Tornados and Value - 04/30/08 03:03 PM
Here is a real life question that the appraiser who appraised my listing didn't know at the moment but had to find out.  When a tornado tears up your community is that a bad thing for value?  If your comps are no longer comps does that affect value?  If there aren't as many homes in the area does that raise value? (supply and demand).  We had a F3 tornado go through Suffolk, VA a few days ago and some communities are more than half gone (no one was killed or severly injured).   These are your typical subdivison built in the last ten years … (3 comments)

Norfolk Eagles Hatch Eaglet - 04/30/08 12:57 PM
What do the service members at Norfolk NOB do in their spare time?  They go to the Norfolk Botanical Garden and check out the nesting eagles.  Well this week they are in for a surprise as the eagles aren new parents.  The egg they so carefully tended to for 37 days has hatched.  The eagles need to "brood" and sit on the eaglet while it grows its own insulation.  That should take several weeks.  This little eagle is from the 5th egg that has been laid in the nest.  The first two eggs were kept from being incubated by a female eagle intruder.  … (1 comments)

Foreclosures Rise In Hampton Roads - 04/30/08 12:06 PM
The last quarter has seen a rise in foreclosures in the Hampton Roads area.  They went up 22% verses 23% for other areas.  While this is a healthy increase, Hampton Roads is still low being 84th out of 100 largest metro areas.  The area comprises Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Nofolk, Newport News as well as Portsmouth and Hampton.  This means that 1 out of 544 households received a notice of default, auction-sale or bank-repossession during the quarter.  This compares to 1 out of 194 in the 100 largest metro areas.  Scary stuff indeed but it could be scarier.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL … (0 comments)

Tornado In Suffolk, Va - 04/28/08 07:41 PM
What do you do when you are watching tv and the weatherman breaks in with a developing story about a tornado.  I moan and groan and wait for him to go away.  He talks about a funnel cloud in Norfolk by the Naval Station.  He shows a video of a funnel cloud in Portsmouth and then he mentions the Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk.  I thought he was going to mention that they were bring casualties there but he said they were spared the brunt of the tornado.  Oh no I thought out loud.  I have a listing right behind the … (7 comments)

I Am Still A Luddite - 04/27/08 04:18 PM
When I moved companies in Virginia Beach I found out I am still a luddite (gadget hating person).  I have my computer and cell phone but don't do texting, picture sending, pda or smartphone.  I hate those things but the company requires us to be available to answer emails quickly and be able to text and even IM from the same device.  Now I have to find one and have procrastinated for 3 weeks.   I am on Verizon so I stuck with a Pearl 8130, Blackberry 8830, Treo  700 WX, Verizon SMT 5580 and the Samsung i760.  I just think getting a smart phone is just going … (4 comments)

Suffolk City Market and Country Store - 04/26/08 10:42 AM
The newest addition to Suffolk is now open.  The Suffolk City Market and Country Store is open for business at th corner of 162 S Main St.  The Market will feature home grown spring produce and home-cooked breads and crafts.  You can go from 8 a.m to 5 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday.  Sunday and Monday are rest days.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
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Strategic Plan For Schools - 04/26/08 10:24 AM
Recently over 200 people gathered in the Virginia Beach Convention Center to talk about eh direction of the public schools.  There was a public meeting and then 11 focus groups.  This is input for a six year strategic plan the school system is developing.  Some of the themes were: 
*Students need up to date technology skills
*Schools should help motivate students to take contro of the theri education.
 Many good ideas and thoughts came out of the meeting.  All of this will be drafted into a plan and submitted to the school by Aug.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in … (0 comments)

Can Navy SEAL's Get Fitter? - 04/26/08 10:17 AM
Apparently they can.  A new lab opened at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base is the first of its kind in the Navy and it is here in Norfolk.  Of course the goal is to minimize SEAL's injuries and maximize their time in uniform.  The lab comes by way of the Univesrity of Pittsburg.  The process can be as simple as a better way to do a squat to measuring body fat in a space age pod.  Hopefully the partnership will pay off in a buffer, fitter SEAL.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as … (2 comments)

Property Tax Hike? - 04/26/08 09:54 AM
Suffolk has a pretty good financial health for the moment according to a consultant for the city.  That could change if the city does not raise property taxes in the future.  If the current level of services is kept the city could be looking at a 10 to 11 cent incres by 2013.  That is assuming that property prices don't increase over the next few years.  I am an optimist and expect them to increase so the property tax doesn't have to.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of … (0 comments)

Chesapeake Song In American Idol Final - 04/26/08 09:49 AM
Where does American Idol find the songs for the finalists.  "Align" is a song written by James Smithson and it is one of the 20 songs that can still be chosen to be sung by the finalists.  I'll check in later and see where the song ended up and let you know.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google gene allen
… (0 comments)

Have Power Will Travel - 04/26/08 09:42 AM
As I travel around Virginia Beach listing and selling homes I often have several battery powered devices with me.  Having only one plug in the car can sometimes be a bother.  Well I found a nifty device that works for me and should work for others.  It is called the Power Station Traveller from ReSource.  You can purchase it from http://www.amazon.com/   The price is around $35 and you can plug up to three devices in at the same time.  How cool is that.
http://www.genesellsvirginiabeach.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest … (5 comments)

Size It Up - 04/22/08 07:01 PM
If you are shopping online and want to know how big something is compared to someone elses big something then you wnat to go to this website  http://www.sizeasy.com/page/tips  and put in the products.  I am looking at smartphones and this is way to cool.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google gene allen
… (2 comments)

Motorola 9M - 04/21/08 03:40 PM
I am looking at getting a Motorola 9M from Verizon and was wondering if anyone had one and what they thought about it.  I am also trying to figure out what kind of data plan to get for it.  Also do you use google maps or MSN maps on them?  Any help would be appreciated.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google gene allen
… (0 comments)

Help Identifying a Bird - 04/20/08 03:03 PM
I saw a bunch of these sitting on top of some condos, in the trees and on light poles around my house in Virginia Beach.  I have lived here a long time and never saw them before.  I thought at first they were the buzzards we get around here but I was wrong.  I cropped the photo in Adobe a bit so you could see just the bird.  Any help would be appreciated.  I have looked online but finding a bird without any idea of what it is can be difficult.    He is about two feet tall
and the colors look accurate.  Ugly … (4 comments)

The Death (Bottom) Of The Market Is Here - 04/20/08 02:49 PM
There is no doubt the BOTTOM OF THE MARKET is here in Virginia Beach.  There may be naysayers among you but who can doubt the buzzard.  They are not circling waiting, they are standing on top of the carcass.  Now go forth among your clients and spread the good word and don't forget to let the local media know as well.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google … (1 comments)

Dog Seizer - 04/19/08 07:30 PM
At least 102 dogs, cats and assorted livestock were recently saved from an illegal kennel.  The owners say they have the proper licenses but the ploice siezed the animals until it can all be sorted out.  The animals lacked a license or vaccinations and were in poor condition.  The kennels were in poor condition also.  Animal control has been to the house before with no problems but apparently things are different now.   We will see how this plays out. 
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  … (0 comments)

Female Vets and Charle Falk - 04/19/08 07:23 PM
What do female vets and Charlie Falk have in common?  Probably a few vets have bought cars from his dealership in the Norfolk area but mostly he features them in car ads.  Not real vets but bad portrayls of military women.  Two retired Navy women have been trying to get the commercials off the air.  Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va offices has even been contacted for help.  The Judge Advocates office has sent a letter to Charlie Falk to ask him to take the ads off the air.  The ads have supposedly run their course but there have been sightings of the … (1 comments)

FHA 203K Streamline Help - 04/17/08 04:12 PM
Has anybody actually done one of thiese 203K Streamline loans and would you, could you share some insight in how they actually work.  I have done some research on them but have not found anyone who has actually had a buyer purchase a home and had the work done.  The loan officers have them but actually have not done one yet.  Thanks in advance.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to … (3 comments)

Recently Remodeled?? - 04/16/08 02:35 PM
I was out previewing houses and came across one I thought would be a good match for my buyer.  The house was remodeled in 2007.  I took some pictures of what I thought added the most value to the house.  Keep in mind this is a $174k duplex type house.  Am I being to picky for a house in this price range? or should I expect a little more reguardless of the price. 
This is the Great Room                                                       This is the Master Bedroom
          This is the only bath upstairs               Is some kind ofspecial paint or mold I can't tell                        
 
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come … (4 comments)

KEEPM - 04/16/08 08:26 AM
KEEPM or fold.  That is the question.  I would rather KEEPM and here is a web site "KEEPM" to help you keep them also, your contacts that is.  It is a free contact manager that is web based called KEEPM.  I always hear people asking about contact management and this one sounds like something to check out.  The company also offers other software so go check them out.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other … (6 comments)

Community Project Funds - 04/14/08 10:26 AM

What does a JumboTron screen on the Norfolk city owned science center Nauticus have to do with the Virginia Port Authority?  Well it seems that the port authority is providing money, services or other help within reason for local projects.  Which brings us to Nauticus.  The authority gave the city $2million dollars to help with the fix-up at the Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk.  Part of that money will be used to purchase the screen.  The screen will of course advertise upcoming events.  If you know of a worthy cause, give the port authority a call.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL … (0 comments)

Gift Card Tracker - 04/14/08 10:05 AM
 
As you know gift cards are wonderful gifts.  What you may not know is that they can be worthless if not used.  Some business's have expiration dates and or maintenance fees on the cards.  Did you know that there was 97 billion dollars in gift card value in 2007?  I didn't.  Well here is a site you can go to check out your gift cards.  You do know where the gift cards are don't you?  Go to www.giftcardtracker.com  and check them out.   The site lets you check expiration policies as well as find out if there are any maintenance fees on … (8 comments)

Lillian Vernon Sold Again - 04/11/08 07:58 AM
 
 A mainstay of Virginia Beach, the Lillian Vernon company is being sold for the third time in five years.  The company has not made a profit in 10 years.  There must be something about the brand that keeps investors hanging on.  The first time we bought anything from them in years was this last Christmas and the products we bought were very well done.  I haven't liked buying from them because you used to get put on the mailing list and call list but not this time.  The company is being sold for around $15.8 million depending on the inventory at … (6 comments)

Open Houses In This Market? - 04/10/08 06:32 PM
Open Houses in a Buyer's Market
Is it time to reinvent the Open House in a buyer's market?  I know, Open Houses' don't sell homes-but I read that 48 percent of all Virginia Beach homebuyers go to Open Houses'.  The house can actually become a successful tool for building trust and connecting you and your buyers with their dream home. Once that happens, you can help them connect with the right home financing to ensure that the transaction will close smoothly and on time.
Prospective buyers attend Open Houses' to get a feel for what they do and do not like-not necessarily because they want to buy … (2 comments)

Sell Your Headset and Buy This One - 04/08/08 04:36 PM
Buy the Aliph's Jawbone and not worry about noise again.  I bought one last week and they are great.  In Virginia Beach we often have jets flying over from Oceana Jet base and the person on the other end of the line can not hear them.  It does everything it is supposed to do.  You can listen to the radio, the tv, type or whatever and no sound gets thru except for your voice.  It also plugs into your computer to charge.  How neat is that.  I bought mine at www.buy.com for $80 bucks and no shipping.  I have had severa headsets … (14 comments)

CM Developement Bilked Millions From Investors - 04/07/08 10:10 AM
Two investors claim that a failed real estate company's president repeatedly broke the law in his dealings with them.  Cary McEntee repeatedly kited checks to make it look like the company had money coming in and to keep investors happy.  Multiple code violations on many properties were also hidden from view.  It seemed to be kind of a pyramid scheme where an investor would purchase a fix up home, sell it to another investor and so on.  Eventually the the system collapsed under its own weight and the market slowdown.  The investors are suing to try and relief from the bankruptcy … (0 comments)

No Billing Problems in Suffolk - 04/07/08 09:57 AM
Suffolk residents do have a problem with utility billing even though they weren't supposed to.  HRSD says if there are problems then there are very few but if there is even one that is too much.  The big problem is that HRSD switched billing and over 5,200 accounts were not billed.  Ouch.  The money still has to be paid but now you are four months behind. 
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other … (0 comments)

Golf Course Or Ecological Disaster - 04/07/08 09:45 AM
The Battlefield Golf Club at Centerville in Chesapeake is built on fly ash.  1.5 million tons of it to be exact.  If you don't know what fly ashis it is the by product of burning coal.  The problem with the material is that it contains heavy metals such as arsenic and other metals.  These metals can leach into the ground and that creates a ground water problem.  The developers at the golf course mixed in an ingredient to keep the fly ashfrom leeching into the groundwater.  That may have been ok except there are homeowners in the area that have wells … (4 comments)

Nice Place or Not So Nice Part II - 04/05/08 07:06 PM
I started this a few weeks ago and found another set of pictures I thought was good.  These are the pictures of entrances to condos in Virginia Beach that look good but then several feet away comes the ugly.
 
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google gene allen
… (1 comments)

Assessments Higher - 04/04/08 08:16 AM
It looks like Chesapeake will have a higher tax assessment this year as will all the cities in the surrounding area.  Chesapeake overall tax increase will be 0.7%.  This is the smallest increase in years and the city is scrambling to deal with the fallout from a smaller tax increase.
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.
Google gene allen
… (0 comments)

Assessments Higher - 04/04/08 08:13 AM
Overall the the increase in assessments this year for Virginia Beach are 2.6%.  That includes residential, commercial and industrial land.  Residential assessments are up 1.3% total.  The assessment is the smallest increase in a decade.  That increase will mean an average tax increase of $37.  Some 17% of the city will see a slight decrease and 40% will see an increase. 
Broken down by districts:
Lynnhaven will increase by .2%
Princess Anne will rise .6%
Centerville, Kempsville and Rose Hall will see an increase of 4%
The Beach district will rise the highest at 5.6%
The city will cope with the decrease in tax revenues by increasing fees … (3 comments)

Low Light Photos - 04/01/08 05:08 PM
I was almost enjoying breakfast when I realized I didn't have any birds chirping outside.  Usually they join me for breakfast.  It was dark and I really couldn't see so I got out my trusty Panasonic FZ 18 to see what the problem was.  It identified the tabby cat who has been prowling around for the last 8 years.  The first picture was taken at ISO 800 in very low light and with 1/8 of a shutter speed.    The second picture was taken at ISO 1600 and 1/4 shutter speed.  Both are hand held.  All I did was crop the picture in … (9 comments)

Real Estate Agent Safety Equipment - 04/01/08 01:18 PM
I ran across this gizmo looking at Field and Stream but thought it may have some application for us.  In my area, Virginia Beach, I am always going to one of the five cities around here and never tell anyone.  We are always going places and not telling anyone (although we should).  It is called SPOT and is a homing device.
There are several modes.  You can just update your position to your family.  You can send a help signal but not emergency or you can use the 911 button.  When you use the 911 button, something like this happens:
You activate SPOT 911 and it will … (1 comments)

Sold in 21 Days, Virginia Beach, VA - 04/01/08 07:21 AM
Sold this Condo in 21 days in Tarleton Oaks.  It was priced with the lowest price home the neighborhood but within 5k of the other homes.  The seller came off the price 2.5k and gave 5k in closing costs.  The agent said the buyer bought this one instead of the other 8 on the market was because it was in the best condition.  The home inspection report had two discrepancies, a toilet that ran longer then it should and a prong stuck in an outside outlet. 
 
http://www.geneallen.com/  Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as … (3 comments)

 
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Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate

Virginia Beach, VA

More about me…

Resh Realty Group

Address: 192 Ballard Ct Ste 305, Virginia Beach , Va, 23462

Office Phone: (757) 557-0030 x 320

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