Kathy Carson Lynchburg, VA, REALTOR's Blog

VIRGINIA HOMEOWNERS ALLIANCE - Calling All VA REALTORS

2008-11-18T20:38:21Z

Virginia REALTORS have you checked out this information for your NEW HOME BUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, SELLERS or YOURSELF?!?!?

www.VAhomeownersAlliance.com

"The Virginia Homeowners Alliance (VHA) is an exciting new service provided by REALTORS® to help homeowners protect their most treasured investment, their home." (from VA Homeowners Alliance web site)

If you are a VA REALTOR, do yourself a favor and register. Great Information - this is the Virginia Assocation of REALTORS and our Local REALTOR Associations at work!

Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

"THE GARY FOSTER TEAM" - RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

TIMBER LAKE - "The Gem of Piedmont, Virginia" - Part III

2008-11-18T20:15:25Z

I looked at the beautiful Fall Pictures on Castellum Realty's Blog and could not resist showing off a little VA Scenery - TIMBER LAKE - CAMPBELL CO VA!!

Fall Leaves on Timber Lake - November 2, 2008

Timber Lake - view from the Dam across The Lake - November 2, 2008

Timber Lake - Sun Setting - November 2, 2008

Timber Lake - Moon Over Timberlake - October 2008

This is a great place to live - we took these pictures while on a "cocktail cruises" with our Daughter, Beth Anne, Son-In-Law, Jon and 7 month old, Brylan. They are also Timber Lakers!

Have a Great Fall!!

Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

"THE GARY FOSTER TEAM" - RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

2007 Gallop Poll - Most Trusted Occupations in America!

2008-11-18T16:27:09Z

I went to an Ethics Seminar today presented by Mark Given, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES. Great Seminar - I highly recommend attending a program given by Mark - he was informative, funny and enthusiastic. Our local association, Lynchburg Association of REALTORS, sponsored this Continuing Ed program and it was a great way to get in our necessary hours! Check Mark out if given a chance!

In the program Mark presented this 2007 Gallop Poll info and I really found it fascinating. I wonder what the 2008 Gallop Poll for the Most Trusted Occupations will be? Do you think Bankers, Journalists, and Accountants will be in the top 10? It will be interesting - we will all just have to stay tuned!

2007 GALLOP POLL of the TOP 13 MOST TRUSTED & ETHICAL OCCUPATIONS IN AMERICA

NURSES
PHARMASIST
MEDICAL DOCTOR
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
POLICE
CLERGY
FUNERAL DIRECTOR
BANKERS
ACCOUNTANTS
JOURNALIST
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
BUILDING CONTRACTOR
LAWYERS

I agree that NURSES are one of the most trusted and ethical occupations and thank goodness for that! I was happy to see that Real Estate Agents are not on the bottom! By the way Car Salesmen are #20 and Telemarketers are #21! I know - I know we all have friends that we trust that are Car Salesmen and can't they say they also have friends they trust that are REALTORS and Lawyers!

Have a Great Day!!

Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

THE GARY FOSTER TEAM - RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

REALOGY Owner of C21 & Coldwell Banker Brand experiencing Financial Problems

2008-11-18T06:08:38Z

According to a report on Bloomberg.com; Apollo's Realogy Seeks Debt Exchange to Avoid Default (Update4). Realogy owns the Century 21 and Coldwell Banker Brands and report $209 million in losses for the last 3 quarters.

Check out this article written by: Caroline Salas and Pierre Paulden

Posted by Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

The Gary Foster Team - RE/MAX 1st Olympic

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

Moving With Children (Part 2 of 2)

2008-11-16T16:25:37Z

Kelly Sibilsky has written great Blogs about moving with children. Check out this great information and then check out my blog on Tub Living. I strive to educate and aid Sellers and Buyers on making this home selling/buying situation as stress free as possible. These articles may help you! Thanks for reading!

Via Kelly Sibilsky ~ Lake Zurich Area Real Estate Agent:

Earlier this week I posted Moving With Children (Part 1 of 2). If you haven't read that already, please check it out!

As I mentioned in Part 1, moving can be hard on your children. Depending upon where you move, they may need to make new friends, adjust to a new school, find their way around a new neighborhood and settle into their new home. It's a daunting prospect for adults, but for kids it can be an especially anxiety-filled time. Most adults have been in this position a time or two, but for many children it's the first time they've moved and it's scary.

I should state that I'm not a therapist or expert, but I am a mom who has moved her own children a few times. Here are a few ideas that may help you help your child adjust.

I think it's important to involve children in the moving process in some fashion from beginning to end. That doesn't mean you need to take your kids on every house hunting trip, but you should take them to view a few homes with you. Depending upon the age of your children, you can involve them in measuring rooms, inspections and even the closing process itself. One caveat, you need to make sure that your children stay out of the way and that they are by your side at all times. Remember that house hunting, inspections and closings can be boring for kids so plan on letting them attend for a few minutes and then being picked up by a babysitter, or make sure you bring snacks and quiet activities to keep them occupied.

Take some time to talk to your kids about the move and how they may be feeling. Let them know that you have some anxieties as well and that it's perfectly okay to be nervous about moving; but at the same time remind them of all the things that will remain the same (same toys, same bed, same routine). Chances are that if you remain calm and upbeat, your kids will be more calm and upbeat as well. Reassure them that you will help them keep in touch with their friends after the move, and take some time to scout out and sign them up for activities or sports in their new location before you move. In addition, visit the school, library, stores, restaurants, parks or other places you will frequent after you move. The more familiar your kids become with their new surroundings, the better they will adjust overall. If you focus on the positives (like the fact that they will get their own room, or that their new house has a pool) you may find that they even look forward to moving!

Let your children help you pack and label boxes before the move, but don't pack their favorite toys or games until the very last minute. In fact, I would pack their rooms up last. If your kids are very little, you might wish to do most of the packing during naps or after they go to bed. You may find it easier to take a few days off of work and pack while your kids are at school or at a babysitter's house. You'd be amazed at how much more you can get done when your kids aren't there, but allowing them to assist you at least a little bit lets them feel a part of the process so take advantage of that opportunity if you can.

Many parents have a going away party for their kids and their friends. For some kids, this is an excellent and fun way for them to say good bye. For others, it may increase their anxiety. You need to know your own children. A "party" filled with tears is not going to make moving any easier. Perhaps a quiet good bye would suit your child better. The most important thing is to take the time to say good bye to all the important people that have been in your lives. You may find that after the move your kids call (or text!) their old friends several times a day. It's important to let them stay connected while encouraging them to make new friends as well. It is natural for them to feel anger at you and discomfort with their new surroundings. Give them some time, and listen to them when they want to talk. Be understanding.

When we moved, I made sure that we unpacked and set up our kid's rooms first. The rest of the house can wait, because when your kids are surrounded by their own things and comfortably settled into their new rooms, the whole family is happier. Trust me on this one. In fact, during those first few days, make sure you take some time out to have a little fun. Go to a movie, check out a new restaurant or take a walk around your new neighborhood. The days leading up to a move and the move itself are frantic times. Even though you may be surrounded by boxes, take some time to simply enjoy each other and to relax if you possibly can.

While moving can be a very stressful time, it can also be an exciting new beginning for your family. Your own attitude as a parent will make a dramatic difference on the overall experience for your family. One of my favorite clients broke into a cheer when we signed the final paperwork to sell their current home (which they loved and were somewhat sad to leave). She literally assumed a cheerleader's stance, hand movements and all, and said, "P-A-C-K now we get to pack today - YAY!" While a little silly, the whole family chucked, relaxed and a happy mood prevailed. Now that's the way to do it, folks!

Home Sellers - Could you "TUB LIVE?"

2008-11-16T08:39:17Z

I just read Kelly Sibilsky's blog Moving With Children (Part 2 of 2) which has excellent information for Sellers with children. Kelly give great info on making a stressful time a bit easier on the kids.

I wanted to add an interesting idea that I read about somewhere - a Woman's Magazine I think.

TUB LIVING!!!!

This is a great idea! Sellers know to de-clutter, clean up, stage your house, etc. But what in the world do you do with all the kids stuff? You know the favorite toys, the bottle, cups, passies, blankies and the discarded shoes, socks, undies that are in the middle of the floor? The answer TUB LIVING!! Everyone in the Family gets a plastic tub - put the name on it - and stack them in a corner. Storage Bins stacked in the corner of the Dining Room, Den, Hallway do not attract much attention. Then when that call comes in for a Buyer that just has to see the House in an Hour or 15 minutes. Everyone grabs their stuff and shoves it in their TUB! Even the little ones can do this - make it a game. Stack your tub - house is cleaned up and off you go! The Buyer comes in and is impressed that a house with kids is so straight and clean!!! First Impressions go a long way to SELL your HOUSE - if its clean and straight on the surface it probably is underneath also!!

Then when you get back into your house you will know where you put the homework, the blankie, the juice cup, the game the kids were playing - well you get the idea! Works for Mom & Dad too - where did the bills go that you got today - and the school calendar - the jewelry you just took off....

Just another idea to help make Home Sellers lives a little easier while their house is on the market!! Your REALTOR feels your pain!!!

Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

REALTOR -THE GARY FOSTER TEAM - RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

How do you choose the LENDER you RECOMMEND?

2008-11-16T08:12:17Z

REALTORS are asked for recommendations on Lenders from their clients or even just prospects. How do we decide who we recommend?

I have several excellent Lenders that I recommend. I tell my clients to call all 3 or 4 because as with anything there is always a personality involved. People mesh differently. I tell my clients to use the Lender they feel comfortable with and who will work around the clients schedule.

The Criteria I use to recommend a Lender is:

Knowledge, Experience and Reputation of both the Lender and their company
My Client's Experiences in dealing with the Lender
Ease of contacting the Lender -Can you get them on the phone or email them and do they call you & your client back quickly.
Is the Lender available to your client on your client's schedule (nights and weekends)
Does the Lender talk in Mortgage Language or do they explain everything step by step and make it simple for both the client and the REALTOR
Will your Lender help you figure the closing costs and help you structure your offer to the buyers best position. (I hate having to go back to a Seller and change everything because the Lender did not give me the particulars of the loan from the beginning)
Does the Lender work well with the Title Cos, Attorneys, Closing Companies, and does he make sure the REALTOR is doing what we need to do to help the process.
Does the Lender advise the REALTOR of issues that are slowing the process? (Like your buyer is not providing the docs needed to facilitate the Loan)
Will the Lender stand in the background on a transaction where you are not comfortable with the Lender in place? Does your Lender act as your "backstop?"
Is the Lender there on the day before closing to explain the HUD to the client?
Is the Lender there at the closing table?
Can you call your Lenders with "stupid" questions and not make you feel even more stupid?
Will the Lender call you and explain the new regs on loans so you can keep as up to date as is possible.

I am happy to say I have several excellent Lenders that I recommend my clients call. They are there for my clients and for me. Having a strong and knowledgeable Lender is just another way we serve our clients.

Check out the Blog I wrote on Halloween - OH My - What in the world do I title this Blog. Talk about issues - but the client, The Lender, The Seller, The Sellers Agent and I hung in there. Many Lenders would have not been so supportive (not loan issue but house issues) but Rob Turner was - and he got it done!

Posted by Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

REALTOR - The Gary Foster Team - RE/MAX 1st Olympic

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

Saturday Night Live - SNL - NOT SO FUNNY!!!

2008-11-15T23:14:06Z

OK - so Tina Fey as Sarah Palin was funny! But tonight it was a bomb... The Kissing Scene - just lame...

I am from the generation that tuned in at parties to watch SNL. We watched Jim, Chevy, Steve, etc and they were funny but now no so funny...

What's your opinion of SNL???

Posted by: Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

TIMBER LAKE - "The Gem of Piedmont, Virginia" - Part I

2008-11-14T07:58:46Z

TIMBER LAKE

Located in Campbell County VA

75 Acre Man-Made Lake w/ approximately 230 homes

I live at TIMBERLAKE, a quaint and eclectic Virginia Community at the edge of Campbell County where it borders Bedford County located on Rt 460 (Timberlake Road).

Timber Lake was first called "The Gem of Piedmont, Virginia" in an article written by Edley Craighill for The Southern magazine in February 1928. Edley Craighill was a co-founder of Timber Lake. Fred Showalter was the other partner.

Many newcomers to the Lynchburg Area do not know there is really a Timber Lake located on Timberlake Road as you head out of town towards Bedford and Roanoke! We are a quiet little secret that most of the neighborhood would like to keep that way. As I say we are an eclectic group....

My husband, Tom, and I have lived in our home on Timberlake since July 1987. We moved here when my son, Brett, was 12 and my daughter, Beth Anne was 5. It is a pretty common joke on the Lake that most old timers here have lived in at least 2 homes on the lake. And this is true for Tom and me. I lived in a new brick home here in 1965 with my parents and brothers and Tom rented a house here in 1973 before we were married. On our first date Tom picked me up at the home of one of my best friends here on Timberlake. Even though I did not live on the lake - I grew up here. Many of my family friends lived on the Lake - I spent many many happy days growing up here on the Lake. We had Christmas Eves here, 4th of July Parties, we swam, gigged, fished, went to Horse Shows, Little League Football and Cheerleader practice - well you get the picture. Timber Lake is full of personal history for many many people and my goal in these blogs is to tell the Stories of Timberlake.

986 Timberlake Drive

Silver Lake

(Our House from the air 10-2006)

It has been joked about by our neighbors that Tom and I had one of the smallest houses on the Lake but the biggest dock and the most boats!! This was before everyone expanded their docks & added the pontoon boats!

Here Tom and I are on Wednesday Night, 11-12-08 on the boat at sundown with the Loves & Lights of our lives - Brantley (2 1/2) and Brylan (8 mos)! Brantley will tell you that this boat is Pop T, Kakie, Brylan and her's and we just let the Mommies & Daddies ride sometimes!!!!

Stories, People & Places on Timber Lake, Va to be continued.....

Kathy Myers Carson, ABR, GRI

REALTOR - "THE GARY FOSTER TEAM"

RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

HOW MANY REALTORS ARE "RINGING THE BELL?"

2008-11-14T07:47:06Z

It's the official kick-off day for The Salvation Army Red Kettle - Bell Ringing in your Community!! The Rotary Club of Forest, the RE/MAX 1st Olympic REALTORSand Timberlake United Methodist Churchare all offering me the chance to Ring the Bell! And that is what I will do starting today from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the CVS Store on Perrowville Road in Forest, VA.

Due to the recent negative downturns of our economy there are so many more people with dire needs. As a REALTOR I have seen my income significantly reduce so I am limited to the amount of money I can give but I can give of my time! If we all give time and a little of our gifts then we can all come through this mess together. I'm gonna "Ring The Bell" today and many other days through Christmas. Why don't you join me - call your local Salvation Army and let them give you a spot to serve by "Ringing the Bell!"

Kathy Myers Carson, ABR, GRI

REALTOR - "THE GARY FOSTER TEAM"

RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

OH MY - WHAT IN THE WORLD TO I TITLE THIS BLOG....

2008-11-06T08:52:22Z

MY FIRST AR LEAD THAT CLOSED - OR - THE MOST RESILIENT CLIENT EVER - OR THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DELIVERS - OR - WOULD YOU LET THIS REALTOR REPRESENT YOU?????

TANYA (my First Time Home Buyer) and me at her closing

10-31-08 @ 1:00pm

THE STORY: Tanya contacted me after reading my profile on Active Rain - she was a first time home buyer and needed information on the process and how to start. Tanya is a delightful young lady, a nurse and a mother with a long distance marriage!! I referred Tanya to Rob Turner who got her immediately qualified and gave her the info so that she could decide on her price range. Tanya, a friend and I started looking at houses. It did not take us long to find the house that suited Tanya's budget, the location where she wanted to be and the type of home she wanted to share with her son and husband. Cute Bungelow located in Campbell County not far from her son's school!!!

THE HOUSE: So after completing the negotiations and getting a ratified contract we started the inspections......OH ME!!!! First - there was the Home Inspection where we found: Termites, rotten floors covered with new carpet and vinyl, Radon, faulty Electical work, plumbing issues, and mold. Then there was the well flow test that showed only 1 gallon per minute of water. Tanya had already spent $1000.00 in inspections. And we still had to do the septic and the lead water test after the well issues were handled! I would call Tanya with reports, I would investigate and give Tanya her options. Tanya kept her head and worked with me, the listing agent and the Seller through it all. Not everything went smoothly for the repairs, remediations and mitigations but we worked it out between all of us. The house was fixed, the Radon mitigated, the well Fracked (look it up!!), the termites remediated....you get the picture! And poor Tanya was in England for 2 weeks trying to enjoy being with her husband and being afraid to open her emails from me!!!

THE CLOSE: We were supposed to close on 10-30-08 but due to the Water Lead Test, the final touch-ups and inspections we were delayed for a day - YES - just one day!!! AND then we closed!!! Halloween Day - 10-31-08 @ 1:00pm with Rob, Tanya, her friend and me all present at the closing - we had been through this ringer together and we were all going to cheer Tanya as she signed on the dotted line and became a new home owner.

THIS IS WHY I LOVE MY JOB!!!!! I get to be part of a wonderful family starting a new chapter of their lives! And the problems....well it's my job to make sure they get handled for the good of my client and to make sure my client is well informed!

Oh and the Costume - Hey it was Halloween and I had to be at a Halloween Party at the Grace Lodge Nursing Home for some very special people right after the closing. Tanya was very understanding and in fact played along for the photo - I told you she is a GREAT CLIENT!!!!!

Posted by:

Kathy Carson, ABR,GRI

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

kcarson@jetbroadband.com - 434-660-4025

I LIVE IN A VERY ECLECTIC COMMUNITY & I LOVE IT!!! TIMBER LAKE - VA

2008-11-06T07:25:03Z

My friend Debbie Malone has been trying to get me to write about my community for a year. Why did it take so long - wellllll - I really don't know where to start! BUT - I had to start somewhere so I thought I'd start with this past Friday - you know - HALLOWEEN!!!

So lots of communities have Halloween Parties - but I doubt many are like this! Our youngest attendee was about 4 months and the oldest probably 80s + and I don't have any idea how many multi-generaltional families were there but it was at least 10 groups!! Everyone was dressed to Party and Party we did!

THE "TIMBERLAKE THEME" WE LOVE TO PARTY!!!!!

(and we start em young!!!)

WHAT - THE TIMBERLAKE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION HALLOWEEN PARTY

WHEN - FRIDAY - 10-31-08 from 5:30pm til ?????????????

WHERE - THE TIMBERLAKE TAVERN

gratiously Hosted by Robin Ann & Chris Viar - OWNERS

BRING - A dish of Food to SHARE & BYOB

ALL AGES INVITED BUT YOU MUST BE DRESSED IN A COSTUME!!!!

THE FRONT OF THE TIMBERLAKE TAVERN - ALL DRESSED UP FOR HALLOWEEN

GREETINGS - "THE FOOD TABLE"

YOUR'S TRUELY & ROBIN ANN VIAR (THE OWNER OF TIMBERLAKE TAVERN)

Beth Anne & Brylan "Me" - "B" (fellow REALTOR) & our husbands!!!

(my daugh & grandson)

Friends - Tim, Beth & Bill THE "TEEN" HELPERS KATE & FRIEND

"SCENES" from the Timberlake Tavern Halloween Party!!!

More info on Timberlake in Campbell County VA, - The Timberlake Tavern and my eclectic Neighborhood later! Check back - I have lots of stories and lots of pictures!!

Posted by: Kathy Carson - Timberlake Resident

RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC - LYNCHBURG, VA

kcarson@jetbroadband.com OR 434-660-4025

A BEAUTIFUL 'MAYA ANGELO' POEM - SHARED FROM A FRIEND & NOW TO YOU...

2008-11-06T05:38:19Z

My friend and Daughter-in-Law's Mother sent me this and I thought I would share with the women and men of Active Rain.

Maya Angelou always seems to express the thoughts and feelings of women better than we can ever express for ourselves. Makes you think doesn't it....

'MAYA ANGELOU'S'

POEM

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
enough
money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
something
perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD
HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy
enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her
old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who
always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a good piece
of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her
family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight
matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for
a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of
control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD
KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit
a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend
without
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN
SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her
childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she
would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live
alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to
go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a
charming Inn in the woods....
when her soul needs
soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a
month...and a year

Posted by: Kathy Carson - RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

kcarson@jetbroadband.com - 434-660-4025

LYNCHBURG-VA AREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2008

2008-11-04T10:56:48Z

OCTOBER 2008 STATS FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

IN THE

LYNCHBURG-VA AREA

ACTIVE LISTINGS 1994

ABSORPTION RATE (INVENTORY) 10 1/2 MONTHS

SOLDS - OCTOBER 2008 111

AVERAGE DAYS ON THE MARKET 130

% of SALE PRICE to LIST PRICE 96%

(Based on information from the Lynchburg Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing System)

Posted by: KATHY CARSON, RE/MAX 1ST OLYMPIC

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

I'M A "FAIRYGOD MOTHER" & I WANT TO GRANT MY CLIENTS WISHES!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2008-10-31T10:40:41Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Hello Everyone and a very HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the RE/MAX 1st Olympic FAIRYGOD MOTHER!!!

Yep I'm grantin wishes today - for family - friends and clients!!!

Have a Fun & SAFE Holiday!!! Give the Babies Plenty of CANDY!!!!

LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!

Kathy Carson, ABR,GRI

RE/MAX 1st Olympic - Lynchburg, VA

434-660-4025 or kcarson@jetbroadband.com

WE GOT LOST IN THE MAIZE - A FUN FALL AFTERNOON FOR OUR FAMILY!!

2008-10-28T10:27:58Z

I think it's to late now but mark your calendars for next year and go to The Layman Family Corn Maize!! What a great time for our family - we got lost in the Frank Beamer Maize - and if you have to ask who Frank Beamer is you ain't from VA!!! My 2 1/2 year old and my 7 month old grand babies both had a ball and boy did we get great pictures!! At the foot of the mountians in Montvale, VA between Bedford and Roanoke you'll find this real treasure. (ie: Beale Treasure Country) It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon - we packed everyone up after church - stopped at Subway and headed west from Timber Lake (where we live)!

The Laymans really have it planned out so nicely - there were tons of people but we were never crowded and who cared - there were tons of kids having a ball.

Cute Story - my son-in-law, Jon, was sitting on the Haywagon with his son Brylan (7 mos) on his lap doing patty-cake and my husband said he looked and there were 5 or 6 other little ones playing along including Brantley (my 2 1/2 year old). I missed it as I was trying not to fall off of my bale of hay and hang on to the pumpkins we had picked up!

Here a some pictures of the our GREAT DAY! (I'll try to rememeber to Blog about it next year in time for you to go!)

My Babies!!! Kakie & Pop T w/Babies!!! Brett - Sallie & Brantley Carson

Jon - Beth Anne & Brylan Marr KISSING COUSINS!!!

TOP THIRTEEN MISTAKES MADE BY HOME BUYERS

2008-10-26T07:23:01Z

1 - Calling the REALTOR on the Sign! (this REALTOR represents the Seller)

2 - Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Loan (use a Person not an on-line mortgage)

3 - Not hiring Your Own REALTOR (Buyers Agent)

4 - Not having a clear goal - what - where - when?

5 - Looking at houses above your price range (in this market you might be safe at 10% above but not always)

6 - Searching for the "Perfect" house (no such thing!)

7 - Making a "Low Ball" offer (even in this market you risk making the Seller mad & they may not negotiate)

8 - Too many contingencies in an Offer

9 - Not giving Feedback to your REALTOR about the houses you see (be honest so the REALTOR can work)

10 - Not listening to the advice of the REALTOR-Buyers Agent you hire

11 - Not having a Home Inspection

12 - Not Considering your 3 to 5 year needs

13 - Limiting your search to Open Houses, Ads or Internet - you need a REALTOR!!

I have estabished these "rules" for my buyers and especially my First Timers!

This information has been gleened from NAR info - trade mags - seminars - etc.

Nothing here is new or original but we all need to be reminded every now and then!

Okay - AR let me hear your ideas - to help Home Buyers!!

Kathy Carson, ABR, GRI

"THE GARY FOSTER TEAM"

RE/MAX 1^st Olympic, 20395 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

434-660-4025

kcarson@jetbroadband.com

EDGEWOOD FARM ESTATES - BEAUTIFUL EXCLUSIVE EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT - LOT 6

2008-10-22T18:17:01Z

This Beautiful Equestrian Subdivision is adjacent to Historic EDGEWOOD EQUESTRIAN FARM the site of WYNDHOLM - the oldest home in Campbell County, Va. Beautiful Edgewood Farm offers the opportunity for full Equestrian Services and Boarding! Located in Evington, VA - the rolling hills offer views of Johnson Mountain, the Blue Ridge Mountain Range and the Big Otter River and with well over 300 acres there is lots of fenced roaming area for you and your four legged friend!

Lot 6 - Wyndholm Lane is 3 acres and offers a gently sloping grade and is beautifully wooded with mature trees. Deed Restrictions guarantee beautiful homes in a beautiful neighborhood!

Marketed by THE GARY FOSTER TEAM of RE/MAX 1st Olympic. Plats & Deed Restrictions available.