Winchester, Virginia area Real Estate Blog by Nat

Rebate Check frees Winchester family from rickety back steps!

2008-05-10T23:34:43Z

I am going to call Uncle Sam my fairy godmother godfather, because we have our rebate check in the bank and we have pledged it to a local business! Apparently, as of early June, we'll be free of the temporary, cheap steps we've used to exit the rear of our home.

If you've purchased a new or newer home in the Winchester, VA area, there's a chance your back door was "secured" by a few pieces of wood because the builder did not include the price of a deck with your home! There are homes all over town still boarded up.

I'd like to point out that our own wooden steps failed our 11 month post construction home inspection and had 1.5 pages dedicated to them alone! In searching for a photo of the steps in use, all I could come up with was the photo you see here! Note my clever angle meant to distract you from even noticing them!

Luke Lang of Milam's Landscape has designed solid brick steps and a gorgeous patio and will be installing it the end of May. I plan to update this page when the project is complete.

This post was inspired by the many poll results which predicted the stimulus package would not make a positive impact on the economy. Because we have 4 children (& a bunch of other calculations), our rebate was $2400. 100% is being put back into the economy. In fact, at a minimum, we'll be matching Uncle Sam's contribution! We're not planning to move any time soon, so we are not worried about receiving an immediate return on our investment. If we were moving soon, and didn't make the repairs, you'd bet our steps would give us a headache come home inspection time!

Are you spending your rebate check on your home? Are you going to make a major purchase? Paying off debt? I'd love to hear from local and non local people alike!

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Disclaimer: The information shared here is done in the spirit of entertainment. Please know that my blog is simply an extension of myself via my writings, and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of the Active Rain Real Estate Network or my brokerage or broker. While I love comments from all readers, I'm not responsible for the ones made on this blog. The information I share is felt to be accurate, and will be corrected should any mistakes be pointed out.

Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Foreclosures stripped. Now, cars are being torched? What's next?

2008-05-09T07:42:30Z

I bet it's dinner on fire!

Congratulations, (small segment of) America (making an impact on the economy). I'm not sure who's to blame, but it's obvious that we are not our parents' generation. For the most part, I've had a tremendous amount of sympathy for those facing foreclosure. However, the strippers among them are tainting my view. They grow by the day.

Unfortunately, there are people who are so angry with the "system," they rip out landscaping, doors, micro hoods, & even those cheap little wire racks in the bedroom closets prior to vacating their homes. I won't mention the unmentionable things they do to their floors. Each day, their anger brings our economy down just a tad. I bet it comes around to bite them in the "you know where!"

If the terms "foreclosure" and "short sale" aren't sexy enoug, how about "car torching?" I learned of this on the national news yesterday, but can't find a link to the story. Apparently, a small segment of the population, now months behind on car payments, have turned to torching their vehicles in hopes of cashing in on insurance and escaping debt they can't afford.

For those who don't get caught, I suppose it might be easier than getting a second job, like our parents, grand parents, and great grand parents (and every other ancestor in debt) would have done.

We're not entitled to the American Dream. We're privileged to pursue it! Remember an essential ingredient...WORKING TO EARN IT! Or, accepting failure with grace and moving on...

What's next? Dinner on fire?

If you're in a restaurant and find some one torching their hollowed baked potato, and then running from the restaurant without paying their bill; something's amiss. I smell a rat, here! Oh, it's my graphic.

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Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Forbes.com Ranks Winchester, VA #19 for Best Small Places for Business & Careers

2008-04-23T09:05:00Z

Congratulations, Winchester! Out of 179 contestants, Winchester ranks 19th best when it comes to small places for both business and careers. Only two other cities in Virginia came in with better results: Blacksburg (#10) and Charlottesville (#9).

Is Winchester a great place to live or relocate your business? Why don't you come check it out for yourself?! For a tour around Winchester, feel free to check out my other relocation posts!

Winchester, Clear Brook, Stephenson, and Front Royal are all areas experiencing growth at this time! We are close to major airports, rail, and major shipping routes. See what our local Economic Development Commission has to say.

Are you considering Winchester as a possible location for your corporation, factory or other business? Call the experts at the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission at 540-665-0973, or simply follow the link for information online. When it comes to relocating your employees, call me, Your own relocation expert!

Disclaimer: The information shared here is done in the spirit of entertainment and genuine excitement about this region. Please know that my blog is simply an extension of myself via my writings, and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of the Active Rain Real Estate Network or my brokerage or broker. While I love comments from all readers, I'm not responsible for the ones made on this blog. The information I share is felt to be accurate, and will be corrected should any mistakes be pointed out. Photos belong to me. Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Short sales and foreclosures are like big ugly zits! Winchester/Frederick County has a serious acne problem!

2008-04-15T07:54:10Z

I bet your neighborhood has one of each! Mine has two foreclosures & one short sale on the market. You may even feel aggression towards that neighbor because you feel their asking price is dragging down the neighborhood and even cutting into your own personal equity.

The sad truth is that many agents in this area put ridiculously low prices on homes which are short sales to generate interest in a listing in hopes that a speedy offer will occur. Unfortunately, this makes the other homes in the neighborhood look overpriced even when they are priced well.

For buyers, many are unaware that listings are short sales until after they’ve submitted an offer. I know it’s happening, because people love to share their battle stories to anything with a PULSE!

The first question most people ask is, “What the heck is a short sale?” A short sale is when a home owner sells his house for less than what he owes the bank. This can only happen when the lender agrees to accept the proceeds of the short sale and forgive the balance owed on the mortgage. This is typically done after the owner proves hardship of some sort and that they can no longer afford to make their mortgage payments. The bank is then able to avoid a lengthy and expensive foreclosure.

Short sales are not easy. I only recommend my buyers consider one when they are patient enough to handle the uncertainty they come with. Some banks are so overwhelmed with short sales and foreclosures, they move at a snails pace.

Rather than take out your frustrations on your neighbor, bake them some cookies and be thankful that your only fear is the inability to refinance when you decide to put in that pool or buy that RV! You’re living on a rock, and their little sand castle is slowly melting away, along with their credit…

If you want to read more about short sales, here are ~~two~~ three great pieces:

Elizabeth Weintraub explains why a lender would do a short sale.

Lenn Harley provides extensive coverage on short sales and sparks an excited trail of comments from agents and the public across the country!

Matthew Rathbun discusses why a Seller might consider disclosing their status when pursuing a Short Sale.

Update: 4/22/08, via Twitter, Matthew suggests buyer agents put in the offer to purchase: "Seller to disclose short sale status if it exists." I felt that was a BRILLIANT suggestion!

Note: If you are considering SHORT selling your home, I’m not your agent. You need an agent with a tremendous amount of skill and experience with short sales specifically. I can refer you to one, but I will not personally list one myself.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Virginia Blogger Connect 2.0 Wish you were there!

2008-04-07T11:56:55Z

Blog talk & lunch with Keith Garner, Managing Director, Center for REALTOR® Technology!!!

Thank you, Ben Martin, Director of Communications and New Media for VAR, for organizing Blogger Connect 2.0!

This past Friday, approximately 30 bloggers from across the state gathered at DARR in Leesburg, VA for a rather mind exploding, animated, and fruitful exchange of ideas. Keith Garner, Managing Director, Center for REALTOR® Technology, joined us for an interactive presentation and lunch. I plan to do an additional post on Keith's information alone. There are a number of techy resources available to us from NAR which are not being used to their full potential.

You may well recognize some of the attendies from The Active Rain Real Estate Network: Brian Block, Frank Llosa, and Danilo Bogdanovic .

If you haven't heard of the Real Estate Zebra by now, you'll thank me for introducing you! Daniel brought the technical expertise necessary to broadcast live from the event. With a roomful of writers reluctant to take to the air, he did an amazing job of keeping the show going with an information packed 30 minutes. Jim Duncan, Bob Carney, and Jeff Turner each called in and contributed tremendously to the conversation. To listen to the conversation, follow the path. First, click HERE, then click on the top icon, Audio from Today’s Zebra Talk.

TIP: On air Jeff Turner suggests you get out, meet people, develop relationships, and don't let SEO take over your writing! Use your blog to create conversations with real people in your community. If you have the courage, talk to neighborhood residents when you do your local neighborhood reports. Ask them how they feel about life in their neighborhood. Ask if you can quote them!

See you all in Baltimore, MD for VAR 2008

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Winchester, Va Real Estate SOLD report for Harvest Ridge Estates

2008-03-29T23:14:19Z

Winchester, VA Real Estate - Harvest Ridge Estates

SOLD STATISTICS FOR HARVEST RIDGE!

January 1, 2007 - Present

This post is inspired by the Winchester resident who emailed me for a list of recent sales in Harvest Ridge Estates after reading my recent market report on Harvest Ridge Estates. If you missed it, please click here for information on currently listed homes.

Built by Toll Brothers, this neighborhood has been complete since the summer of 2006! I have decided to use data from January 1, 2007 forward. I’ll attempt to keep this up to date. Text, email, or call me to be added to an automated email notification via MRIS, our local MLS on market activity in Harvest Ridge. (or any other neighborhood)

Source of statistics: MRIS & Tax Records. Model info. from my knowledge of the neighborhood/builder.

Tidbit of information: Did you know that Toll Brothers puts a lot of thought into the appearance of their communities? In Harvest Ridge Estates, you’ll note that every other house has a large Cherry or Pear tree in the front yard. Each house has the same type of tree in their back yard as well.

These photos are of actual neighborhood trees taken this month!

SEARCH THE WINCHESTER AREA MLS FREE!!!!

Search Frederick or Clarke County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Relocating to the Winchester, Va area? Check out my relocation post!

Disclaimer: The information shared here is done in the spirit of entertainment. At the time this is posted, none of the homes pictured are on the market. Please know that my blog is simply an extension of myself via my writings, and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of the Active Rain Real Estate Network or my brokerage or broker. While I love comments from all readers, I'm not responsible for the ones made on this blog. The information I share is felt to be accurate, and will be corrected should any mistakes be pointed out. Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Winchester, VA Real Estate - Harvest Ridge Estates Market Report

2008-03-29T15:41:36Z

Winchester, VA Real Estate - Harvest Ridge Estates

Luxury homes built by Toll Brothers, made home by you!

Market Report March 2008

Nestled between West Ridge and The Village at Harvest Ridge, you'll find Harvest Ridge Estates. This community of 88 homes is located off Cedar Creek Grade and sits inside the city lines. Built by Toll Brothers, this neighborhood has been complete since the summer of 2006! The first home sold in July 2004, and the last newly constructed home closed in August of 2006. There have been a few resales since then. See the chart below for current activity.

SCHOOLS: Frederick Douglas Elementary, Daniel Morgan Middle School, Handley High School.

AMENITIES: Harvest Field - City owned soccer field located on Crestview Ter.

There are currently 9 homes for sale and one home for rent in Harvest Ridge Estates. Of those 9, one or two are short sales and 2 are bank owned. Below is data from the MRIS Multiple Listing Service. I'd love to show you any and all homes in this neighborhood or any neighborhood in the area should you be in need of a buyer's agent. If you check out my profile you'll see that I support nosy neighbors! Call me if you have any questions on your neighborhood or if you would like me to market your home for you!

SEARCH THE WINCHESTER AREA MLS FREE!!!!

Search Frederick or Clarke County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Relocating to the Winchester, Va area? Check out my relocation post!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Virginia Real Estate: Residential Underground Heating Oil Tanks

2008-03-20T14:00:28Z

Virginia Real Estate: Residential Underground Heating Oil Tanks

On first glance, you might have yawned at the title of this post. If you didn’t before you clicked, maybe you are mid-yawn right now! Well, WAKE UP!!!!! Underground Heating Oil Tanks demand attention from all property owners, potential home buyers, listing agents and selling agents.

Can you believe one of the most interesting courses I’ve attended this year was on this topic? John Pollard, of Pollard Environmental, LLC spent 3 informative and even entertaining hours with a roomful of agents at the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors this week. Personally, I was blown away by both his knowledge and his enthusiasm. His wife describes him as never having grown up – still plays with dirt and huge trucks! He admits that he and his colleagues would rather be out and about working across the state than sitting behind a desk!

Pollard Environmental covers almost the entire state of Virginia. There may be financial assistance available should a test conclude that your underground storage tank be leaking. Should you wish to know more about the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (VDEQ) Petroleum Storage Tank Fund (VPSTF), call Pollard Environmental at 1-800-761-3299. Don't know what to ask? Don't worry. Call anyway and they'd get you started!

I’m not qualified to speak about UST’s in depth. However, here is a checklist for you:

(Answer “yes” to any of the following and it’s possible you may have an underground fuel tank)

Was the home constructed prior to 1970?

Does the home have an aboveground storage tank?

Is there a visible fill or vent pipe?

Is there unidentified piping in the yard? (Look behind the bushes)

Are copper lines visible in the crawlspace, basement, or furnace room?

Are oil tanks or their piping visible at neighborhood residences?

Nat’s tip: If you’ve got one and you know it, disclose it!

Pollard Environmental makes office presentations, and can present at your local association. Please call Anita Bulebush, Education & Marketing Coordinator, Pollard Environmental, LLC at 804-377-8383 to schedule your class.

SEARCH THE WINCHESTER AREA MLS FREE!!!!

Search Frederick or Clarke County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Relocating to the Winchester, Va area? Check out my relocation post!

Disclaimer: The information shared here is done in the spirit of entertainment and by no means am I pretending to be an expert on UST's. I am not affiliated with Pollard Environmental and this is not a paid advertisement. I simply thought of all the people who weren't in the class and thought I'd share this resource. As you will note in my prior writings, I am a big fan of the classroom setting. Please know that my blog is simply an extension of myself via my writings, and doesn't necessarily reflect the opinions of the Active Rain Real Estate Network or my brokerage or broker. While I love comments from all readers, I'm not responsible for the ones made on this blog. The information I share is felt to be accurate, and will be corrected should any mistakes be pointed out. Whew. What I really mean: enjoy my blog!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Beyond Real Estate – WINDROW Antiques, Home & Garden!

2008-03-12T11:46:38Z

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Beyond Real Estate – Windrow Antiques, Home & Garden!

Nestled on Boscawen Street, just a stone’s throw away (not recommended) from City Hall, you’ll find a wealth of choice for decorating your home, vacation home, bed & breakfast or even place of business. Earlier this month, I made a visit to Olde Town Winchester to obtain photos for my Relocation Package. With some spare time on my hands, I rewarded myself with a visit to Windrow, an antique, home & garden boutique. My intention wasn’t to blog, but to enjoy Windrow without the assistance of my 6 year old octopus.

HOWEVER, I soon became enchanted with the freshness & uniqueness of the store and with the owner Cheryl DeHaven Johnson. Before I knew it, the words fell from my mouth, the camera came out and now you can enjoy this tour from across the country (or even county) and with out your little octopi assistants!

If you are looking for inspiration for your twin's room or a guest bedroom, or if you just love French Provincial style, take a closer look at the pair of French blue twin beds to the right of the gorgeous, creamy dresser/sideboard.

Chic it up!!!!!!!

As you can see, the style and uniqueness varies from piece to piece. Bring your ideas, bring your decorator, and surely you'll find something at Windrow to complement your home decor or even inspiration for a new project!

Blue is such a lovely color! Imagine my surprise when I spotted this piece on the right. After reading the March 2008 issue of House Beautiful, and falling in love with the blue "antique buffet de corps" on page 85, I found THIS in Winchester. The true colors didn't show up in this photo and I will go back and reshoot. This is truly an elegant piece.

See something you like? Email Cheryl or call the store at 540-662-9009/540-327-6288. Windrow is located at 15 East Boscawen Street in Olde Town Winchester. Once again, you’ll find a decorator’s delight with antiques as well as other home and garden related inventory, both old and new. Remember, inventory changes over time. Fair Warning: In this town, great buys and hard to find items are snatched up quickly.

Winchester Living - Related Posts & Relocation Topics covered:

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Welcome to your new town! More than real estate!

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Here's A Relocation Blog for the Kids

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!

Relocating to Winchester, VA? The Winchester Impact - Great, Family Entertainment

Relocating to Winchester, VA? A Peak at Dining

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Glen Burnie Gardens...Sigh...Just lovely!

Are you considering Winchester as a possible location for your corporation, factory or other business? Call the experts at the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission at 540-665-0973, or simply follow the link for information online. When it comes to relocating your employees, call me, Your own relocation expert!

SEARCH THE WINCHESTER AREA MLS FREE!!!!

Search Frederick or Clarke County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Yes, I want your business! Whether you are coming or going, I can help. I love to market homes and assist you in finding an agent in your new town as much as I enjoy helping people move across town! If you'd like a relocation package sent to you, email me at Natalie@langfordhomesales.com, or call/send a text to 540-303-2216.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Winchester, VA Relocation Package

2008-03-03T21:28:33Z

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Welcome to your new town! More than real estate!

Here's the place to start your relocation research on the Frederick County-Winchester area Real Estate market. Here, you'll find a great number of area links, a simple button to reach the Winchester Star, a bit of history, and a peak at the community!

For the History Buffs: Winchester, VA was the first English town west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded by James Wood, Winchester was settled in the 1730’s. Winchester boasts a rich history, spanning 4 centuries, with a number of museums and monuments to honor and remember those who made a mark in the area. In Frederick County, there are a number of old forts or stockades from the French and Indian war. George Washington spent time in Winchester as a surveyor, a military leader and a politician. During the Civil War, Winchester changed hands over 70 times. Area children experience this history on the many field trips taken in their school career.

Fast forward to 2008! The Frederick County - Winchester, VA area continues to grow. Look below for links to some amazing area sites where you'll be able to research this region!

Winchester Living - Relocation Topics covered:

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Here's A Relocation Blog for the Kids

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!

Relocating to Winchester, VA? The Winchester Impact - Great, Family Entertainment

Relocating to Winchester, VA? A Peek at Dining

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Glen Burnie Gardens...Sigh...Just lovely!

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Beyond Real Estate – Windrow Antiques, Home & Garden!

Relocating to Winchester, VA? See What Forbes.com has to say!

SEARCH THE WINCHESTER AREA MLS FREE!!!!

Search Frederick or Clarke County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

When moving to the Shenandoah Valley, the first thing I recommend you do, is subscribe to the Winchester Star and have the Valley delivered to your doorstop 6 days a week!

Here are some useful links in preparation of your move!

TV 3 Winchester

Winchester Star - local paper

Local Radio - WINC FM

Local AM Radio WINC 1400 AM

WINC's Morning Magazine with Michael Haman

WINC’s community calendar

Virginia DOT Traffic & Travel Info

City of Winchester’s official site

Stephens City Official Website

Frederick County's official site

Clarke County Virginia

Winchester- Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Clarke County Chamber of Commerce

Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development

Winchester Frederick County Convention and Visitor Bureau

Winchester Frederick County Circuit Court

Frederick County Public Schools

Winchester Public Schools

Clarke County Public Schools

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Winchester-Frederick County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Yes, I want your business! If you'd like a relocation package sent to you, email me at Natalie@langfordhomesales.com, or send a text to 540-303-2216.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Here's a Relocation Blog for the Kids!

2008-02-28T21:52:56Z

We all know that children can experience a tremendous amount of apprehension when their family moves. Whether they move across town or across the country, those little nerves need a lot of encouraging words. Hopefully, you will find this blog helpful when reassuring your child that Winchester, Va is for kids, too! Pictures are worth 1,000 words! I hope you get some giggles of relief, too!

If you are considering a move to the Winchester, VA area, and you're not already working with an agent, I'd love the opportunity to help you find a home to buy or rent.

Fun Expedition is the number 1 place my kids wanted me to tell your kids about! From putt putt golf to rock climbing and video games, it's all here.

This is a popular destination on snow days and a great place to host a birthday party!

For eats, there is a cafe. Cici's Pizza is within walking distance and Chic-fil-A, equipped with a play area, is nearby!

Families across Winchester and all over the country pour into town for the Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade.

This year, the festival is Friday, April 25th, through Sunday, May 4th, 2008. Just last week, the Queen of the 81st annual festival was named! Jaqui Rice, daughter of Jacqueline and legend Jerry Rice will reign over the 2008 festivities!

Family friendly restaurants dot the map! Here are a few your kids are sure to love! Try a burger at Foster's Grille, the buffet at Cici's Pizza, or take the little ones to Chic-Fil-A to burn off some energy...

Then again, you can just SKIP DINNER and go to Maggie Moo's! Your taste buds won't be disappointed!

Eventually, I'll blog on public parks! Until then, I want to share two places my kids couldn't live without! One has become a way of life. The other comes in handy for birthdays and Christmas! Yes, we have a Toys R Us!

Marker Miller Orchards Farm Market, located on Cedar Creek Grade, is a short and pleasant drive away. With freshly baked apple cider donuts, a tremendous amount of fresh produce, pick your own apples, special wine tasting days and a number of festivals, you've just got to visit!

Are you considering a move to the Winchester area? Click on these links to search for homes without having to register!

Search Frederick County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Are you considering Winchester as a possible location for your corporation, factory or other business? Call the experts at the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission at 540-665-0973, or simply follow the link for information on line.

For more information on Winchester Living, check out my post on local shopping:Relocating to Winchester, VA? Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! If shopping does nothing for you, and you like sports, we have a variety of local teams for you to support! Check out this piece on Winchester's semi-professional men's soccer team: The Winchester Impact. Like food? Then, you must read Relocating to Winchester, VA? A Peak at Dining. Dream of one day being a master gardener? Or, just love elegant gardens? Winchester's Glen Burnie Gardens are covered in a separate relocation blog. UPDATE: Now completed, Winchester, VA Real Estate Relocation Wrap Up post, with links to all the Relocation Blogs and Local or Regional Links important to your move here!

Would you like a relocation package sent to you? Please email me at Natalie@langfordhomesales.com, or text me at 540-303-2216.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA

Relocating to Winchester, Va? Glen Burnie Gardens...Sigh...Just lovely!

2008-02-28T17:01:29Z

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Let's take a stroll through Glen Burnie Gardens!

Winchester is rich with history and you'll find many ways to enjoy this city. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, its warmth and charm just sings out and brings you in. Drink in the beauty and imagine you're actually warm, in sandles, and holding a sweet iced tea! It's July, and you're in Glen Burnie Gardens , part of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Located on Amherst street, just a couple of minutes from the Winchester Medical Center, it's surprisingly easy to find.

Adults and Children will enjoy the gardens! You never know what to expect as you move from one garden to another. Have you heard of outdoor rooms? If they fascinate you, you'll be delighted by the variety of different themes and genre.

Are you considering a move to the Winchester area? Click on these links to search for homes without having to register!

Search Frederick County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

Are you considering Winchester as a possible location for your corporation, factory or other business? Call the experts at the Winchester-Frederick County Economic Development Commission at 540-665-0973, or simply follow the link for information on line.

For more information on Winchester Living, check out my post on local shopping:Relocating to Winchester, VA? Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! If shopping does nothing for you, and you like sports, we have a variety of local teams for you to support! Check out this piece on Winchester's semi-professional men's soccer team: The Winchester Impact. Like food? Then, you must read Relocating to Winchester, VA? A Peak at Dining. Be sure to watch out for my future post on the places kids want to know about! UPDATE: Be sure to check out the new Winchester, Va Real Estate Relocation wrap up post.

Would you like a relocation package sent to you? Please email me at Natalie@langfordhomesales.com, or text me at 540-303-2216.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity

Feed the Spiders! Grow Your Tail! Alt tags &photos...a quick tutorial!

2008-02-27T22:02:32Z

Okay, so our tails aren't quite as cute as a dog's, but they do give us a warm and fuzzy feeling when they waggle, or should I say woogle on page 1, 2 or even 3 of Google!

Inspired by a recent post by Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington, Florida on SEO Must Do Techniques, I was determined to use alt tags on the photos in my relocation expert blogs. Apparently, spiders love information and normal photos, with no alt tags, are simply blank space! If your photos are relevant to your content, the spiders love you and your tail just grows! For a more scientific explanation, please refer to Nestor & Katerina's blog!

Drag your mouse over the two photos below: What's different?

As you can see, there is a note explaining the photo on the left, but not the right. From what I understand, the spiders can see what's on the left, but not the right.

So, let's talk about the special code you add. Because this is in HTML format, it's difficult to spell out the entire code without getting a nasty little red box. Simply insert the following after the quotation following your size: alt="Winchester Relocation! Borders, followed by quotations, alignment instructions, and the final little a code at the end! Of course, you'll want to change your verbiage!

If this means nothing to you, simply right click on a blank part of this blog and note the source code. You'll be able to follow along with what I'm saying! Who would think it'd be so simple!?! Truth be told, I used EchoEcho, which is full of tutorials and great advice on HTML.

Now, go feed the spiders and try not to trip on your tail!

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Beyond Real Estate: A peek at Dining!

2008-02-27T09:51:45Z

Relocating to Winchester, VA? Here is a small sampling of some great places to dine!

Your mouth is sure to water and your stomach is sure to growl as you join me for a virtual tour around town! Winchester's dining choices deserve to be explored! In the next dining blog, we'll take a peak at a number of fine restaurants located on and near the Loudoun Street Walking Mall in Olde Town Winchester.

As a friendly note, any restaurant owners/managers who would like a photo on this page should send me a photo via email with permission to upload and enhance and post right here! Alternatively, click on the image link in the comments and insert one yourself. Also, feel free to add any special coupons for your readership! There are no fees or strings attached!

Are you hungry yet? Hopefully, you're developing an appetite for Winchester Living! If nothing else, isn't it great to see that you'll have a familiar place to visit while searching for your new home?

Do you need a way to build up your appetite? Perhaps reading a post on local shopping:Relocating to Winchester, VA? Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! will help you! If shopping does nothing for you, and you like sports, we have a variety of local teams for you to support! Check out this piece on Winchester's semi-professional men's soccer team: The Winchester Impact. Be sure to watch out for my future post on the places kids want to know about and deserve to visit while in town, after a long day of behaving for you while searching for a home!

Desert at Shenandoah Fine Chocolates! From chocolate to ice cream and homemade peanut butter, this is the place you'll find treats for anyone! You can either enjoy them inside, or enjoy the fresh air in the courtyard.

We also have Maggie Moo's, Cold Stone Creamery and DQ!

If you can't wait to learn more, you can locate information on Winchester Area Restaurants by clicking on the link!

Are you interested in moving to the Winchester, Va area? Click on these links to search for homes without having to register!

Search Frederick County Homes

Search Winchester area Homes

Search Stephens City Homes

If you'd like a relocation package sent to you, email me at Natalie@langfordhomesales.com, or send a text to 540-303-2216.

Natalie Langford, Realty Direct of Shenandoah Valley, 149 Creekside Ln, Winchester, VA 22602, John Orem Broker, Licensed in VA Equal Housing Opportunity