Edith's Blog

It's been a LONG time!

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:11:40 -0700

My first AR blog in years!

Let me start out by letting each and every one of my AR friends know how much I have missed you!! I haven't blogged in soooooo long, that I am feeling a bit disconnected.

A lot has happened and changed since then.

I have entered into the medical field
I have moved to a new Real Estate firm
I have watched my children grow soooooo much
Anticipating this September. For, all of my children will be attending school! =)
New home
New family members

Well, I could go on and on.

So, now that you know what I have been up to, how about you all let me in on what's been going on in your neck of the woods.

Adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath Rancher in the heart of Chester, VA.

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:50:34 -0700

Edith Wharton | Basecamp Realty | 804-247-5980

10770 Old Centralia Road, Chester, VA

3bdrm/2ba, Huge Eat-In-Kitchen w/ walk in bay window, Laundry room, Gas log Fire place, w/w carpeting, pull down attic, Large rear deck, Shed/wooden s

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $167,000

Year Built	1985
Sq Footage	1,158
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	Unspecified
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	30,056 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Welcome home to this adorable 3bdrm,2full bath, vinyl sided rancher. This home boasts a large eat-in-kitchen w/vinyl flooring, walk-in bay window,garbage disposal,double door fridge w/ icemaker,dishwasher and flat-top stove.All appliances convey "as is".Beautiful gas fireplace with w/w carpeting in living room.Master bdrm sports a private bathroom w/ updated cabinetry and sink.The exterior of the home includes a spacious rear deck with handicap accessible ramp and steps, roomy newer shed, wooden swingset, and paved driveway.Old Republic Warranty and $1,000 closing costs paid by Seller. All this and more located in the desirable Chester area. **Agent related to owner.**

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Attic	- Washer
- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Paved driveway

- Landscaped yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Welcome Home!

Landscaped Front yard

Contact info:

Edith Wharton

Basecamp Realty

804-247-5980

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 2, 2010, 12:56pm PDT

Important drug recall

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:00:24 -0700

This was in my email this morning and I thought it should be shared.

IMPORTANT DRUG RECALL

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.
STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been
linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain )
among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use
of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA
recommended that everyone ( even children ) seek alternative
medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medi cine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy &Fever Relief
Day &Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu &Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold &Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold &Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold &Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp ! 4 Hour L iquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus &Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest &Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold &Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container
for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children :

Orange 3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant
They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with
the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!

DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.

To confirm these findings please take time to check the
following:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN IN CASE THEY GIVE IT TO THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

Clients who turned out to be new friends!!

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:18:55 -0700

I know I haven't posted anything on AR in quite a long time. I really think I was going through some kind of bloggers block of some sorts. LOL!!

Anyhoo, I recently received an email, a referral letter you could say, from clients of mine. I actually don't really call them clients anymore, because they are more like new friends .

So, I just wanted to take this opportunity to share the letter they wrote me.

Dear Edith,

We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate all of your hard work you have done for us. You were very professional and extremely helpful when ever we needed you. You were also, very prompt when it came to returning our phone calls. We really did enjoy doing business with you. Personally, it was more like working with a new friend than, just dealing with business. You made the whole process so much easier to go through. We had no idea that we would be in our new home so soon. We would be more than happy to refer anyone to you. You really have chosen the right profession for yourself. You are truly a professional Realtor. All-Terrain Richmond Realty should be lucky to have you. Sincerely, Mr.and Mrs.Bowens

You see, we shouldn't just aim to meet new clients, but to make new friends as well. ;0)

Are you giving your 10 % ?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:12:14 -0700

Are you giving your 10% ? No, I'm not talking about tithing your money.

I'm talking about tithing your time.

We know we are supposed to give the first 10% of our income, but how about the first 10% of our day?

We should be giving the first of everything, not just money, to God.

My question to you is this, "How do you spend the first of your day with , God?"

update.......

I want to take this time to say, that we are truly supposed to give above and beyond. It's not about the 10% , it's about the first of everything. So, just as you would give the first of your fruits, in that also, give the first of your day. And by no means, stop at the first, but rather give your all!

You truly will reap what you sow, so....... sow your best !

Give until it hurts

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:11:17 -0700

Today, I finally did it! I went to the salon and had my hair cut!

You're probably thinking," Who cares!", but that's exactly why I did. It was because I cared enough, and yes it was quite a sacrifice on my part, but it was done out of unselfishness.

(What in the world is this girl rambling on about!) PLEASE KEEP READING i PROMISE THERE IS A POINT TO THIS.

Here's my before picture

And actually, this was taken a while back ago , last year , so my hair was way longer than this, when I had it cut today.

I had this done so I could donate my hair to LOCKS OF LOVE.

For those of you that have no idea what LOCKS OF LOVE is, I'll explain.

They are a charity who take people's donated hair ( has to be at least 10 in long or longer to be donated) and they make wigs out of it.

These wigs are given to children who don't have hair due to amny reasons, such as, chemotherapy, alopecia, or may have had their scalp burned. These wigs boost the self esteem of these dear little children and I was more than happy to help!

Here is my after photo ( sorry so blurry had to take it with my phone, because my digital was dead)

I had 14.5 in. cut off to be donated.

If you would like more information on LOCKS OF LOVE, please go to their web site at LOCKSOFLOVE.ORG

Things aren't always what they seem to be (something to think about)

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:28:01 -0700

Today, Joslyn Panka, emailed me a story, that I had heard awhile back ago. I felt that it should be posted here on Active Rain for everyone to read.

(sorry Joslyn I have no idea how to stick your link in this post) Please check out Joslyn's posts here on Active Rain,too! http://activerain.com/joslynpanka

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night
in the home of a wealthy family.

The family was rude and refused to let the angels
stay in the mansion's guest room.

Instead the angels were given a small space in
the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the
older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel
replied,

"Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house
of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his
wife.

After sharing what little food they had the couple
let the angels sleep in their bed where they could
have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels
found the farmer and his wife in tears

Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole
income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the
older angel how could you have let this happen?

The first man had everything, yet you helped him,
she accused.

The second family had little but was willing to
share everything, and you let the cow die.

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older
angel replied.

"When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I
noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the
wall.

Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and
unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the
wall so he wouldn't find it."

"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed,
the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him
the cow instead.

Things aren't always what they seem."

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things
don't turn out the way they should. If you have
faith, you just need to trust that every outcome
is always to your advantage. You just might not
know it until some time later..

CENTRAL VIRGINIA RENTERS: THINK YOU CAN'T OWN YOUR OWN HOME? THINK AGAIN!

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:06:33 -0700

Are you paying rent and don't think you can afford to own your own home?
Chances are , that if you are able to pay rent you can own a home.

When you pay rent, you are taking the money you worked so hard for and just handing it over to the Landlord and paying his mortgage for him. Not to mention placing some of that money in his pocket!

When you own your home you are investing that money in your homes equity, which over time increases. You will eventually reap that equity once you sell the home or refinance it.

Think of homeownership as a GIANT PIGGY BANK!

So, if you would like to own your own home , but don't know where to begin....contact me and I will walk you through every step of the homebuying process and will answer all the questions you may have.
I always put your needs first!

I can be reached at 804-247-5980

"Working to get you the keys to the home of your dreams!"

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA CIVIL WAR SITES (CHESTER, VA. REAL ESTATE)

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 22:12:52 -0700

Chesterfield County Tourism and Leisure

Visit Civil War Sites!

Civil War

In 1861, Chesterfield County was assured a prominent role in the Civil War. Its geographic proximity to Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, combined with various railroads and the James and Appomattox rivers, made it an obvious target for the Union army and navy. In the spring of 1862, a Union naval fleet, led by the famous ironclad Monitor, steamed up the James River. All that stood in their way was the unfinished fort at Drewry¹s Bluff, just eight miles below Richmond. On May 15, Confederate guns in the fort fired on the Union ships. When the smoke cleared, the heavily damaged Union fleet was forced to retreat. Casualties were slight on both sides, and Chesterfield County would have a two-year reprieve before seeing action, again. Ulysses S. Grant took command of the Union army early in 1864, and in May, he planned strikes toward Richmond from several directions. The main Union army would approach from the north, while a smaller force, the Army of the James, would attack from the south by moving through Chesterfield County. On May 5, 1864, the Union army landed at Bermuda Hundred in eastern Chesterfield County and pushed inland. A series of battles took place at Port Walthall Junction, Swift Creek and Chester Station as Confederate troops desperately tried to block the approaches to Richmond. The climax of this campaign occurred on May 16, when the Confederates unexpectedly launched an attack that staggered the Union army and forced it to retreat back to Bermuda Hundred. This became known as the Second Battle of Drewry¹s Bluff. Combined casualties numbered about 6,200 during this campaign. In April 1865, the Petersburg front collapsed, forcing Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to move his army westward toward Appomattox Court House, where he surrendered.

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY VIRGINIA COUNTY SEAL

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:40:57 -0700

Chesterfield County's Seal

Although English colonists began moving into the area within four years of Jamestown's founding in 1607, Chesterfield was not created as a political unit until 1749. Formed from the southern half of Henrico County, one of Virginia's several original shires, the new county took the name of the celebrated literateur and politician Philip Dormer Stanhope, Fourth Earl of Chesterfield.

In 1870, the first action of the first Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors was to direct a seal to be created, "to wit: a coal miner leaning on his pick under a pine tree with a flowing river at his feet." This was chosen as the County's Seal because it was the first place in the nation where coal was mined commercially.

As a result of the industrious labors of miners, other "firsts" occurred in Chesterfield: Midlothian Turnpike, the first paved road in Virginia, was built in 1807 to carry carts of coal; and in 1831, the first railroad, the Midlothian to Manchester Railroad, was built to haul coal to Virginia's ports.

Chesterfield straddles two major topographic regions. Most of the county lies in the Piedmont, a region of gently rolling hills stretching between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastal plain. The pine tree on the seal represents the timber associated with the rolling hills of the area.

Although Chesterfield is laced by streams, most are too narrow or shallow to use as waterways. The James and Appomattox Rivers, though, served as major commercial corridors from the first period of European settlement. Thus, the river depicted on the seal.

Virginia's new major civil penalties CHESTER, VIRGINIA / RICHMOND , VA

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:31:55 -0700

To all of you lead feet out there effective July 1 in our wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia, any traffic ticket, with the exception of regular speeding, will carry heavy civil penalties (yes, this is a new charge) in addition to the fine and court costs that you will
have to pay.

Here are just a few............

Driving on a suspended or revoked permit - Civil penalty $750.00 + the court cost & fines

Reckless Driving - Civil penalty $1,050.00 + the court cost & fines

DUI - 1st offence - Civil penalty $2,250.00 + the court cost & fines

Failure to give proper signal - Civil penalty $1,050.00 + the court cost & fines

Leaving the scene of an accident - Civil penalty $3,000.00 + the court cost & fines

Be careful when you drive. Tell your friends.

This is the website that lists the offenses and how much each civil penalty is.

http://www.courts.state.va.us/publications/hb_3202.pdf

IF YOU HAVE A REAL ESTATE NEED IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA, CONTACT EDITH WHARTON.

I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP YOU WITH ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS.

EDITH WHARTON

804-741-9930 OR 804-641-4386

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

8901-A PATTERSON AVE. RICHMOND, VA. 23229

Water Country Usa Williamsburg , Va.

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:32:55 -0700

Last weekend we had a ball. We took the kids to Water Country in Williamsburg. They have so much to do there. Loads of water slides and 3-4 different kinds of kiddie pool areas. The food is actually really good, too!

We just packed our own lunch and drinks in a cooler though.

But , all in all , the kids and us had an absolute blast! Next time you are in the Williamsburg, Va area I highly recommend going!

Here are a few pictures we took there. Nothing special, just for a reminder of the fun we had.

These are my babies!

Me and my youngest

^ This is my hubby with our kids!

What's fun to do in your neck of the woods?

Richmond , Virginia Real Estate 3bd 2 ba rancher

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:43:05 -0700

THIS ONE IS SOLD! IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO SHOW YOU HOW I CAN GET YOUR HOME SOLD, TOO , OR IF YOU WANT ME TO SHOW YOU SIMILAIR LISTINGS, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU!

Very Cute , 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Rancher located in Richmond , Virginia on a culdesac lot.

This home boasts tons of storage space, dining / livingroom combo with sliding glass doors that open to a nice deck.

Kitchen has all updated appliances, including a dishwasher, fridge, stove, built in microwave. All of which convey with this lovely home! Newer oak cabinets have under cabinet lighting and a tin tile backslpash behind stove.

Washer and dryer with extra storage space above! Also has a pull down attic for added storage.

Masterbath sports double sinks , whirlpool tub, extra wide shower.

3 storage sheds one is attached to home other 2 are "as is".

Partially fenced yard and nicely landscaped.

Cement drive and Vinyl sided.

This home was built in 2002 and ready to go.

All this and more located on a cul-de-sac lot priced to sell at $165,000.

For more information on this or any other home in the central Virginia area, feel free to give me a call 804-741-9930 and ask for EDITH WHARTON or email me at wannasell4you@aol.com .

Edith Wharton

All-Terrain Richmond Realty

8901-A Patterson Ave.

Richmond, Va. 23229

TO CONDO OR NOT TO CONDO ?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Mon, 28 May 2007 22:42:57 -0700

The Pros and Cons of Condos

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.
Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.
Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.
Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.
Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants. Plus, you'll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.
Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity or not.
Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes usually are more individual.
Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
Proximity. You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.

SO YOUR MOVING....NOW WHAT?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 24 May 2007 16:21:30 -0700

Moving Tips for Sellers

•1. Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.

•2. Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.

•3. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.

•4. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.

•5. Cancel the newspaper.

•6. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

•7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

•8. Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

•9. Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.

•10. Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most-toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you're moving out of town:

•1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.

•2. Get copies of children's school records for transfer.

•3. Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.

•4. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.

•5. Let a friend or relative know your route.

•6. Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.

•7. Empty your safety deposit box.

•8. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather.

6 Items to Have on Hand for the New Owners

•1. Owner's manuals for items left in the house.

•2. Warranties for any items left in the house.

•3. A list of local service providers-the best dry cleaner, yard service, etc.

•4. Garage door opener.

•5. Extra sets of house keys.

•6. Code to burglar alarm and phone number of monitoring service if not discontinued.

EDITH WHARTON

BaseCamp Realty

804-247-5980

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

CLOSING COSTS

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:25:06 -0700

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

Downpayment
Loan origination fees
Points, or loan discount fees, you pay to receive a lower interest rate
Appraisal fee
Credit report
Private mortgage insurance premium
Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage
Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
Deed recording fees
Title insurance policy premiums
Survey
Inspection fees-building inspection, termites, etc.
Notary fees
Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills and property taxes

A Note About Prorations: Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance. For example, the gas company usually sends a bill each month for the gas used during the previous month. But assume you buy the home on the 6^th of the month. You would owe the gas company for only the days from the 6^th to the end for the month. The seller would owe for the first five days. The bill would be prorated for the number of days in the month, and then each person would be responsible for the days of his or her ownership.

FINAL WALK THROUGH- WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:06:46 -0700

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

Be sure that:

Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties.
All items that were included in the sale price-draperies, lighting fixtures-are still there.
Screens and storm windows are in place or stored.
All appliances are operating.
Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational.
Hot water heater is working.
HVAC is working.
No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard.
Garage door opener and other remotes are available.
Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are there.
All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed.

And just by a bad experience of my own, if a repair was to be made by the seller, in a place not easily seen, PLEASE, it might be a good idea to have the inspector come back for a second look at the said repair. It might mean a little more money out of your pocket now, but much better than it being a lot of money later.

I hope these tips were helpful to you.

WANT TO MAKE EXTRA CASH ?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Fri, 18 May 2007 22:50:09 -0700

Tips for Holding a Yard Sale

Hold a yard sale to reduce the clutter in your home and get rid of items you don't want to move.

•1. Check with your city government to see if you need a permit or license.

•2. See if neighbors want to participate and have a "block" sale to attract more visitors.

•3. Advertise. Put an ad in free classified papers, and put up signs and balloons at major intersections and in stores near your home.

•4. Price items ahead and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, yard sales are supposed to be bargains, so don't try to sell anything of significant value this way.

•5. Check items before the sale to be sure you haven't including something you want by mistake.

•6. Keep pets away from the sale.

•7. Display everything neatly and individually so customers don't have to dig through boxes.

•8. Have an electrical outlet so buyers can test appliances.

•9. Have plenty of bags and newspaper for wrapping fragile items.

•10. Get enough change, and keep a close eye on your cash.

HAPPY SELLING!!

LIKE THESE TIPS? EMAIL ME FOR MORE.... WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

FOR SALE BY OWNERS: WHO WILL YOU NEED WHEN YOU SELL?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:28:03 -0700

FSBOs: 17 Service Providers You'll Need When You Sell

Real estate attorney
Appraiser
Home inspector
Mortgage loan officer
Environmental specialist
Lead paint inspector
Radon inspector
Tax adviser
Sanitary systems expert
Occupancy permit inspector
Zoning inspector
Survey company
Flood plain inspector
Termite inspector
Title company
Insurance consultant
Moving company

Used with permission from Kim Daugherty, Real Estate Checklists and Systems (http://www.realestatechecklists.com/).

HOPE THIS INFORMATION IS HELPFUL TO YOU. ANY QUESTIONS, FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL ME. HAPPY SELLING!

EDITH WHARTON

804-247-5980

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

BaseCamp Realty

6645 Lake Harbour Drive

Midlothian, VA. 23112

FOR SALE BY OWNER OPEN HOUSE TIPS

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Thu, 17 May 2007 18:20:00 -0700

FSBOs: Open House Tips

Advertise your open house. Ideally you should advertise both the weekend before and the weekend of the open house. Check with the local paper to see when their ad closing deadlines are.

Create a property summary sheet. This sheet gives prospective buyers an overview of your home. Include dimensions for each room, copies of a property survey, summaries of utility costs and property taxes, and a list of when capital items, such as roofs and furnace, were added.

Develop a sign-in form for prospects' addresses. You'll ideally want both phone numbers and e-mail addresses to follow up with prospective buyers.

Put up signs. One or two days before the open house, place directional signs at major intersections within three to four blocks of your house. Be sure you check on anti-sign regulations in your area.

Get your house ready. Remove clutter, clean your house, wash your windows, add flowers, turn on lights, open draperies and blinds, remove valuables and breakables, confine pets, turn on soft music, and set up a table for your property fact sheet near the entrance.

Develop a follow-up sheet. Getting feedback on your home from prospects who attended your open house will give you a better understanding of how to make your home more appealing to buyers.

HOPE THESE TIPS ARE HELPFUL. ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL ME. HAPPY SELLING!

EDITH WHARTON

804-247-5980

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

FSBO TIPS ON HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Sat, 12 May 2007 22:15:04 -0700

TIPS ON HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME

Consider comparables. What have other homes in your neighborhood sold for recently? How do they compare to yours in terms of size, upkeep, and amenities?

Consider competition. How many other houses are for sale in your area? Are you competing against new homes?

Consider your contingencies. Do you have special concerns that would affect the price you'll receive? For example, do you want to be able to move in four months?

Get an appraisal. For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home's value. Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal. To locate appraisers in your area, contact The Appraisal Institute (http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/) or ask me for some recommendations.

Ask a lender. Since most buyers will need a mortgage, it's important that a home's sale price be in line with a lender's estimate of its value.

Be accurate. Studies show that homes priced higher than 3 percent over the correct price take longer to sell.

Know what you'll accept. It's critical to know what price you'll accept before beginning a negotiation with a buyer.

I hope these tips were helpful to you. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call! I would be more than happy to assist you in anyway I can!

EDITH WHARTON

804-247-5980

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

WHAT IS APPRAISED VALUE ?

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Wed, 09 May 2007 17:13:31 -0700

What Is Appraised Value?

It's an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ.

For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value-what the property could probably be sold for. Other types of value include insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes.

Appraised value is not a constant number. Changes in market conditions can dramatically alter appraised value.

Appraised value doesn't consider special considerations, like the need to sell rapidly.

Lenders usually use either the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less, to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer.

Used with permission from Kim Daugherty, Real Estate Checklists and Systems (http://www.realestatechecklists.com/).

Ready to buy or sell? Contact me at: EDITH WHARTON

804-741-9930

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

ALL-TERRAIN RICHMOND REALTY

8901-A PATTERSON AVE.

RICHMOND, VA. 23229

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO ASK A HOME INSPECTOR??

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 08 May 2007 10:11:18 -0700

10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors?
Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state.
How many inspections of properties such as this do you do each year?
Do you have a list of past clients I can contact?
Do you carry professional errors and omission insurance? May I have a copy of the policy?
Do you provide any guarantees of your work?
What specifically will the inspection cover?
What type of report will I receive after the inspection?
How long will the inspection take and how long will it take to receive the report?
How much will the inspection cost?

Portions adapted from Real Estate Checklists and Systems and used with permission (http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/www.realestatechecklists.com).

EDITH WHARTON

804-741-9930

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

8901-A PATTERSON AVE. RICHMOND, VA. 23229

HIDDEN HOME DEFECTS TO WATCH FOR

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 08 May 2007 10:04:09 -0700

Hidden Home Defects to Watch For

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:

Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics.
Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation.
Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home of in the yard.
Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level.
Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings.
Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place to plug in the grounding prong.
Plumbing problems. Very low water pressure, banging in pipes.

EDITH WHARTON

804-741-9930

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

8901-A PATTERSON AVE. RICHMOND, VA. 23229

10 THNGS TO TAKE THE TRAUMA OUT OF HOMEBUYING

Edith Wharton, Chesterfield VA Realtor (Cottage and Loft Realty) — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:58:54 -0700

10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.

Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.

Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.

Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.

Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself-room size, kitchen-that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it's like to live in your new home.

Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-homebuying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually from 1998 to 2002, a home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.

NEED A BUYER'S AGENT? CONTACT ME:

EDITH WHARTON

804-741-9930

WANNASELL4YOU@AOL.COM

8901-A PATTERSON AVE. RICHMOND , VA. 23229

Edith's Blog

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Richmond , Virginia Real Estate 3bd 2 ba rancher

TO CONDO OR NOT TO CONDO ?

The Pros and Cons of Condos

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.

Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.

Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.

SO YOUR MOVING....NOW WHAT?

CLOSING COSTS

FINAL WALK THROUGH- WHAT TO LOOK FOR

WANT TO MAKE EXTRA CASH ?

FOR SALE BY OWNERS: WHO WILL YOU NEED WHEN YOU SELL?

FSBOs: 17 Service Providers You'll Need When You Sell

FOR SALE BY OWNER OPEN HOUSE TIPS

FSBOs: Open House Tips

Advertise your open house. Ideally you should advertise both the weekend before and the weekend of the open house. Check with the local paper to see when their ad closing deadlines are.

FSBO TIPS ON HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME

TIPS ON HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME

WHAT IS APPRAISED VALUE ?

What Is Appraised Value?

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO ASK A HOME INSPECTOR??

HIDDEN HOME DEFECTS TO WATCH FOR

10 THNGS TO TAKE THE TRAUMA OUT OF HOMEBUYING

10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.