Take Me Home Country Road: Rural Living

By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame

In a world where the news flashes daily images of war, terrorism and crime more Americans are dreaming of a safe, quiet place to call home. They imagine moving to a small town community where safety and simplicity are easy to find. Potential homebuyers between the ages of forty and sixty are the most likely to be fed up with the fast pace of city dwelling. They are in search of a renewed sense of community and family. Relocation or purchase of a second home in a rural area can also be the perfect idea for homebuyers looking for long-term retirement solutions.

I Was Born In A Small Town
Small town living is especially attractive to buyers who were raised in a rural setting. Many want to recapture the security of their childhood and preserve it for their children. According to the National Association of REALTORS? 2003 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers fifty-six percent of the homebuyers purchasing in a rural location bought because of the neighborhood, while thirty-eight percent purchased in order to live closer to family and friends. The possibility of owning more land is also appealing. The 2003 Profile also shows ten percent of repeat buyers purchased property in rural settings and most were hunting for more space.

In Virginia, rural counties like New Kent, Middlesex, Gloucester, King and Queen, Mathews and King William are all seeing this relocation trend. In my real estate business about eighty percent of my sales in these areas are buyers moving from metropolitan areas. These are places where you can sleep with the windows open and everyone in town knows you. Many locations are only forty-five minutes or an hour from the city, so buyers still have access to health care, higher paying jobs, shopping centers and other activities.

Telecommuting: The Wave Of The Future
Technology is one of the driving forces behind the rural relocation trend. According to the Main Street Economist (a publication of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank�s Center For The Study of Rural America) one fifth of the US workforce in rural and small towns was self-employed in 2004. CNN.com writer Jakob Nielsen, a web usability expert, also believes technology will change the way Americans live and work over the next fifteen years. On July 4, 2005 Nielsen wrote an article predicting real estate sales in cities like Manhattan, London and Tokyo will decrease by twenty percent by 2020. Technological advances in the Internet, e-mail and collaboration software makes telecommuting more feasible and companies will begin to hire the best people regardless of location. Other advances in home theaters, entertainment systems, e-commerce, express shipping, and healthcare remote sensing will facilitate rural living without isolation from the mainstream culture.

The Aftermath of September 11th
The National Association of REALTORS? 2003 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reports that twenty percent of homebuyers in the Northeast purchased in a rural area and thirty one percent in small towns. This is higher than the Midwestern, Southern or Western regions of the country. Many people attribute a portion of this trend to the September 11th attacks. It is a sad reality that we have been forced to trade community security for homeland security.

The Rural Relocation Checklist
Purchasing a home in a rural area can be a big adjustment for those unaccustomed to it. Remember to make a list of all the things that are important to you and your family. Map out the location of hospitals, grocery stores, banks, schools and other activities of interest. Be realistic about the time investment and remember-peace and quiet can turn to boredom if you allow it. Also, many rural areas do not have city road maintenance or water and sewer pipes. Be sure you are ready to be responsible for those aspects of your country home. If you live in the city this may be new territory. Once you are certain relocation is the right choice you will be on your way down your own country road!

Elaine is a published author on real estate both commercial, residential and property management.  Her articles are on her web sites for you to read and enjoy.

Visit my web sites to view other listings at www.voncannonrealestate.com www.elainesrealestateinvirginia and www.estatesinvirginia.com You will also find articles and more information on homes, the Virginia real estate market and my team.

By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame

Grundy, Virginia, AFFORDABLE HOTEL WITH A 9 CAP RATE, FOR YOU TO OWN! Owner Financing! Located in Grundy,Virginia this 38 room motel. Offered $485,000 at which is the current appraised value (done Feb. 2009). Situated on approximately 1.33 acres, 13,980 square, Situated near Law School and Pharmacy School. This property generates gross 125,250 annually. Net Gross is 43,288 annually. This property has a history of a great cash flow! A GREAT INVESTMENT AND A GOOD CANDIATE FOR A 1031 TAX EXCHANGE OR CONDO CONVERSON AS THERE IS LITTLE OFF CAMPUS HOUSING. THIS IS A REAL MONEY MAKER!

Location is: 19587 Riverside Drive Grundy Va...............24914

Offered at: $350,000

Current room rentals are: 19 Double rooms at $53.39 a day. ......10 Singles at $42.69..............2 Deluxe Singles at $47.08.........6 Kings at $53.39 a day.......1 Suite at $60.00 a day.

Elaine is a published author on real estate both commercial, residential and property management.  Her articles are on her web sites for you to read and enjoy.

Visit my web sites to view other listings at www.voncannonrealestate.com www.elainesrealestateinvirginia and www.estatesinvirginia.com You will also find articles and more information on homes, the Virginia real estate market and my team.

By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame

Grundy, Virginia, AN AFFORABLE INVESTMENT WITH A CAP RATE, THAT COULD BE MADE A 8 PLUS! Located in Grundy, Virginia this 25 unit shopping center. Offered at $2,450,000, Situated on approximately 12 acres, 93,890 square feet, Price per square foot is $3.50 (This is far below the national average of roughly $16.00 per square foot), this would mean more of a profit margin with rent increases over the next few years. No vacancies since the shopping center opened in 1978, Situated near Law School and Pharmacy School. This property generates 300,000 annually. Net Gross is 265,000 annually. Large open areas for potential out parcels, that could be sold or used for ground leases. This property has a history of a great cash flow! List price $3,000,000.00 makes this A GREAT INVESTMENT AND A GOOD CANDIATE FOR A 1031 TAX EXCHANGE. Priced less than current tax assessment, do not miss this opportunity! Out parcels could be sold or offered on a ground lease. Rents have not been adjusted since shopping was built! THIS IS A REAL MONEY MAKER! Owner will consider owner financing with strong down payment and credit!

This area needs a restaurant, coffee shop, pizza place, grocery store, night club, fitness center. These type of business would do well on the out parcels. CONFIDENTIALLY AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED BEFORE ANY INFO IS RELEASED.

Elaine is a published author on real estate both commercial, residential and property management.  Her articles are on her web sites for you to read and enjoy.

Visit my web sites to view other listings at www.voncannonrealestate.com www.elainesrealestateinvirginia and www.estatesinvirginia.com You will also find articles and more information on homes, the Virginia real estate market and my team.

By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame

Excellent investment opportunity in Mathews with existing long term tenant in place. Current tenant has 5 years left on current lease with a renewal option. Historical cap rate of 9+. Current use is retail grocery with ample off street parking. Call Elaine VonCannon or John Starke for more information. Do not contact existing tenant or his employees. Land and building is the only part of this sale. Owner financing available. Income is about 8,500 a month (which includes an override that changes).

Directions: On Main Street into Mathews

Elaine is a published author on real estate both commercial, residential and property management.  Her articles are on her web sites for you to read and enjoy.

Visit my web sites to view other listings at www.voncannonrealestate.com www.elainesrealestateinvirginia and www.estatesinvirginia.com You will also find articles and more information on homes, the Virginia real estate market and my team.

By: Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, REALTOR, NOTARY, PROPERTY MANAGER, TEAM LEADER, AWARD WINNER, RE/MAX Hall of Fame

This is the home you have been looking for.

Open floor plan allows the home to be filled w/light!2003 Parade of Homes.Great room w/lots of detail trim,fireplace,surround sound and entertainment center.French doors lead out to a large trex deck.Fromal dining room with tray ceiling,formal living room.Hardwood floors on 1st level.Upgraded kitchen w/ sile stone countertops.Instant hot water,1st floor.

Chili Pepper instant hot water for the 1st floor. Sq Ft. wrong on county tax records, is currently being corrected. All shades, blinds, shutters & risers convey. Swimming pool is optional.

This lovely home is close to Colonial Williamsburg, New Town, High Street, Rt. 199, Interstate 64, Jamestown, shopping, Bush Gardens, Water Country and Golf Courses.

Directions: 199 to Monticello to News (by Target). R-Old News. L-Powhatan Parkway.