Lynchburg, Bedford County, and Campbell County Virginia Real Estate Guide Blog Nannette Saunders, REALTOR

Tweet Up Scheduled In Central Virginia

2008-08-20T07:04:07Z

I am getting in the twitter mode. Finding a little time to play at it and learning the business promotion possibilites. At first I just didn't get it. I still don't undertand why folks follow me without any clothes on. But, I've learned how to block them!

The Second Central Virginia tweetup is scheduled for Thursday August 28 at 5:45 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn, Wards Road, Lynchburg. RSVP by Tuesday August 26th via Twitter to Cheryl Smith or Lee Graham. Call or text 434-258-2449. I hope to see ya'll there!

Real Estate Can Make You Bald!

2008-08-18T16:18:13Z

"I have never worked so hard for so little." I have said that so many times this year. As things in this industry change it is harder to find a qualified buyer and a reasonable seller and a marketable property all at the same time in the same place.

Although I have been lucky that I've been at the right place at the right time enough of the time so far this year that I have gotten bills paid and even splurged every now and again.

I have also gained a few white hairs. Not gray hair but real white ones. At the first of the year I pulled them out. It was just one or two right on top in front. I know the old adage if you pull one out two will grow in place of it. I don't know if that really is true but that is what happened.

When I was younger I thought white hair was beautiful. I remember my Great Grandmother had beautiful long silver hair that she kept in a bun. I always wanted hair like hers. I mean it was silver and glistened in the sun.

I don't think I have a problem getting old. But I don't think I'm old yet. I still think I am 26.

I don't think I am going to color my hair. I think I am just going to let the white/silver shine through and enjoy the wisdom that age brings.

I bought the wrong house!

2008-08-16T20:03:49Z

Buyer's remorse, everyone gets it from time to time. Once all parties have agreed to the terms of a real estate transaction in the state of Virginia than it is a legal binding contract and the penalties of default could be very expensive.

Well, I sold this cute little lady a house. It was a great corner lot with new windows, new air and heat systems, new laundry room, new roof and updated plumbing and electrical. She got a great buy and a wonderful front porch to sit on. It was an older home and had a lot of charm too!

She was excited the day we made the offer and it was accepted! She had looked at many homes and she had finally found the one!

The next day she calls me. "Nannette, I've been doing some thinking and I just don't think this house is for me. I think this is the wrong house."

"What? What about the house is wrong?" I asked.

"Well, Nannette, it is a corner lot and I just don't want to live on a corner lot."

"Gloria, (Not her real name) the house was sitting on a corner lot when we first pulled up to look at it and when we walked through the house and around the yard it was apparent that it was a corner lot and you made an offer on it which was accepted. Nothing about the house has changed since we first saw the house."

"Yeah, I know but I told you I didn't want a corner lot. And I just got all caught up in the emotional stuff and I made a mistake." She said.

"Wait a minute there Gloria, you are right you did tell me you did not want a corner lot however, everything about the house was exactly what you wanted. It had the large closets, the old charm, and all upgraded systems not to mention a great price. When you first walked into the property, you said to me, ‘Nannette, this is the perfect house for me.' I didn't twist your arm or pressure you to make an offer. It sounds like you are scared. Moreover, this makes good sense to me. Sounds like you are experiencing buyer's remorse."

She agreed that she was feeling very emotional and she was terrified. Perfectly understandable with a first time homebuyer.

This is why working with a professional is so important. We were able to work through her emotional crazies and today she is the proud owner of this cute little home on a corner lot. In addition, could not be happier.

If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing or selling real estate in the Central Virginia area please call me at 434-546-3078 or email me at nannette@liveinlynchburg.com. Alternatively, you can stop by my website at http://www.nannettesells.comfor a complete search of homes in the Campbell County, Bedford County, Lynchburg, Roanoke or Danville Area.

Buyers Do Not Enter!

2008-08-16T18:14:25Z

I have a listing that has been quite a bit of traffic today. I have probably gotten 15 calls today to show this property and there are currently three offers on the table. (I think this house is going to sell!).

A buyers agent called me and said that she is unable to bring buyers to show the property until Monday but the buyers really want to see it would I mind opening the door for them. I live about eight miles from the property and I agree to open the door. I know this is what my seller would want me to do. Give as many people the opportunity to see the property as possible so that the seller can maximize the sale.

So I show up, and the buyers are already in the house. I open the door and ask, "What are ya'll doing?" They said the back door was open and we just came on in, "we didn't know if this was breaking and entering or not." I said, well yeah, technically it is. "Just because there is a sign out in the yard and the door is open does not give anyone the right to just come on in". Technically folks it is called trespassing, and I guess you could actually go to jail.

Being that this is a rural area it is not unusual for folks to leave the back door unlocked. But that does not mean you can just walk on in! If I had been the seller, heck they could've gotten themselves shot!

Seriously folks, don't go into another property that is not yours, unless you are licensed to do so, or are being escorted by someone who is licensed. I'm just telling you for your own safety. You see if something were to happen, you could have been the last person in the house and could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

For more information on buying or selling Real Estate in: Central Virginia or surrounding areas please call or email Nannette Saunders, Associate Broker, Licensed Virginia Real Estate Agent, Bradner Farmer Towler & Associates at 434-546-3078 or email me at nannette@liveinlynchburg.com

For information on property for sale in Central Virginia, Campbell County, Bedford County, Lynchburg, Roanoke or Danville please visit my website at http://www.NannetteSells.comwhere you can access your FREE relocation package, take an advanced property tour and read more about Central Virginia.

This is just PRACTICE, I'm not perfect

2008-08-15T05:59:43Z

Attorneys practice law. Doctors practice medicine. Realtors practice real estate. Practice, lets see what Webster says:

1 a: carry out, apply <practice what you preach> b: to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually <practice politeness> c: to be professionally engaged in <practice medicine>2 a: to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient <practice the act> b: to train by repeated exercises <practice pupils in penmanship>3obsolete : plotintransitive verb1: to do repeated exercises for proficiency2: to pursue a profession actively3archaic : intrigue4: to do something customarily.

This is what I do, real estate transactions. Quite a few every month on a regular basis for several years now. Granny use to tell me "Practice makes perfect." Well, some transactions are perfect. However, if I am honest with you, not very many.

Real estate transactions are customized. That is a euphemism for each one has it's own craziness. (Euphemism: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant;) There may be some cookie cutter homes, however, there is no such thing as a cookie cutter real estate transaction.

There are so many variables and obstacles which must be over come in order to get an offer of purchase to settlement. There are the basics, qualified buyer, home inspection negotiations, appraisal and title work. But finding a qualified buyer when the mortgage industry changes daily in of itself is a feat. Appraisers are having their own difficulties getting properties to appraise with a volatile market. In addition, getting a clear title is a problem I've been dealing with more and more lately. Lien releases not being filed properly especially on home equity lines seems to be a regular occurrence.

Just like an athlete practices and gets better and better so does a real estate agent. Even though we practice real estate just like a brain surgeon practices medicine. I'd rather have an expert brain surgeon practicing on me rather than a novice.

For more information on buying or selling Real Estate in : Central Virginia or surrounding areas please call or email Nannette Saunders, Associate Broker, Licensed Virginia Real Estate Agent, Bradner, Farmer, Towler and Associates @ 434-546-3078 Direct or email nannette@liveinlynchburg.com

For information on property for sale in Bedford County, Campbell County, Roanoke, Danville or Lynchburg or surrounding areas please visit my website @ www.livein lynchburg.comwhere you can access your FREE relocation package, take an advanced property tour and read more about Central Virginia, Danville and the New River Valley.

All Decision Makers Present Please!

2008-08-13T16:31:41Z

It should have been evident to me but sometimes I just want to help so I am blinded. Got a call from some folks out of town that had been emailing for several months that they were coming to see some property. Plenty of notice in advance so I wrote this in my calendar. I would show them property on Tuesday & Wednesday.

When they got in town it was only Mr. Buyer. Mrs. Buyer did not come. Mr. Buyer can not make a decision about a property without Mrs. Buyer, however if Mr. Buyer did find something interesting Mrs. Buyer could fly up.

Well, okay I take Mr. Buyer out to show property. Within the first couple minutes Mr. Buyer tells me that he and Mrs. Buyer have been looking for property for THREE years. (SINCE 2005)

Well, being the good Realtor that I am, it is just a few hours, I've been able to determine which properties currently on the market meet Mr. Buyer's needs. Wonderful, let's get a plane ticket for Mrs. Buyer right?

I spoke to Mrs. Buyer she agrees she should come look at this property. In a private conversation with Mr. Buyer later that evening together they decided that is not how they want to do this. Mr. Buyer will return and Mrs. Buyer will then come up to see the property separately two weeks from now.

To the average Joe this may seem like a reasonable way of doing things. But I now realize at least one of the reasons these folks can not make a decision about home ownership. It is really important that all decision makers go "shopping" at the same time. When all parties go shopping they can actually help each other. There are compromises to make and questions to be answered and worked through. Everyone has to see the good the bad and the ugly in order to know when a good deal comes around. In order to use your time and efforts the most effective way it is most productive when all parties go looking at property.

If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing real estate or selling real estate in the Central Virginia area just call or email me.

Why is Madison Heights called Hog Town?

2008-08-11T15:12:46Z

Madison Heights is on the northern side of the James right across the river from Lynchburg City. The locals know it as Hog Town. In the late 1800’s Mr. Madison had a pig farm and slaughtered pigs. If you ever been to a pig farm you would know slaughtering pigs has quite an odor. Folks decided that they would enact a law stating that no hogs could be slaughtered inside the city limits. So Mr. Madison was ostracized to the other side of the river, Madison Heights/Hog Town. Many a hog was slaughtered on the flat rock along the James River and then ferried to Lynchburg to be put on the train to be shipped to other markets.

Today one of the selling points of Madison Heights is the low tax rate. In the past, this has drawn many retired persons to Amherst County. Madison Heights has seen some growth recently. Wal-Mart and Lowes employ many of the locals.

If Muhammad Ali was a real estate agent

2008-08-11T13:59:09Z

In this market it really helps to have someone to inspire you. I search for inspiration as I work through some of these transactions these days. And I can't help but think of some of the real fighters of our time.

One of the greatest fighters of all time no doubt is Muhammad Ali. He remains the only man to have won the linear heavyweight championship three times. And he was also the winner of an Olympic Light-heavyweight gold medal.

One of the most famous quotes he is known for is: "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see. I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee." No lack of confidence there. Even if he had a weak moument he would never let on that there was any shift in his confidence.

This is a quality that is important in a sucessful agent. Having the confidence and never allowing anything to shake it. Even when the market gets a little shaky or a transaction gets a little shaky.

He was a masterful self-promoter, and his psychological tactics before, during, and after fights became legendary. It was his athleticism and boxing skill, however, that enabled him to scale the heights and sustain his position for so many years.

As a professional real estate agent you must be able to toot your own horn. Establishing your own way of promoting yourself with your own unique marketing ideas so you stand out amoungst the others over the long haul.

My favorite quote from Ali was: "Inside of a ring or out, ain't nothing wrong with going down. It's staying down that's wrong." Although that was not the most famous it means a lot to me. It means someone as big as he is, is not afraid of going down. Because he knows he can get back up. That is a real fighter. That is the spirit a real estate agent in this market needs in order to make the difference in this market and real estate in the future. These are the things that determine whether you are in real estate for the long haul or not. I continue to look for inspiration from fighters like Ali and I am in it for the long haul.

Please Don't Feed the Alligators!

2008-08-11T03:13:58Z

Watching the discovery channel I learn more about real estate. I saw the alligator wrestler prepare to take this huge gator out of an area that made it dangerous for humans to be near, in order that everyone could be more safe.

You see the people in the area thought it was cool to feed the alligators and then it soon got to the point that the alligators thought this was a food source and well it does not take an Einstein to figure this out. So they had to call in the professionals to remove the alligators and resume a normal way of life.

Prior to going into the pen with the alligators, the alligator wrestler, made sure that all the innocent bystanders were safely out of harms reach. Then he went in there with his team and they made it look easy, even entertaining to those watching. After all they were on the discovery channel! Before long they had the alligator roped and in the truck, and everyone was happy.

That is kinda like my job. A professional sure can make marketing and selling real estate look easy and even entertaining. A professional takes the necessary precautions to make sure all the right documents are filed and buyers are qualified and sellers interests are protected throughout the entire transaction and everyone can resume a normal way of life once the transaction is over. A professional has a team that works with him/her that each person does their specialty in the most professional manner and makes the transaction as smooth as possible.

Being a real estate broker is kinda like being an alligator as well. Did you know alligators have a very strong immune system? They are fighters. They tend to get into a lot of tussles even with each other. Of course this means they could get seriously hurt in these fights but because they have such strong immune systems they don't get infections in their wounds.

As a professional I have to have thick skin and a strong immune system. I definitely have to be a fighter because I sometimes have to fight for my clients best interests and I not only am willing to but have the know how and am equipped to.

If you or anyone you know are buying or selling, please leave it to a professional. It isn't as easy as it looks on T.V.

REDUCED 18K BELOW TAX ASSESSMENT 16153 Wyatts Way Huddleston Virginia

2008-08-10T19:35:09Z

Nannette Saunders | Professional Realty Group, Inc. | 434-546-3078

16153 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, VA

Purchase this and make some money! Asking price 18k below tax assessment!

4BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $129,900

Year Built	1963
Sq Footage	1,700
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	4.4 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Property listed 18K below tax assessment. Purchase the property and make money!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Stove/Oven
Attic	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard	Swimming pool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Lake

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Nannette Saunders

Professional Realty Group, Inc.

434-546-3078

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Aug 10, 2008, 3:25pm PDT

How A Pawn Broker Can Help Sell Your Home

2008-08-10T17:46:27Z

Pawnbrokers have a reputation like a used car sales man or some folks might say a real estate agent. In my other life (prior to a licensed real estate agent in Central Virginia Lynchburg area) I was a pawnbroker. Yep a woman pawn broker. I had many customers that thought they could take advantage of a woman pawnbroker, after all this is the south and a small conservative town. What does a woman know about guns and gold and electronic equipment?

Little did they know I have a concealed weapons license and I pack. I can actually shoot a gun pretty darn good and enjoy a little target practice every now and then. I find it very therapeutic. (Don't mess with me!)

However, I got use to it and took it with a grain of salt. I learned more about people during those 13 years and it really has prepared me for my real estate career.

As a pawnbroker I had to learn I could not wear my feelings on my sleeve yet I had to temper that with compassion since some folks really did need my help at least temporarily and sometimes the fixes they got themselves in was not entirely their fault. Sometimes that is.

Of course, there are always the folks that want to defraud the system. They will lie, cheat, steal and then try to sell you the stolen property. Look right at you and tell you it was their grandmother’s diamond and that she gave it to them on her deathbed and they do not want to pawn it but have to buy diapers for the baby. Meanwhile it is obvious, they are shaking like a leaf just about ready to go into convulsions if they do not get a “fix” quick. Yep, I have seen it all. Not much surprises me.

That is how being a pawnbroker prepared me to sell real estate. I am use to people thinking they know more than I do about my field of expertise. I am use to people looking down on my industry and thinking we are lower than whale you know what. In addition, I am not surprised at the length people will go to try to swindle the system.

So when you tell me I have the ethics of a used car sales person or that you can watch a tv show and be an expert at marketing real estate or that I am a real estate agent because I couldn't get a real job I just, consider the source and thank you for your time. Next...

I don't have a cynical attitude in spite of this. I still look for the good in people and will continue to try to help people if I can. I am not going to change the way I feel about you just because of your wrapped ideas of the professionals in this industry. I know deep down there somewhere there is some good and I wish you the best in the search of the buyer of your home.

However if you are a seller who is looking for a professional who will team up with you in the marketing and sale of your home in the Central Virginia real estate market than I am definately the agent for you. I am prepared to watch out for the folks that are waiting to take advantage of sellers that do not know the true market value of their home and I have a keen eye for detecting buyers that are not really qualified but say they are. I have the compassion to understand your frustration in this market where there are more homes than there are buyers and it is not easy to find a qualifed buyer. My skin is thick and I don't get easily shaken by a challenge. Give me a call or if you know someone who needs someone like me call me with their name and number and I promise to follow up right away.

Myrtle Lane Altavista - The Prettiest Street in Altavista

2008-08-06T15:56:35Z

When we first bought our home on Myrtle Lane in Altavista I had no intention of living in it. Due to the market changing we ended up moving in, in May of 2007. By then we had done over $100,000 in renovations on the property and actually I started liking the area.

So many people have asked "Where do you live?" and I say "On Myrtle Lane." They say, "Oh.... you live on Myrtle Lane...." It seems that the locals seem to have a high respect for the street. I admit that it is probably the prettiest street I've ever seen. There is a median that runs down the center of the street and the street is lined with trees. Folks walk their dogs and kids ride their bikes in the evening. Neighbors come out to chat and be neighborly. It is the kind of street that everyone knows each other. They even have block parties and neighborhood barbecues. One would not think of driving down the street without waving and saying hello to the neighbors as they sit on their front porch or walk down the sidewalk.

I have heard say that many folks have waited for a house to come on the market on this street just for the opportunity to live on this street. I am proud to live on Myrtle Lane

My Technorati Profile

2008-08-01T08:39:32Z

Technorati Profile

How To Get A Grocery Store Clerk To Bring Your Groceries To Your Car!

2008-07-31T05:23:32Z

This is so me. I think this is so funny! I love to share when funny things happen and especially when I do funny things usually by accident. I just love to laugh even at myself!

Yesterday I dropped by the grocery store before going home to fix some supper. Of course I was talking on the cell phone 90% of the time I was in the grocery store. Good thing I can get through the grocery store blind folded getting what I need without much effort or thought.

So at the check out I was doing what many others hate, I was talking about a real estate deal. Paid for my groceries by check and nodded to thank the cashier as she handed my receipt and headed out to my car. Got to the car started it up still talking on the phone. I was beginning to leave when I noticed the grocery store clerk coming toward my car.

He was bringing me my groceries that I left at the check out. I was so absorbed in my conversation that I forgot my groceries. I started laughing! I thought this was the funniest thing I've done is a while. Just wanted to share it with ya'll and hope you enjoy this humor!

Will You Respect Me In The Morning?

2008-07-30T16:50:14Z

This afternoon I have an appointment with a seller. This is a listing that has had little activity in the past two weeks. Okay, no activity in two weeks. There are structural issues of which I was not aware of when I first took the listing. (Note to self- Look closer next time).

The air conditioning was not working properly and seller did not have the funds to fix a $250 repair so I agreed to fix it. I figure it is part of the marketing of the property. The heat pump was leaking, not working properly and causing the basement to smell very damp which of course was penetrating the rest of the house. I did not want to discourage buyers when they first opened the door. This I figured was the best use of a marketing dollar.

However since the repair and in spite of we have had no active showings. I have discovered some structural issues that maybe are not as obvious to the average home buyer but any inspector worth his/her salt would see it.

In Virginia we have a caveat empter clause. This means buyer beware. I always suggest that buyers get a home inspection even when a property is sold as is. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. I always get them to sign a piece of paper stating they are getting one or not and that we have had this discussion.

In my professional opinion this property must be sold as is and with proper disclosure, this is why I have a meeting with the homeowner today. I am going to ask for a price reduction. A significant price reduction of at least $10,000.

I try to put myself in the seller's shoes. This seller has never sold a house before. Probably does not know that there were structural issues. May not have had a home inspection when they bought the house. This property has drained the sellers bank account for sometime and the seller would love to get rid of it so they don't have the monthly bills associated with it. But I never know how the seller will react when I ask for a price reduction.

Will you respect me in the morning? Will you understand I am on your side and it is not just about the money or a fast sale for me? A $10,000 price reduction means $300-600 less for me on commissions but about $9,000 difference to the seller. I am very sensitive to this. I know how I would feel if I were in the sellers shoes.

I would be glad that I picked a professional Realtor that knows enough about disclosure to protect my interests against any disclosure claims a buyer may have. I would be glad I had a Realtor that had the ability to be honest with me and not tell me what I wanted to hear. I would be happy that the Realtor I chose was not afraid to take a challenge and partner with me to get this property sold!

No Spin Real Estate!

2008-07-30T11:33:22Z

Some folks are fans of the FOX Channel. I can't say I'm a real "fan" as I am not a T.V. watcher. But, I do watch it as my loving husband is a fan. So only by association am I a fan. Now you can decide what you want about me based on my T.V. preferences if you choose.

However, when it comes to real estate I am a huge proponent of NO SPIN REAL ESTATE! I just got a call from a long time associate. She and I did business together way before I was licensed. She got a hold of some of my promotional material and called me because one of her clients needed a real estate question answered and she knew first of all I would know the answer and two would not give him a song and dance.

Well, she knows me well. I had to smile. We took sometime to catch up on our lives and made a promise to keep in touch. I told her I would be happy to talk to her client and she could count on some NO SPIN REAL ESTATE!

Being able to tell folks the truth about real estate is not always easy but I am willing to stand up and take the bull by the horns and just do it right. I would rather disappoint you with my answers initially and tell you the truth, than months down the road your house is still on the market and you're disappointed that we have had to go through repeated price reductions.

Lynchburg Has The Right To One Fifth The Water That Flows In The James River

2008-07-29T14:15:06Z

It is a little complicated. Water rights in the eastern half of the country are normally divvied up based on what is known as riparian rights. Riparian rights means that the owner has the right to a reasonable amount of water that flows next to or through their land.

In a land grant from the British Crown, the King gave Virginia the rights to the James River. It has become an intrical part of the history and the success of Lynchburg.

The General Assembly created the James River Company and later the James River and Kanawha Company to build a canal in 1784. Work on a dam across the river started in 1830 to provide water for residents. In 1832 the James River & Kanawha Company was granted the rights to build dams and canals to divert the river's flow for navigation and other purposes. After the company purchased the city's dam and Kanawha Canal it built the Water Works Canal in 1885 to add to the water available. This agreement allowed the city to withdraw 600,000 gallons per day from the Water Works Canal.

In 1879, the James River & Kanawha Company sold its water rights to a railroad company which took on all its debt related to the dam & canal. Then in 1881 the city released $50,000 in debt in exchange for the right of a fifth of the water in the river in an agreement that the railroad would also build the Scotts Mill Dam.

In 1940 Appalachian Power Company purchased the Scotts Mill Dam and the Water Workds Canal along with the water rights that the railroad had which was four fifths of the water in the James.

The city no longer withdraws water from the canal and in 1997 Griffin Pipe made an agreement with the city to fill a portion of the canal in the event that the city needed to withdrawl water from the canal.

In 1990 Luminaire purchased the dam and APCo's four fifths water rights. The city may have difficulty taking advantage of its water rights should they ever chose to. However, clearly Lynchburg has riparian rights to the James.

WILL YOU PLEASE QUIT REMINDING ME!!! I GET IT ALREADY! YOU SOUND LIKE MY MOTHER!

2008-07-27T09:23:05Z

Those of you who know me well, also know it is not likely that my mother would take offense to the title of this blog. Mothers out there who do, it is just a cliche. Nothing is meant to be personal. If it does feel like a personal attack then maybe there is something for you to take a look at.

But I do hope that the person who is in charge of the the crazy hype that constantly reminds us of how high the gas prices are, and how bad the economy is, and how bad the mortgage & housing market is, every day, day in and day out, takes this to heart.

I wish I could meet this one person. I'd knock'em flat out. Who ever started the campaign of daily reminders? Like, do I really need to be reminded? I get it every time I go to the gas station, everytime I go to the grocery store and every time I compare my income from 2003 to today.

I am sick of the whining too. I say suck it up. I don't know how to say it nicely to get my point across. Folks sometimes life is hard. The man on the top of the mountain did not FALL there.

So what are ya going to do? Keep reminding yourself that times are hard and it means we have to actually start paying some dues or just get up and do it?

I'm reminded when other catastrophes happen in our country. I remember September 11. We did not whine about that, we did something about it. The city of New York and people of this county rose to the occasion. That is what we do.

Our freedoms were not handed to us on a silver platter. As a result of our freedoms this Constitution of America acknowledges we are the strongest and most liberated people of the world. I think we can over come a little housing slump, a little economic slip, and shuffle things around, white knuckle it and get through.

I don't mean to minimize the extend that some folks may have to "shuffle things around". I know for some this may mean, foreclosure, no summer vacation, and for some just a little tightening of the belt. Hey, I am in the same boat. But I am not going to complain about it. I am going to suck it up and do what I got to do.

There will come a day and this will be history. An important part of history, no doubt but I have the attitude the sooner the better! And I'm just going to do what I can to move in that direction. It starts with attitude.

I was told by a wealthy person, one day a while back, "Skid row is a state of mind". No matter how hard it gets I am just not going there. I am going to make a difference today.

Does This House Make Me Look Fat?

2008-07-26T11:28:44Z

Ever buy a pair of jeans on line only to find that when they arrived they did not fit properly. It is not easy to shop on line.

Nor is it easy to shop on line for a new home. I understand lots of folks are searching for information and getting a wealth of an education about home selling and purchasing on line. I think this is great but this does not replace the actually experience of going out and looking a properties or knowing the neighborhoods and the local market.

I work with a lot of relocation out of state for some of the Central Virginia companies like Tyco and Norfolk Southern Railroad. So many times folks will see a house on line and once we get to the property it just was not what they expected. Kinda like, once you put those jeans on that you bought on line. :-) (They always look better on the girl in the catalog.)

Contacting a professional that will listen to your needs and wants and be able to guide you in your decision of home purchase and selling is going to save you tons of money and time. There really is no comparison.

If you or anyone you know is interested in relocation to the Central Virginia area or selling property in this area please give me a call.

How Healthy Are You?

2008-07-26T09:06:49Z

I am not nearly as healthy as I ought to be but I make sure I eat right. I think this is a big proponent of continued success. How long can an automobile continue to go down the road without fuel. Our bodies are the same way. This is not an original thought. However, it is easy for me to slip into eating junk when in a hurry.

I quit smoking over twenty years ago. Most of my friends don't smoke. I do drink occasionally. Maybe two or three times a year a couple drinks at the most. I understand the importance of taking care of oneself, especially as I get older.

Lots of times folks say I look younger than I am. I don't look like I have grown children. I think it is a result of trying to take care of myself. After all if I don't who will?

Every Thursday afternoon for the past few months I have gone into Lynchburg (I live about 25 miles from the city) and picked up my fresh locally grown vegetables. I have subscribed to Horse & Buggy Produce. I love it because I don't have to make decisions what to purchase you get what is in season and I have enjoyed fresh strawberries, cherries, peaches, corn and many other fresh fruits and vegetables that have been locally grown.

I have also been taking Juice Plus. I have noticed a big difference in my skin, nails and hair. Not to mention I've lost a few inches here and there! My energy level has significantly increased and I have less headaches and body aches on those days when I push myself to the limit.

I have not gotten the exercise thing implemented. But I am taking baby steps here. Getting healthy is a lifestyle and it is going to take some time for me to change the way I live. I enjoy hanging out and working with like minded people. It helps me keep my own thoughts on track and pushes me to be better.

Quiet Country Living 8337 Blueridge Hurt Va 24563

2008-07-24T12:00:40Z

Nannette Saunders | Professional Realty Group, Inc. | 434-546-3078

8337 Blueridge, Hurt, VA

Great Country Living

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $109,900

Year Built	1940
Sq Footage	1,276
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	.75 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Completely remodeled! Ready to move in! New kitchen, 2 new baths. Whirlpool tub! Beautiful views in quiet country setting! Bright new windows! Great hardwood & tile floors! Not one but TWO BONUS ROOMS!!! Lots of space! Must see to believe!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Hardwood floor	Tile floor	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Yard	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Covered parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Nannette Saunders

Professional Realty Group, Inc.

434-546-3078

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 24, 2008, 7:57am PDT

Are You A REALTOR or a FAKETOR?

2008-07-23T10:37:34Z

What is a "TOR"? Are there real "TOR"s or are there fake "TOR"s?

Webster's dictionary defines TOR: noun; rocky pinnacle; a peak of a bare or rocky mountain or hill.

Could there be real peaks of a rocky mountain or could there be fake peaks?

The question relating to real estate is:

If the mountain, is the climb, to the dream of home ownership, are you the peak?

Are you on the top? Are you the summit of the dream of home ownership in your client's mind? When it comes to home ownership are you top of mind in your client's mind?

Climbing up the mountain of paper work and legal mumbo jumbo related to a real estate transaction and finally reaching the top- home ownership is quite a hike! Most consumers don't realize the in's & out's of the legal agreement they just agreed to let alone what they have to do to fulfill the promises they just made.

Mapping all these steps out on paper and reviewing these with your clients, be they sellers or buyers helps identify your value as a REALTOR and keeps you on the top of the mountain and top of their minds!

Is all your stuff in one sock?

2008-07-21T10:24:34Z

I know I am not the only one in this situation. I did not even know I was in this situation. Until I decided to change companies recently. The change in the market has made many of us tighten our belts. I know that I am much more careful what I spend my advertising dollars on and how I market properties. Not to mention where I grocery shop or fuel up the tank.

I changed offices recently and one of the benefits is that my office is located about 2 miles from where I live instead of nearly 25 miles. I work from home mostly so one would think that is not a big deal. However, I had two fully functioning offices. Although I really only worked from home I kept the office at the office in case I had clients. Rarely did I use it. But this meant I had two desks, two or more file cabinets, printers, phones, internet services, storage cabinets, client chairs etc... WOW!

It did not seem to matter which office I was at, the biggest problem I had was sometimes I realized that the paper or the file, I needed was at the "other office" 25 miles away.

When I changed companies this time I really pared down. I now have one desk, one file cabinet, one phone, more importantly one location for everything I need. I don't have an office at the office. I currently work from home as I have in the past but everything I need is here.

I did not realize having my stuff scattered across the county would have that much affect on my productivity. It really did not seem to matter much when fuel was not over four dollars a gallon either.

I am sure that I am not the only one that has made some changes about how they do business as a result of the increase cost of fuel and the market tightening up.

Do You Drive Different Because You Are In Real Estate?

2008-07-18T07:58:27Z

I know I am more conscience of the way I drive since becoming a real estate agent. I always think of public impressions and the first impressions mean everything, right? So sometimes I am more conscience of how I drive. Maybe because I am getting older or maybe it because I am a professional real estate agent, none the less it can't be a bad thing.

Although I have not been in a auto accident in quite sometime, I can't say I always obey the traffic laws. I don't know why because I really hate paying tickets!

Yesterday I was in a vehicle that I normally do not drive and I was talking on the phone (as usual). Talking on the cell is not illegal in this state. I know it is not the safest thing to do.

I noticed that there was an agent behind me. I could tell by the movement of his mouth that he was cussing me about the way I was driving. I was driving slowly.

I tried to get his attention but obviously he was too busy and too much in a hurry to be bothered with me.

Later I emailed him and told him I saw him driving. As soon as he got the email he called and said, "Was you driving the white van in front of me going too slow?" I said yes and laughed. We both laughed.

Moral of the story, be careful who you are cussing out as you are driving down the road... just because you don't recognize the car does not mean you may not know who is driving. :-)

Blessed Enough to Give Back

2008-07-15T20:20:46Z

I feel frustrated that I don't feel compelled to write about real estate tonight. But I've been real estating all day and I just wanted to take some time to wind down and think about this day. Lord, knows there is much more to my life than real estate.

I am very lucky that I have the people in my life today who love & care about me and really actively participate in my success. For without these folks I would not be here. I hope that one day I can give back what has so freely been given to me.

I volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and I've been a big sister for about five or six years now. Some days I am tired and feel like I have nothing to give. However, being a Big Sister has really been a gift to me.

My little sister lost her mom when she was three to cancer. Her dad has really struggled to hold the family together. This kid is really a trooper. She is going to be sixteen this year and I think she is going to be okay in spite of what she has been through or maybe because of what she has been through, depending on how you look at it.

I may never be a wealthy person. But I am very rich in love and gratitude.