Lake Anna VA Real Estate Specialist - Kathleen Elim

Seller Agency is a Fraud...(But Only Sometimes)

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:01:16 -0600

Seller agency is a fraud...(but only sometimes). Having just read the post, Buyer Agency is a Fraud...(Sometimes) by Maya Paveza, I must agree that this has happened to me also.

Now the other side of that coin is the agent "posing" as the seller's agent. Perhaps you have met a few of them throughout your real estate career.

Here are some of the comments I have heard as a buyer's agent:

Bring an offer, my client is getting desperate.

The listing is about to expire and I need something out it.

The sellers have a contract on another place with a kick/out so they need to get this sold now.

The house is in terrible shape but once we get the seller's to sign off on an offer I can then talk them into getting all the repairs done.

We have it listed for $XXX,XXX but I'm telling you the seller will take $ZZZ,ZZZ.

My seller has lost his job and will not be able to make the payments much longer.

My clients' daughter's husband left her and they want to move closer to help take care of the grandchildren.

They'll really take a lot less than the asking price.

Hey, there's always a lot of wiggle room. Just have your folks make an offer.

I can't help it if my sellers are unreasonable about the list price but I'm sure if you bring a contract they'll see the light.

We all know that if an owner authorizes their listing agent to share this information with other agents it is absolutely OK to do that. However, my concern is with those that have never had this conversation with their clients.

There are agents, whether representing the seller or the buyer, that only see $$$$$ signs. Unfortunately, I have seen it on both sides.

I certainly realize that this is a business and that we earn our living by helping folks buy and sell real estate.

To me real estate is a SALES and a SERVICE profession. The service we provide is as important as the ultimate sale that hopefully ensues.

The great thing is that, by far, most of the agents I have had interactions with since I've been in real estate (1986) have done a very good job of representing and protecting their clients' interests.

Understanding that protecting your client's interest protects yours as well will make you successful and trusted as a REALTOR.

Stars & Stripes

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:26:15 -0600

This was such a unique flag that I could not resist taking a photo of it and sharing it with all of you. It may not be a little short on stars but I believe it is long on love. The same can be said of the stripes. What counts is not the number of either but the sentiment. This flag was made by one of the lower classes at Matoaka Elementary School in Williamsburg, VA to honor our service men and women, both those serving and those retired.

A Wonderful Way to Honor Our Veterans and Active Duty

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:02:32 -0600

Today, as we did last Veterans Day, we celebrated at Matoaka Elementary School in Williamsburg, VA. Our granddaughter, Autumn, is a student there and each year they honor the veterans in their lives. Col. Jim Bleecker, along with about 75 other veterans, was in attendance for the program and for the luncheon.

Autumn and Grandpa Jim (also celebrating his 80th birthday)

The Fifth Grade put on the following program

This is America

The Pledge of Allegiance

The Star-Spangled Banner

American Tears

Armed Forces Medley

The Lights of Freedom

It is wonderful to see the children and the staff at Matoaka Elementary recognize the many active duty and retired veterans that make up their families. It is important that we be reminded that without the sacrifice so many have made and continue to make, we would not have the freedoms we treasure.

A Lake Anna Beauty for $270,000

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:30:23 -0600

Kathleen Elim | RE/MAX Edge | lakeanna.kate@gmail.com | 540-226-1964

238 Oak Haven Drive, Mineral, VA

Gorgeous hardwood floors, Great Room, first floor master bedroom, freshly painted interior, deep front porch & large deck, and secluded back yard.

3BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $270,000

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	2,240
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	1.35 acres
HOA/Maint	$42 per month

DESCRIPTION

LAKE ANNA water access home in The Waters at Lake Anna. LOOKS NEW. Interior freshly painted with 3BR, Den, 2+ BA, (1st floor Master BR, breakfast room, beautiful hardwood and ceramic floors, open Great Room, and well-equipped kitchen with plenty of cabinets, floor to ceiling pantry, and Cornerstone counters. Huge front porch & deeded boat slip. Two car garage & paved driveway. LARGE 20 x 16 DECK. Community amenities: swimming pool, tennis courts, club house, and soccer field = A GREAT BUY.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Office/Den
- Dining room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Basement
- Laundry area - inside	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Clubhouse	- Swimming pool(s)	- Tennis court(s)
- Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 20 x 16 foot deck

- 8' deep front porch

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Porch	Great Room
Dining Room	Kitchen
Master Bedroom	Deck

Contact info:

Kathleen Elim

RE/MAX Edge

lakeanna.kate@gmail.com

540-226-1964

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 3, 2009, 4:24pm PST

Blogging to Enhance Relationships with Clients, Prospects and My Community

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:55:46 -0500

There are a number of ways that I have used my blog to enhance relationships with clients, prospects, and my community. By e-mailing them posts that I have written about activities, businesses, and other topics related to Lake Anna they are able to continually learn more about the place they love, or hopefully, will grow to love.

One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures throughout the year and to share them. As many of our property owners are second home owners they may not get to Lake Anna every season. By taking pictures showing Lake Anna after a snowfall (which does not happen often) and writing about it they get to see the lake from a different perspective. The same at this time of year. In case my former clients were not able to be here during the peak fall foliage I am able to share that with them.

When I have written a post that deals with one of the local businesses I often email that as well, both to my former and current clients. This helps them get a better idea of what is offered here in the event they are looking for a place to eat or a place to shop. E-mails with links to the post and hard copies are given to the business owners as well.

New clients and prospects are encouraged to read my blog and I specify some of the posts that they might find informative and others that present a pictorial guide to Lake Anna and the surrounding areas. Posts are written describing plans for new development such as Cutalong, a proposed golf community on the shores of Lake Anna, as that is always of interest to residents and prospective lake owners.

Folks like to know about the different organizations, for instance the Lake Anna Busines Partnership and the Lake Anna Kayak Club, that have been formed. By sharing posts that deal with these, they have a better idea of what is offered.

Not everyone that inquires about Lake Anna knows exactly where it is and what else is in the vicinity. One of the posts that answered these questions, Where is Lake Anna? is part of what is forwarded to those wanting to know more about the location.

Sometimes I write about things that catch my eye such as an array of unique mail boxes. By noting the address of the homes I have then been able to get the names of the owners and mail the post as well as information on my blog.

Writing posts has opened up my eyes even more to the beauty of Lake Anna and I love sharing that with others. I know that it has provided new business for me and, I sincerely hope that it has provided a better sense of Lake Anna to its readers. I make sure that all of my marketing materials contain the address, that includes among other things my business card (on the back), my e-mail signature, all flyers, mailings, and advertisements.

,Autumn at Lake Anna,Virginia

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:42:51 -0500

Autumn at Lake Anna, Virginia is a delightful time...just like every other season!

Come see for yourself.

The view from the dyke three bridge which separates the two sides of Lake Anna. This photo was taken looking towards the private side. No matter which side of the lake you see, it is beautiful. This is a scene that is replicated over and over again from one end of lake to the other.

Dyke three is one of the favorite fishing spots for anglers with or without a boat. If you have not tried your hand at fishing here give it a try. You may be very happy with the results.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Think You Know It All? Think You Know ANYTHING? Think Again. REBAR Camp Redefines Learning.

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:06:06 -0500

The REBAR Camp, recently held in Northern Virginia, was highly successful from all accounts. Fortunately for those of us that did not attend, several attendees have posted about what they learned there. I'm re-blogging one of them but suggest you search for others as they are very informative also.

Via Laura Rubinchuk - The LJR Group - Your Northern Virginia and D.C. Realtor (Keller Williams Realty):

Have you ever been in a room with over 100 people who were DYING to share every ounce of information and knowledge they have with YOU? Who put a pause on their own learning to bring you up to speed with what they’ve already learned and have proven are successful techniques? If not, you’ve clearly never been to REBAR Camp.

There’s a community that exists in the real estate world that you should be a part of. It’s a family of people who have a different way of thinking, of communicating, of existing, and of growing a business. We’re like-minded. We like information fast, like our consumers. We crave new relationships, like our clients. We respond quickly when made fun of in a tweet (@DerekMassey…Go Yankees!).

As a Gen-Y-er, people often assume I innately know how to use any kind of technology – whether it’s teaching them to turn on the computer or using social media for their real estate business. Well, let me tell you…while you can stalk me all day long on:

Tuesday proved to me that I’ve only scratched the surface of the infinite possibilities out there, and that I better get back to work!

Heather Elias & Danilo Bogdanovic both are active agents and bloggers in Loudoun County, Virginia. But they do it their own ways. They’re both successful…for being exactly who they are, using their own voices to tell their own stories.

Jennifer Klaussen, Frank Llosa, and I are all agents and bloggers in Arlington County, Virginia. But guess what? We all have VERY different ways of talking about our local real estate market (and the kicker is that I live 1 block from Frank!).

Daniel Rothamel, The Real Estate Zebra, has taken personal branding and reinvented the concept. Who would have thought an animal could be so quickly associated with a real estate agent (or his lil’ gal baking in the oven). From the Zebra’s blog you get an idea of what he’ll be like if you call him up and say “I want to buy a house.” He is in person, who he appears to be online.

Why does this work? Because we’re all individuals, with different backgrounds, different experiences, different voices. We’re all different people. We have different things to say. So as a result, we attract different types of clients. And that’s ok!!!

The point of social media is to cultivate and enhance relationships, take your cyber friends and make them In-Real-Life friends, face to face. Build your network of fellow agents, attorneys, lenders, inspectors, etc. and bring that to the table when you meet new clients. Draw from their experiences to make YOU better.

#REBCDC was a full day of meeting cyber friends, who are actually people! People who are willing to teach you everything they know, to help make you better.

Some Takeaways:

For those of you who think Twitter is the equivalent of Acid Wash Jeans, cool now, but fading fast…you don’t get it (BTW- acid wash jeans were a fad I was never a part of, hello…I was born in 1984, by the time they were no longer cool, I was just learning how to dress myself). It’s a new way to share information quickly, engage in conversation, enhance relationships, and learn. If you’re not learning and growing, you’re dying, right?

Facebook is Google for stalkers. Meet a new agent you admire? Friend them. Stalk them. (Meet a rich/tall/dark/handsome man and want to know if he’s single? Friend him too. #justsayin…I digress.) But guess what? The person who gets your name from a friend, or finds you online, or sees your sign post in a yard – they’re going to want to know more about you too, without feeling pressured by yet another sales-y real estate agent.

Posterous is your life in pictures. Ever have one of those “I wish someone was here to see this” moments? Now all of your 1,000 followers and readers can be, with a simple email. This was one of my “to-do” items thanks to Derek Massey.

Pay it forward. Whether it’s helping to raise $1,000 for DC Central Kitchen, or teaching someone a profitable tip you just learned, helping someone else reach their goals will help you in the end. Ziglar said “I believe you can get everything in life you want, if you will just help enough people get what they want.”

And with that…I wish ALL of the sponsors (especially @TechChix for organizing), teachers, and friends I made at REBAR Camp DC the very best. A big THANK YOU!

To Assist You in Planning Your Life...

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:40:32 -0500

To assist you in planning your life . . .

I love you!

Raga Elim
Chief Adviser, Public Policy
and Head of the Washington, DC Office
Rio Tinto

This is from an e-mail I just received from one of my sons. These are the "little" things that make my life so rich and happy.

Raga sent me the upcoming schedule for his daughter's field hockey team and this is the message. Allegra is an eighth grader on the varsity field hockey team at her school. He knows how much we love to attend as many of our grandchildren's activities as we possible can.

This is day number one as a varsity player. When Allegra saw us on the sidelines she gave us a big grin. Believe me, we were as happy as she was and wouldn't have missed it for the world.

There are many material things that we can give our children and our grandchildren. Even more important than that is what we give of ourselves, love and time.

Real estate is a profession that calls on us to sometimes work seven days a week and 16 hours a day. Yet it is also a field that provides us flexibility.

Fortunately there are so many tools that we have at our disposal that enable us to work from many places other than our offices. Having the ability to receive calls, e-mails, and text messages while standing on the sidelines (that's where I usually am so I can click away on my camera) makes it less stressful. Clients and prospects are just a cell phone away.

Make the most of that flexibility and find a healthy balance between your work and your life.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Halloween.....Country Style

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:22:10 -0500

Out here, in the countryside around Lake Anna, the Halloween decorations may not be very plentiful but they sure are fun to see. I like the fact that people tend to use things they have around their place. Here are two examples, photos I took at one of the area farms.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Foggy Morning at Lake Anna,Virginia

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:57:09 -0500

One recent morning on my way to the Virginia Horse Center down in Lexington I crosed one of the bridges here at Lake Anna and noticed this house. Although the fog almost obscured the house and boat house I could not resist taking a photo. I'm not suggesting folks slow down on bridges unless there is very little traffic as we have out here. Even then I make sure no one is behind me or coming down the road.

This is precisely why my camera sits comfortably on the passenger's seat within easy reach of my itchy fingers. I am lost when it is not there.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Wordless Wednesday...Nothing Stops Them

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:31:33 -0500

One morning as I set out for Charlottesville, I passed Sturgeon's Creek Marina on the shores of Lake Anna. As I was driving by I glanced at the water (I always do) and noticed the fog and a couple of fishermen setting off. I turned around, pulled in, and saw that they were having a fishing tournament. Quite a number of boats were lined up ready to go. I took several shots and here is one of them.

Can you see them back there?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Housing Credit Extension...Coming, Coming, or Gone

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:06:18 -0500

Senator Harry Reid, Majority Leader and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat, have proposed extending the credit of $8,000 until April when the credit would be reduced to $6,000, then in July to $4,000, and in October reduced to $2,000 for homes that close in each successive quarter, ending December 31, 2010.

At this point there is nothing in this proposal that would extend the credit to anyone other than first time buyers and those that have not owned a home in the past three years.

However, there are other proposals being considered that would extend the current credit and include those with a higher income (amount to be determined) and perhaps to move up buyers.

With the September drop in new home sales, attributed to the end of the current tax credit for first-time buyers, more attention is being focused on these proposals.

Information compiled from Reuters, Associated Press and other sources.

Photo courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Wordless Wednesday...This Reminds Me of the State of Our Politics

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:47:05 -0500

This Reminds Me of the State of Our Politics

Equally Divided

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Fabric Hut & Gift Gallery

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:45:39 -0500

Although we live out in the country on Lake Anna we are close to the town of Louisa. Louisa is the county seat for Louisa County which borders on the lake. We may be far from shopping strips and outlet malls we are not without a very special spot to shop for a multitude of items.

Whether looking for fabric, threads and zippers, seasonal flags for the front of your house, a huge variety of collectibles, gift items galore such as a large assortment of picture frames, candles, toys, and even ties for that man in your life you will find them at the Fabric Hut & Gift Gallery in Louisa.

FABRIC HUT & GIFT GALLERY

203 E. Main Street

Louisa, Virginia 23093

(540) 967-1630

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Golden Sunset at Lake Anna, Virginia

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:14:42 -0500

I'm in love with sunsets. I cannot seem to get over the beauty of them. Although I have tons of pictures of the sun going down, I still take more. I delight in the fact that we see some truly gorgeous ones. The fact that the setting sun, and the wonderful hues it creates in the sky, are often reflected in the water. That doubles my pleasure.

If you love sunsets perhaps we can find a place for you here at Lake Anna where you can feast your eyes on many spectacular ones. I'll do all that I can to help you

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Focus Your ActiveRain Reading with Blogs Posted By Key

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:32:52 -0500

John Novak discover a neat way to search for blogs by four different methods using one or all. I thought that more of you might like to learn about this. It's great when one of our members discovers something that is helpful and shares it with all of us.

Via John Novak - Las Vegas and Henderson NV Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace):

One of the strengths of ActiveRain is the diversity of its membership. While real estate agents make up the bulk of the community, there are also loan officers, inspectors, appraisers, title reps, virtual assistants, home stagers and 21 other categories.

We used to be able to select posts from specific job categories, but that functionality has been 'misplaced' in various redesigns and site improvements. Tonight I stumbled upon a 'secret page' that can really help users target their reading -- Blogs Posted By Key.

There's no navigation link to this page; the address is http://activerain.com/blogs?posted_by_key.
Notice the four drop-down boxes for Category, Posted By, Sort by, and Posted within in this screenshot:

How can you use this page to your advantage? Suppose you're a lender looking for ideas on recent market reports. Choose category = Market Reports; posted by = Loan Officers; sort by = Date Posted; posted within = 1 week.

Maybe it's time to build your business and you're considering a virtual assistant. Select category = Tips and Advice; posted by = Virtual Assistants; sort by = Date posted; posted within = Anytime.

Just finished a day where two escrows cancelled, the buyer didn't show, and you accidentally ran over your iPhone? Maybe some humor from the AR Inspectors will help! Choose category = Off topic, humor, etc; posted by = Inspectors; sort by = Number of comments; posted within = Anytime.

A Special Request to the AR Team

These four drop-down boxes provide some powerful search functions. Is there a way to incorporate them in the main blogs page? I've highlighted two areas that could be moved (or removed) to make room for them.

AR readers: What do you think? Is this a feature that you find useful?

Big Sky Right Here in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:29:45 -0500

One of the things that I like about going to the outdoor sporting events in the fall at Fredericksburg Academy, is the chance to watch my grandson play soccer and my granddaughter's field hockey team. It takes me back to the days when I watched my three children participate in a number of different sports. It was tough for me to miss a game. These days it is usually my grandchildren that I get to watch.

With my camera always handy, I have hundreds (maybe thousands) of photos showing one or another taking part in horse shows, swim meets, softball, soccer, basketball, or flag football. I also soak up the scenery. Yesterday while watching a soccer game I couldn't get over how pretty the trees looked and what fun the clouds seemed to be having as they traversed the sky. We had abundant clouds set against a beautiful blue sky which seemed to be saying to me, "Take my picture so you can enjoy me over and over again." I did and I will. I hope you do too.

Remember to keep your eyes open and soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Lake Anna Kayak Club

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:53:40 -0500

Make time in the next week or so, if at all possible, to check out the colorful trees along the shores of Lake Anna. One way you can do this is to join members of the Lake Anna Kayak Club at noon on Saturday, October 24th. They will be leaving from High Point Marina where you might still be able to rent a kayak at Lake Anna Outfitters, the headquarters for the club.

While it is free for club members, non-members only need to pay $6.00. Be sure to check to see if there are any kayaks available to rent and if there is any change in plans.

To join or for more information about the Lake Anna Kayak Club contact Chris McCotter at (540) 894-3540 or mcfish@gemlink.com.

Chris organized the club in May 2009. It has an open membership policy and a $30.00 membership fee for couples while singles pay $15.00. You can learn more about club activities at http://lakeannakayakclub.blogspot.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Buddies...Wordless Wednesday

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:35:18 -0500

Buddies...Wordless Wednesday

Lindy & Rocky

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Stalk the Neighborhood

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:05:07 -0500

Stalk the neighborhood. That is the number one advice an HGTV show provided buyers in a program I watched this afternoon. How true.

Get a good look at the area where you are considering a purchase. Not only is it important that you are sold on the house, make sure you are sold on the location also. So here we go again with the advise REALTORS have been providing for years and years. It's all about location, location, location.

"Stalking" the neighborhood will give you an opportunity to see:

What age children live there if this important to you.
Is it a relatively quiet neighborhood?
Is it one that has restrictions that you feel that you can live with? Often it is after a contract is written and accepted that buyers receive the Property Owners Association's package which includes, among other things, rules and regulations you will be agreeing to abide with as long as they are in place. By driving around you can see for yourself if fences are allowed and what type, whether boats or rv type vehicles are allowed to be parked on the lot, are free-standing basketball hoops permitted, and the list goes on.
Are the homes maintained the way you plan to maintain yours?
What are the traffic conditions like?
Is there on street parking?
If you need mass transit, is it available within a reasonable distance?
Is you house you selected the most expensive one in the neighborhood? If so, you may feel like royalty but does it make financial sense?
What are the minuses and pluses in your eyes?

There are many other things that are to be considered. Make sure you take the time to do that. Hopefully you will be in that home in that neighborhood for some time. Make it the right decision all around.

Yes, "stalking" sounds scary but it sure is catchy and emphasizes the importance of not only knowing what you are buying but where you are buying.

My Lake Anna Neighborhood...Make it Yours Too

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:22:26 -0500

My Lake Anna Neighborhood...Make it Yours Too. Yes, that's possible. If you have been thinking about a move to the country and would also like to be near or on a lake, check out Lake Anna.

These are a few of the photos I took on my way home today. They were taken within a few miles of my home and some within a few hundred feet. This is what I see when I leave home. I love it. Even after seventeen years I never tire of see these sights. No matter how often I drive these roads I always see some things for the first time and others I have enjoyed over and over again.

I hope you enjoy these glimpses of my neighborhood and get an idea of why I love it.

Each time I pass this barn and stable on Partlow Road I notice how well maintained they are.

I liked the silouette affect.

A driveway along my ride home.

Fall is definitely here but the flowers are still blooming.

Muddy sheep...a reflection of recent rain.

Carrying a camera around at all times is a necessity. That way I get to share these impressions over and over again and I get to share them with all of you as well.

What is out there for you to see and photograph? If you are in the habit of carrying your camera with you you know the pleasure I get from mine. If you don't think about doing it. As a REALTOR this gives me a great way of showing others how wonderful this area is. As they say, a picture is worth a 1,000 words.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

CNBC.com Quoting Active Rain's Elizabeth Weintraub...Way to Go, Elizabeth

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:10:13 -0500

CNBC.com is not a web site that I have gone to that often, however, I did check it today. While on there I saw the title of an article, How to Move Your House in a Tough Market, which I thought might be interesting to read and it was.

Not so much for the content (although it was but once I started reading it I saw a familiar name. It was none other than Active Rains's Elizabeth Weintraub. Not only is Elizabeth a broker with Lyon's Real Estate in downtown Sacramento she is also a big contributor to Active Rain.

This is not the first time I have seen an Active Rain member's name. It's like seeing the name of an old friend in a place where you don't expect to see it. Mind you, I have never met any of these people but who needs to. We know them from seeing their pictures over and over again and reading their posts time and again.

When I saw Elizabeth's name it felt as though I had seen the name of a friend. That is what Active Rain has done for me.

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Welcome Aboard - photo by Kate Elim, Realtor, Lake Anna, VirginiaIf you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

FAAR's SIXTH ANNUAL CEREAL DRIVE IS UNDERWAY

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:18:59 -0500

FAAR's (Fredericksburg Area Association of REALTORS) Sixth Annual Cereal drive is underway. With 38 real estate companies collecting donations of cereal and/or money, we are well ahead of last year when there were 27 companies. Area food banks will benefit from the efforts of REALTORS in your communities.

Please be as supportive as you can be. The economy has been hard on many of us and yet there are those that have been affected even more. Food banks are there to help these neigbors and often provide the food that makes a difference between hunger and a decent meal.

RE/MAX Edge, located at 5205 Courthouse Road at Lake Anna, is one of the collection points. You may drop your donations there if you live or visit that area. RE/MAX Edge is donating all of the cereal and monetary donations to two area food banks, half to the one located in Louisa County and half to Fredericksburg Area Food Bank which includes Spotsylvania County where my office at Lake Anna is located.

The next time you go grocery shopping and pick up a box of cereal, pick up an extra one (or two or more) for this worthy cause. Drop off your donation and you will be sure to receive a great big thank you from all of us at RE/MAX Edge. We have two weeks left. Enough time for you to help.

If you have any question or would like more information contact me at 540-226-1964 or lakeanna.kate@gmail.com and I will be happy to help you.

Please help make this drive a success. What takes very little effort on your part can make a great deal of difference to others. Thanks to all of you that plan to do just that.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

Fall at Lake Anna

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 -0500

Fall at Lake Anna is one of my favorite seasons...I have three others.

What can one expect to see when visiting Lake Anna, in Central Virginia, at this time of year? At the moment leaves are just beginning to change but shortly there will be some beautiful color ringing the lake. I hope you enjoy the photos I took during a cruise on our tritoon last fall.

We are blessed with an assortment of hardwood including dogwoods, red uds, and stately oaks. The variety of trees provides us with an range of color from yellows to oranges to brillant crimson.

There's nothing quite like a fall outing on the water. The days are crisp, the sky is gorgeous, and the scenery can be breathtaking. If you have not visited Lake Anna in the fall, why not consider a trip here soon. You might get to witness a sunset like those that I often experience in the evening.

Give us another few days and the foliage will put on quite a show for you. If you need suggestions on places to stay feel free to contact me. I'll be more than happy to help you. This is too good a treat to keep to myself. Hope to see you soon.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/.

FY2010 Defense Authorization Act...Some Good News, Some Bad

Kathleen "Kate" Elim LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Edge) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:47:18 -0500

FY2010 Defense Authorization Act...Some Good News, Some Bad

As a graduate of the United States Military Academy, my husband received an email today spelling out the Military Officers Association of America's (MOAA) analysis of the newly released FY2010 Defense Authorization Act.

First the good news. Among other provisions, the legislation will:

Authorize a 3.4% pay raise for active duty, Guard and Reserve members (vs. the budgeted 2.9%)
Bar the Pentagon from implementing any TRICARE inpatient care copay increases for FY2010
Authorize an extra 30,000 troops for the Army (15,000 above the budget request), and an additional 30,000 in FY2011 and FY2012, provided the Pentagon budgets for the increase
Authorize premium-based TRICARE coverage for "gray area" reserve retirees who haven't yet attained age 60
Authorize special compensation on behalf of caregivers of severely wounded warriors while on active duty (tracks with VA "aid and attendance" payments for vets who need caregivers)
Require retention of wounded Guard/Reserve members on active duty through completion of disability determination process, unless they request earlier release
Require a medical examination before administrative separation of members affected by traumatic brain injury or PTSD
Mandate a long list of initiatives to protect absentee voting rights for military members and families
Extend family medical leave rights to employees who are family members of deploying active duty members
Expand the window of active-duty TRICARE eligibility for activating Guard/Reserve members/families
Require a variety of measures to expand beneficiary access to mental health providers
Authorize $49 million to assist school districts with significant populations of military children
Authorize active-duty-level dental coverage for children of members who die on active duty
Establish formal requirements for needs assessment and delivery of assistance to military families with children with special needs
Authorize a pilot program to create federal internships for military spouses
Express the sense of Congress that DoD should authorize Flexible Spending Accounts to let currently serving military members set aside pre-tax dollars to cover out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses
Require a DoD plan to improve access of beneficiaries to health care providers
Establish a new DoD Task Force to assess progress on care, management and transition of recovering wounded, ill and injured service members

Unfortunately, the new legislation also produced some significant disappointments in that it:

Dropped the House plan to phase out the disability offset to retired pay for medically retired (chapter 61) members. This is a particularly devastating setback because, for the first time, the President's budget had included this measure, and House leaders had found funding for the first year. Some in the Senate objected to the specific funding sources identified by the House, and leaders could not find other offsets to comply with Senate budget-scoring rules
Dropped the Senate initiative to repeal the deduction of VA survivor benefits from military SBP annuities, again for lack of funding offsets
Reduced the Senate-approved Army manpower level by 15,000 for FY2010 (though it did provide extra increases in 2011-12). MOAA had urgently supported the extra increase for FY2010 to provide much needed relief for Army families affected by grievous over-deployment of a too-small force
Dropped a Senate-approved provision to authorize retroactive Reserve retirement age credit for active duty service since Sept. 11, 2001 (current law credits only service since Jan. 28, 2008), again for lack of funding offsets
Dropped a House-passed provision to authorize shipment of a second personal vehicle for members on PCS orders to Hawaii, Alaska, or US territories
Authorizes daily proration of combat and hazard pays (under current law, any part of a month in a combat zone triggers pay for the month). MOAA believes this is an over-reaction to reports of abuse (e.g., scheduling two-day in-theater trips starting the last day of the month) that would have been better addressed by a requirement to spend more than 30 days in theater to receive more than one month's pay credit
Dropped a Senate-passed provision that would have allowed military spouses to choose to establish the same domicile as their service member for voting and tax purposes
Dropped a Senate-passed provision expressing the sense of Congress that military retirement and health benefits are the primary offset to the extraordinary demands and sacrifices inherent in a military career, that career members deserve a health benefit commensurate with their sacrifices, and that DoD needs to look at other ways to reduce health care spending than shifting more costs to beneficiaries."

Jim and I are covered by Medicare and Tricare for Life. Both of these programs are government run. We receive excellent care from the doctors of our choice and are grateful to have such great coverage.

Lake Anna VA Real Estate Specialist - Kathleen Elim

Seller Agency is a Fraud...(But Only Sometimes)

Seller agency is a fraud...(but only sometimes). Having just read the post, Buyer Agency is a Fraud...(Sometimes) by Maya Paveza, I must agree that this has happened to me also.

Now the other side of that coin is the agent "posing" as the seller's agent. Perhaps you have met a few of them throughout your real estate career.

We all know that if an owner authorizes their listing agent to share this information with other agents it is absolutely OK to do that. However, my concern is with those that have never had this conversation with their clients.

There are agents, whether representing the seller or the buyer, that only see $$$$$ signs. Unfortunately, I have seen it on both sides.

I certainly realize that this is a business and that we earn our living by helping folks buy and sell real estate.

To me real estate is a SALES and a SERVICE profession. The service we provide is as important as the ultimate sale that hopefully ensues.

The great thing is that, by far, most of the agents I have had interactions with since I've been in real estate (1986) have done a very good job of representing and protecting their clients' interests.

Understanding that protecting your client's interest protects yours as well will make you successful and trusted as a REALTOR.

Stars & Stripes

A Wonderful Way to Honor Our Veterans and Active Duty

Autumn and Grandpa Jim (also celebrating his 80th birthday)

The Fifth Grade put on the following program

This is America

The Pledge of Allegiance

The Star-Spangled Banner

American Tears

Armed Forces Medley

The Lights of Freedom

It is wonderful to see the children and the staff at Matoaka Elementary recognize the many active duty and retired veterans that make up their families. It is important that we be reminded that without the sacrifice so many have made and continue to make, we would not have the freedoms we treasure.

A Lake Anna Beauty for $270,000

Blogging to Enhance Relationships with Clients, Prospects and My Community

,Autumn at Lake Anna,Virginia

Autumn at Lake Anna, Virginia is a delightful time...just like every other season!

Come see for yourself.

The view from the dyke three bridge which separates the two sides of Lake Anna. This photo was taken looking towards the private side. No matter which side of the lake you see, it is beautiful. This is a scene that is replicated over and over again from one end of lake to the other.

Dyke three is one of the favorite fishing spots for anglers with or without a boat. If you have not tried your hand at fishing here give it a try. You may be very happy with the results.

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Think You Know It All? Think You Know ANYTHING? Think Again. REBAR Camp Redefines Learning.

To Assist You in Planning Your Life...

To assist you in planning your life . . . I love you! Raga ElimChief Adviser, Public Policy and Head of the Washington, DC OfficeRio Tinto

This is from an e-mail I just received from one of my sons. These are the "little" things that make my life so rich and happy.

Raga sent me the upcoming schedule for his daughter's field hockey team and this is the message. Allegra is an eighth grader on the varsity field hockey team at her school. He knows how much we love to attend as many of our grandchildren's activities as we possible can.

This is day number one as a varsity player. When Allegra saw us on the sidelines she gave us a big grin. Believe me, we were as happy as she was and wouldn't have missed it for the world.

There are many material things that we can give our children and our grandchildren. Even more important than that is what we give of ourselves, love and time.

Real estate is a profession that calls on us to sometimes work seven days a week and 16 hours a day. Yet it is also a field that provides us flexibility.

Make the most of that flexibility and find a healthy balance between your work and your life.

Halloween.....Country Style

Out here, in the countryside around Lake Anna, the Halloween decorations may not be very plentiful but they sure are fun to see. I like the fact that people tend to use things they have around their place. Here are two examples, photos I took at one of the area farms.

Foggy Morning at Lake Anna,Virginia

Wordless Wednesday...Nothing Stops Them

Housing Credit Extension...Coming, Coming, or Gone

At this point there is nothing in this proposal that would extend the credit to anyone other than first time buyers and those that have not owned a home in the past three years.

However, there are other proposals being considered that would extend the current credit and include those with a higher income (amount to be determined) and perhaps to move up buyers.

With the September drop in new home sales, attributed to the end of the current tax credit for first-time buyers, more attention is being focused on these proposals.

Wordless Wednesday...This Reminds Me of the State of Our Politics

This Reminds Me of the State of Our Politics

Equally Divided

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Fabric Hut & Gift Gallery

FABRIC HUT & GIFT GALLERY

203 E. Main Street

Louisa, Virginia 23093

(540) 967-1630

Golden Sunset at Lake Anna, Virginia

Focus Your ActiveRain Reading with Blogs Posted By Key

John Novak discover a neat way to search for blogs by four different methods using one or all. I thought that more of you might like to learn about this. It's great when one of our members discovers something that is helpful and shares it with all of us.

A Special Request to the AR Team

Big Sky Right Here in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Lake Anna Kayak Club

While it is free for club members, non-members only need to pay $6.00. Be sure to check to see if there are any kayaks available to rent and if there is any change in plans.

To join or for more information about the Lake Anna Kayak Club contact Chris McCotter at (540) 894-3540 or mcfish@gemlink.com.

Chris organized the club in May 2009. It has an open membership policy and a $30.00 membership fee for couples while singles pay $15.00. You can learn more about club activities at http://lakeannakayakclub.blogspot.com/

Buddies...Wordless Wednesday

Buddies...Wordless Wednesday

Lindy & Rocky

Stalk the Neighborhood

My Lake Anna Neighborhood...Make it Yours Too

CNBC.com Quoting Active Rain's Elizabeth Weintraub...Way to Go, Elizabeth

CNBC.com is not a web site that I have gone to that often, however, I did check it today. While on there I saw the title of an article, How to Move Your House in a Tough Market, which I thought might be interesting to read and it was.

Not so much for the content (although it was but once I started reading it I saw a familiar name. It was none other than Active Rains's Elizabeth Weintraub. Not only is Elizabeth a broker with Lyon's Real Estate in downtown Sacramento she is also a big contributor to Active Rain.

When I saw Elizabeth's name it felt as though I had seen the name of a friend. That is what Active Rain has done for me.

FAAR's SIXTH ANNUAL CEREAL DRIVE IS UNDERWAY

Fall at Lake Anna

Fall at Lake Anna is one of my favorite seasons...I have three others.

What can one expect to see when visiting Lake Anna, in Central Virginia, at this time of year? At the moment leaves are just beginning to change but shortly there will be some beautiful color ringing the lake. I hope you enjoy the photos I took during a cruise on our tritoon last fall.

We are blessed with an assortment of hardwood including dogwoods, red uds, and stately oaks. The variety of trees provides us with an range of color from yellows to oranges to brillant crimson.

There's nothing quite like a fall outing on the water. The days are crisp, the sky is gorgeous, and the scenery can be breathtaking. If you have not visited Lake Anna in the fall, why not consider a trip here soon. You might get to witness a sunset like those that I often experience in the evening.

Give us another few days and the foliage will put on quite a show for you. If you need suggestions on places to stay feel free to contact me. I'll be more than happy to help you. This is too good a treat to keep to myself. Hope to see you soon.

To assist you in planning your life . . .

I love you!

Raga Elim
Chief Adviser, Public Policy
and Head of the Washington, DC Office
Rio Tinto