So hang in there and stay on those sidelines. With a little discipline and a little luck you'll be able to avoid all the great deals that this current market has to offer. Best of luck to you.

www.jlboney.com

Welcome the Norfolk Real Estate Lady to AR!

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:06:50 -0500

Please take a moment to welcome Shirley Hardy from Wainwright Real Estate in Virginia Beach,

she has finally decided to take the plunge into Active Rain. I know you Rainers will give her much support as she starts out learning about blogging, posting and all the Active Rain stuff. She has not started posting yet, our goal for this week is to customize her page. One step at a time! Please post a comment here to welcome her to Active Rain.

Shirley B. Hardy is a dedicated professional with many years of experience of working with people. Her early experience was as a school teacher and later as a Human Resources professional. Shirley brings this same level of commitment and professionalism to the Real Estate field. She is committed to making each step of the process of buying or selling a home as stress-free and professional as possible. You can depend on Shirley Hardy to make your buying or selling experience rewarding from start to finish.

DEDICATED TO GIVING RED CARPET TREATMENT!

Shirley is a real estate agent specializing in the 55 and up Communities, New Construction and Relocation Clients. She is a great addition to the DJones Real Estate Team and we call her the Norfolk Real Estate Lady! You can contact her at shirleybhardy@gmail.com if you have referrals in any Hampton Roads area: Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Portsmouth, or Chesapeake.

09 Hampton Jazz Festival

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:59:58 -0500

If you have never gone to the Hampton Jazz Festival, this year the line up is one of the best. Hampton, VA is home to the Hampton Colisuem. Every year many people travel to visit the Colisuem to check out great music for all ages. Do not miss this event.

Friday, June 26 at 7:30 pm
Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds
George Benson
Ledisi
Jazz Attack featuring
Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler
and Richard Elliot.
Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 pm
The O'Jays
Michael McDonald
Fantasia
The Forte Jazz Band
featuring Brian Pinner
Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 pm
Patti Labelle
Robin Thicke
Chuck Brown
Keiko Matsui

Tickets to the 42nd Annual Hampton Jazz Festival are priced at $52.50 per seat, per performance, plus service charge and handling fee where applicable. Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, March 28 at 10 am online at http://www.ticketmaster.com, at all VA, MD, and DC Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Hampton Coliseum Box Office. Group rates are available for groups of 45 or more. Additional Festival information is available online at http://www.hamptonjazzfestival.com/

Thinking of selling this Spring ? -- NOW is the time to start the PREPARATION !

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:52:16 -0500

Its that time of year time to declutter, spring clean, put your house on the market and get it Sold. If you are thinking of selling a home in the Hampton Roads area this year the time to get started has come. Looking for great home selling tips and Real Estate advice, then look to my fellow Active Rainer - That British Agent from Maywood, NJ Sheldon Neal- Sheldon recently shared the following Active Rain Blog. This is great real estate advice for even Hampton Roads Sellers to follow so I am passing it on. The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady.

Via Sheldon Neal -- That British Agent -- (Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited):

If you are planning to put your home up for sale this upcoming Spring, don't be surprised if it creeps up on you, and that you find Spring is here before you know it !!

It is already more than a week into February and the Groundhog has already seen his shadow - but these next six weeks will probably fly by, and you may find yourself faced with the less desirable scenario of being forced to RUSH your home onto the market, so that you don't miss the Spring Buying Season - the season which historically sees the most buyers out there looking for homes out of all times of the year.

Selling in this current market can be stressful enough, but adding a last-minute-preparation-panic to the mix, will almost certainly make it that much more difficult for you and your family to deal with.

So to help you prepare your home - and yourself ! - for the Spring Season, keep the following points in mind, and they should give you the best chance for success with selling your home over the next months.

1) Start Now ! -- The more time you have to implement some of the following items, the more likely you can fit it all in along with your current daily schedule.

2) Get A "Home Sale" Notebook. You can pick them up for a dollar or two from Staples, CVS or similar stores, and make it RED, or another color that stands out - this way it will be hopefully be easier to spot when you need it ! The purpose of the "Home Sale" Notebook, is so that you always have a central place to refer to as your home sale progresses. When you have questions that you want to ask your Realtor, write them in the notebook so you dont forget them, when you have things to add to your "To-Do" list, add them to your notebook so you can always refer to it and stay on track. You will collect various papers along the way too, tuck these in the back of the notebook, again, this way you keep all thing related to your "Home Sale" in one central place.

3) Have a Family Meeting ! Selling your home will affect everyone under your roof in different ways. It is important that you are all together for support and assistance. There will certainly be packing, moving, & cleaning, & possibly painting and other tasks, so rally the troops and make sure everyone is on the same page. (Pizza or chinese food are often good incentives for jobs well done !!) ... and if there are children in the family, they may need a one on one chat in private just to check-in and make sure they are doing OK - moving house, possibly away from their friends, their school, and their comfortable neighborhood, can often be particularly scary for kids - and a friendly check in from time to time from mom or dad, letting them know it's all going to be OK, can often ease that anxiety.

4) Choose a Realtor NOW ! -- Don't wait until the week that you want to list your home. Here's why. Typically your local, knowledgeable Realtor can help you with your preparation, and make sure you are focusing your energy on the most beneficial tasks to get your home in ship-shape for listing ! There are sometimes decisions that homeowners make, which actually hurt the desirability of their home to most potential buyers - so set up your Realtor interviews now, find out how they plan to market your home, and once you select a Realtor, schedule a time to sit down with them as soon as possible to go over a PRE-LISTING Gameplan !

5) Take a Deep Breath ! -- You are just taking the first steps, but starting out on the right foot can often lead to a smoother, less stressful journey though your real estate transaction.

6) Do a 'Home Walkthrough' - with your Home Sale Notebook ! -- Go room by room, and jot down things that you feel need to be done before you can list your home. These things may include removing and storing excess clutter or un-needed furniture, fixing or replacing broken blinds, light switches, closet doors, noting rooms or furniture that need to be painted, jot down which rooms may have carpets that need cleaning, or even replacing. Hardwood floors are a desired floor covering for many buyers right now, so it is important that even if you have carpets, that you know whether there is hardwood underneath the carpet or not. Note your findings down in your notebook and go over them with your chosen Realtor at your PRE-LISTING Gameplan meeting !

7) Do a Repair Cost Analysis-- This is often overlooked by sellers. But all the items that you note down from your walkthough, (or that are recommended by your Realtor) have a cost associated with them. Sometimes a lot of repairs or improvements can be done relatively inexpensively, but if you wanted to give your kitchen a 'boost' by installing a new granite countertop for example before putting it on the market, then you will need to know exactly how much that estimate will be, so you can confirm that it is within your budget to install. Keep track of all your desired improvements and their costs.

8) Plastic Tubs are your FRIENDS! -- These 18 gallon containers that you can pick up from Target, Wal-Mart or similar stores, can make your life a whole lot easier - and if you check the Sunday Newspaper supplements, you can often find them on sale for just $3.99 or $4.99. Now cardboard boxes can be OK, but the plastic tubs are extremely durable, they stack well, and the most important thing, is that if for some reason the boxes are stored in a basement or place that may get a water leak of any description, the plastic tubs will almost certainly protect all your belongings inside - in that situation, a cardboard box will simply soak up the water and your belongings may be ruined.... this I can attest to from personal experience many years ago ! Now, I use plastic tubs without question

9) Consider PODS or a Storage Unit -- Many sellers that understand the need to remove a lot of items or furniture from their home to give the best 'first impression' to anyone who walks through the front door, choose to store the excess items in a storage unit, or in PODS (Portable On Demand Storage).

10) Divide and Conquer ! -- It's much more difficult to do all the preparation on your own, so take that list of To-Do items and see who in your family, or which friends can help you. Again, it's often good to have an offering of lunch or dinner at the ready ! - especially for the extra time consuming chores like room painting or packing a mountain of boxes !

11) Confirm and keep track of your next home. -- Whatever your plans are for your next home, whether you have already secured a home to move into, or if you have to coincide the sale of your current home, with a purchase of a new home, make sure you stay in tune with the availability and timing.

12) PRICE IT RIGHT ! -- When all your improvements are completed, and you are ready to list your home, sit down with your Realtor again and spend a significant amount of time digesting the market analysis your agent will provide. It is the single most important factor right now in positioning your home to sell as fast as possible. If you price it incorrectly, it can be a lost cause from the start. Determine the market value, and if you have the ability to list it a small cut below that price, you will draw the most attention possible right out of the gates !

13) Remind yourself that selling your home is a good thing ! -- It may be easier to say this to yourself now, but it's important to remind yourself of this periodically, even if the road becomes challenging at times. A way to keep focused and positive is to choose the right Realtor. They will be by your side from start to finish, so it is critical that you choose the best fit for your family and your intentions.



These thirteen tips will get you started on the right foot, and will help you organize your weeks leading up to putting your home on the market !

Contrary to many media reports out there, homes are selling right now !!!

... just make sure you do everything in your capabilities to make sure your home is one of them !

And remember your Realtor is there by your side, every step of the way !

Good Luck !

Did you know you can challenge your tax bill?

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:29:44 -0500

Did you know you can challenge your tax bill?

In Hampton Roads cities many homes are being appraised for less than there tax value for the first time in years. If you are in an area of declining value and you have proof or believe your tax assessment is to high you can call your city real estate assessor's office to point out the discrepancy and challenge the assessment.

We all know lower taxes and lower interest rates can give us the lowest possible payment and many are taking advantage of refinancing their homes. In the past year, the median price for homes in South Hampton Roads has dropped 7.4 percent, according to our mls, Real Estate Information Network REIN, the Virginia Beach-based multiple listing service. Sales of existing homes also have fallen to unusually low levels.

For those of you looking to save money, after finding a qualified loan officer to assess whether you can or should refinance your home, do not forget to consider reviewing your tax bill and home owners insurance policy. Reducing these costs can save you hundreds more dollars a month. Or often times error such as wrong room sizes, square footage adjustments, and additions can be updated to make the bill more accurate.

To contact your local assessor in the seven cities click your city link;

This info brought to you by

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Chesapeake Park District Spring Summer 09

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:14:11 -0500

Looking for Spring and Summer Activities for your kids and family to do!

Chesapeake Park District put out the Spring Summer 09 Leisure Guide today. You can pick one up at any Chesapeake Recreation City or go to http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/leisureguide/Spring_Summer2009.pdfto view or print the pdf. You will find activities for toddlers thru senior ages and for boys and girls. Dance, Gymnastic football and use of the gym are my families favorite activities.

For those of you new to the area Chesapeake and Virginia Beach have two of the areas best park and recreation programs. Check out the link and register early because classes do fill up. You can go to the main website http://www.chesapeake.va.us/and view the pdf or there is also instructions on how to receive a guide by mail.

This information brought to you by

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

Home Buyers stop standing on the side lines playing double dutch

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:41:00 -0500

Buyers stop standing on the side lines playing double dutch. If you do not know when to jump in, The Time to buy a home is now. You keep thinking next month, next week, or next year you can get the best home or best rate, and best deal. You don't realize the best time is now before you throw away more money renting.

Reasons to Jump in the market now:

1. Rates are great. I know every year you see ads that say rates are the lowest they have been in years. Well it is true. Rates are the lowest they have been in years.

2. Great deals are out there. There are many owners that will pay your closing cost, pay discount points, or even give you furniture. The deals are out there and you need a good agent to help you find them.

3. Loans, even with all the problems banks, brokers, and mortgage companies have had many are putting together great loan packages for buyers. But you have to jump in by calling a loan officer to get preapproved not just prequalified. Which will give you even greater purchasing power. And remember they are also competing for business so you may be able to negotiate fees and rates depending on the company you choose.

4. Inventory, You have choices in this market. You do not have to settle for anything. Resale homes by desperate sellers, relocating sellers are the best deals. Foreclosures, REO properties, and repos are out there but may take special financing. Short Sales can be great deals if you have the time to wait out the process. A good agent can show you your choices and help you make a good decision. Your loan type may dictate what properties you can view.

For information on Buying a home in Hampton Roads 7 cities call me The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady! or if you need help finding a great competent agent in another city or state contact me.

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

The power of TV and social media

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:28:36 -0500

Ok, I was working and watching ELLEN this am and, P Diddy is explaining to her what Twitter is and how he now has 100,000's of followers. He tweets that he is sitting with her to show her an example on how to do it. So then she plays a game with some viewers and mentions that Vizio the tv company is giving away a million dollars worth of Flat screen 55 inch tvs, go to http://vizio.com. They have a link to share the sweepstakes with your myspace, twitter, and facebook audience. When I log on to Twitter, it says temporarily over capacity. I think is this directly related to Ellen's show. The power of TV is awesome.

It is amazing that with Twitter you can reach out to all your followers in seconds.

The power of new social media is exploding and for those of you who fought against Internet advertising you will be left behind if your not on Twitter, linked in,Myspace, Facebook, create your profile and get cracking. A good agent in 2009, will be using these tools to market homes, you can share videos and pictures, and contact your sphere of influence with no pressure. Do not let this FREE technology pass you by.

Dee Dee Jones

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Will the uncluttered homes please stand up

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:05:40 -0500

After a day of showing property in Hampton Roads I was left baffled at how many sellers do not bother to unclutter or just simply clean up their homes. I went to a home in Norfolk, VA in which I literally stepped over underwear to show the bathroom and had to tell my clients to imagine a shower with out hanging bras. I had gave a days notice so this was not a last minute appt. We looked at a few more homes then wandered in a home in Chesapeake, VA that had to be owned by a person with DISPOSOPHOBIA the fear of getting rid of stuff. This is not the actual home but it looked this bad.

It only takes a moment to council sellers on the proper way to show a home so it will Sell. This is a buyers market and appearance is everything. Take the time to clean of the counters and refrigerator. Its Spring the best time of the year to clean out drawers, closets, and get rid of stuff even furniture you do not need. If its in good shape sell your stuff on ebay, or craigslist.

For more info on the proper way to sell your home call

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

http ://DJonesSellsHomes.com

What snow in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:30:51 -0600

I am originally from Southern California, I have lived in Louisiana, Illinois, and now Virginia. Today, was so funny. It finally snowed in Hampton Roads, VA and you would have thought the world was coming to and end. The News talked as if the mother of all storms had hit. School District started calling at 5:45am that school would be on a 2 hour delay. Two of my kids school buses never showed up. I just knew that I would go out side to see my car buried in 4 inches of snow. I thought I would need to fine my ice scraper and shovel. To my surprise I was greeted by a very cold wind, a half inch of snow, and a thin layer of ice. The neighborhood looked slightly powdered in sugar. So that made my 3 kids extra excited.

My youngest do not remember Illinois having to shovel snow and spinning on black ice which is the worst thing. But I know by 5pm this snow will be melted and gone for another few years. There were reports of 39 accidents in Hampton Roads. But, In the end the North East, Mid West, and even the Carolinas would be laughing at what we call a snow storm down here in the 7 cities. Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Homebuying Tax Credit 09 info for Hampton Roads

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:36:04 -0600

For those of you who asked about updated Tax Credit info here it is: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ for more info.

Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction - a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It's important to remember that the $8,000 tax credit is just that... a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it's a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, they would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a homebuyer is liable for $4,000 in income tax, he can offset that $4,000 with half of the tax credit... and still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Phase-out Examples
According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000.

To break down what this phase-out means to homebuyers who are over those amounts, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) offers the following examples:

Example 1: Assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phase-out to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time homebuyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.

Example 2: Assume that an individual homebuyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer's income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.

Remember, these are general examples. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Homes that Qualify
The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single-family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhouses and condominiums. In addition, manufactured or homes and houseboats used for principle residence also qualify.

Higher Loan Amounts
More good news - there is an extension on the additional tier of conforming loan amounts which had been first established in 2008. This tier of home loans are those greater than $417,000, and with a maximum that depends on the area, but is not greater than $729,750. These loans will again be eligible for rates that are slightly higher than conforming loan rates, but less expensive than the standard "jumbo" loan rates.
FHFA News Release -

For more info go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ for more info.

I will be sure to update you with more info as more changes come.

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

3BD 2BTH MOVE IN READY RANCH! WOW 99,900

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:02:51 -0600

3015 Peronne Ave Norfolk VA Move in Ready!

Complete Remodel! REDUCED FOR QUICK SELL! 3bd 2bth with office, New Kitchen, New flooring, New appliances, closing cost assistance, 3bd plus office, New paint, Newer AC, HVAC,& windows. 1 month free COX Bundle Package. Close to Downtown, minutes from Bases. More info at http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Contact Information

Deandrea Dee Dee Jones

757-831-8294

ddjones35@gmail.com

Location

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
UNITED STATES

Links

My Website

Virtual Tour

You Tube Video

FEATURES

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Partial Bathrooms:

Subdivision: Lafayette Annex

Square Footage: 1030

Year Built: 1921

School District: Norview

MLS/IDX#: 0906204

Status: For Sale

Metro Area:

ATTRIBUTES

Rooms

Dining Room

Laundry Room

Office

Parking Type

On Street

Interior Amenities

Air Conditioning

Cable Ready

Central Air

Central Heat

Heating Source

Gas

Floor Covering

Carpet

Linoleum / Vinyl

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Building Exterior

Vinyl

Architectural Style

Ranch / Rambler

Appliances

Range / Oven

Full Refrigerator

Microwave

PRICING

Asking Price: 99900

Flexibility: Negotiable

Currency: USD

Additional Pricing Information: Closing Cost Assistance

Taxes: 1034

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 464217

Photo Gallery

Sawitonline.com LISTING ID:: 464217

Direct Buy Program

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:02:35 -0600

Has anyone taking the direct buy free look orientation or bought a membership?

I admit it looks and sounds great. But besides Sam's Club I hate to pay monthly for anything.

Their website boast, that they are "the #1 way to buy direct for your home. Discover how you can purchase home furnishings and appliances directly from the manufacturer."

The commercials outline huge discounts of course I know it is a commercial. They weigh the pros & cons of wholesale vs resale.

They even mention discounts on contractors.

So If you know anything about this program. Please pass on the info. Thanks in advance for sharing.

Dee Dee Jones

Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

More State and Govt Real Estate Programs

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:31:05 -0600

Everyone is focused on the $7500 tax credit but do you know about the other state and government programs and there impact on the economy.

Foreclosure Relief- This will offer a refinance program that will help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. Yeah Less Foreclosures!!!

FHA Modernization - maximum loan will increase to 115% of median home price in area up to $625,500. This means will be seeing a lot of FHA buyers in 09.

Mortgage Revenue Bonds-States will be given the authority to issue an additional $11 billion dollars to be used to refinance subprime loans and help more first time buyers obtain a mortgage.

GSE Government Sponsored Enterprises- will regulate the industry helping buyers secure financing for homes in high priced markets such as California and the North East. And will become a viable alternative from interest only loans.

LIHTC Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Bonds-helps construct and rehabilitate affordable housing. This will also create more jobs. Open up home ownership opportunities to more people.

Community Development Block Grants -The legislation provides $3.9 billion in grants to state and local governments for the purchase of foreclosed homes and the rehabilitation or redevelopment of residential property. This also will create and sustain more jobs.

For more information on these programs go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/how.php

Dee Dee Jones

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

Http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

Free Denny's Gram Slam Breakfast TODAY ONLY!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:39:41 -0600

Dennys's Free Breakfast to everyone in America

Did you see the Superbowl Commercial?

Free Gram Slam Breakfast TODAY ONLY!

Dine-in only. Offer limited to Tuesday, 2/3/09, 6 am to 2 pm in all Denny's restaurants in the United States*, Canada and Puerto Rico while supplies last.
*With exception of 350 Baker Blvd., Baker, CA and 740 S. Main St., Las Cruces, NM.

visit http://www.Dennys.com to find a location.

Dee Dee Jones

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady!

Wainwright Real Estate

www.DJonesSellsHomes.com

Active Rain referral network

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:44:49 -0600

Another successful Active Rain referral transaction. This time it was from a referral I gave away. The agent Tamara McGhee of Keller Williams Realty was awesome. She kept me updated throughout the transaction and the clients I referred were very Happy with her services. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Richmond, VA area then please give Tamara McGhee a call or email tamaramcghee@kw.com.

Dee Dee Jones

Wainwright Real Estate

The Hampton Roads Real Estate Lady

http://DJonesSellsHomes.com

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The Chesapeake Jubilee is May 14-17 ,

Can we just enjoy Spring for goodness sake!!!!

Timely Tuesday Title Tips...Gimme Five...!!!

10 Reasons That You Should Wait to Buy in this Market

Welcome the Norfolk Real Estate Lady to AR!

09 Hampton Jazz Festival

Thinking of selling this Spring ? -- NOW is the time to start the PREPARATION !

If you are planning to put your home up for sale this upcoming Spring, don't be surprised if it creeps up on you, and that you find Spring is here before you know it !!

Contrary to many media reports out there, homes are selling right now !!!

... just make sure you do everything in your capabilities to make sure your home is one of them !

Good Luck !

Did you know you can challenge your tax bill?

Chesapeake Park District Spring Summer 09

Home Buyers stop standing on the side lines playing double dutch

The power of TV and social media

Will the uncluttered homes please stand up

What snow in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Homebuying Tax Credit 09 info for Hampton Roads

3BD 2BTH MOVE IN READY RANCH! WOW 99,900

Direct Buy Program

More State and Govt Real Estate Programs

Free Denny's Gram Slam Breakfast TODAY ONLY!

Active Rain referral network