GREENBRIER REAL ESTATE SERVICE was well represented at the GVBOR Continuing Education on Real Estate Investment Opporunities.   That was provided by the Greenbrier Valley Board of REALTORS (GVBOR)  a seven hour continuing education seminar was held at the Roland P. Sharp Alumni Center, located at Lewisburg, WV.

 

(left to right)  Lisa Merrill Spence, Speaker, "The Greg Allman Group" Debbie Smith Vass, Greg Allman, Marie Goodwin, Alisha Patterson, Roger Patterson, Tina Morgan, Janya Seams, Cindy Loving, Robert Baker..

Lisa Merrill Spencer was the speaker.  Lisa is a great speaker and independent lecturer who has spoken across the United States and Canada.  She is a member of the Advisory Council for the Department of Communications at Texas State University and is the recipient of an achievement award from the Governor of Missouri for her work in real estate and community development.

There were approximately 110 attendees that received their seven hours of continuing education.  We enjoyed breakfast, and delicious snacks throughout  the day provided by City National Bank, First National Bank of Ronceverte, and First Citizens Bank.  Drinks were provided by Homes and Land. There were 12 vendors at this event providing information on their products, as well as giving prizes.  The other vendors participating in this event were:  Arbonne, Jockey Person-to-Person Clothes, Sam's Club, State Farm Insurance,  Wells Fargo, United Bank, Mountain Messenger, and Alcova Mortgage. 

The vendors were there to answer questions and network with the Agents and with the rates down any information that can be provided to the Agents to educate the Buyers is needed.  The rates are down and there is programs out there. 

 

LEWISBURG CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL! in LEWISBURG WEST VIRGINIA!

Lewisburg Chocolate Festival Tasting Extravaganza to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Historic Downtown Lewisburg. There will be approximately 30 tasting locations for festival goers to enjoy all things chocolate. Tickets will be sold in packets of 5 at $5.00 per packet. Only 15,000 tasting tickets will be sold for this year's event. The planning committee expects tickets to sell out quickly and urges everyone to purchase tickets in advance. There are several options to purchase tickets.

Go to www.lewisburgchocolatefestival.com to purchase tickets online.

All event information is also available from the website. Tickets can be purchased via credit card or cashier check from the North House Museum at 301 West Washington Street in Lewisburg. All major credit cards are accepted. Please call 304.645.3398. Tickets can be picked up in person at Harmony Ridge Gallery, Greenbrier Valley Baking Company and Honnahlee, all in Historic Downtown Lewisburg.

 These locations only accept cash or check. Tickets will not be mailed prior to the event, but will be available for pick up at Lewisburg Chocolate Festival. Will Call the day of the event. Will Call location is located in the first floor lobby of Lewisburg City Hall at 119 West Washington Street in Lewisburg. Doors will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18th for pick up. Public restrooms will also be available at this location. For those out of town festival goers the Lewisburg Planning Committee also urges you to make lodging reservations in advance.

FIRST-TIME PURCHASERS GET A TAX CREDIT WINDFALL IF THEY BUY BEFORE DECEMBER.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer Feb 17th, 2009 NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com)

There's a nice windfall for some homebuyers in the economic stimulus bill signed into law this week by President Obama. First-time buyers can claim a credit worth $8,000 - or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less - on their 2008 or 2009 taxes. A big plus is that the credit is refundable, meaning tax filers see a refund of the full $8,000 even if their total tax bill - the amount of witholding they paid during the year plus anything extra they had to pony up when they filed their returns - was less than that amount. But there has been a lot of confusion over this provision. Adam Billings of Knoxville, Tenn. wrote to CNNMoney.com asking: "I will qualify as a first-time home buyer, and I am currently set to get a small tax refund for 2008. Does that mean if I purchased now that I would get an extra $8,000 added on top of my current refund?" The short answer? Yes, Billings would get back the $8,000 plus what he'd overpaid. The long answer? It depends. Here are three scenarios:

Scenario 1: Your final tax liability is normally $6,000. You've had taxes withheld from every paycheck and at the end of the year you've paid Uncle Sam $6,000. Since you've already paid him all you owe, you get the entire $8,000 tax credit as a refund check.

Scenario 2: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've overpaid by $1,000 through your payroll witholding. Normally you would get a $1,000 refund check. In this scenario, you get $9,000, the $8,000 credit plus the $1,000 you overpaid.

Scenario 3: Your final tax liability is $6,000, but you've underpaid through your payroll witholding by $1,000. Normally, you would have to write the IRS a $1,000 check. This time, the first $1,000 of the tax credit pays your bill, and you get the remaining $7,000 as a refund. To qualify for the credit, the purchase must be made between Jan. 1, 2009 and Nov. 30, 2009. Buyers may not have owned a home for the past three years to qualify as "first time" buyer. They must also live in the house for at least three years, or they will be obligated to pay back the credit. Applying for the credit will be easy - or at least as easy as doing your income taxes. Just claim it on your return. No other forms or papers have to be filed.

Taxpayers who have already completed their returns can file amended returns for 2008 to claim the credit. Lukewarm reception The housing industry is somewhat pleased with the result because the stimulus plan improves on the current $7,500 tax credit, which was passed in July and was more of a low-interest loan than an actual credit. But the industry was also disappointed that Congress did not go even further and adopt the Senate's proposal of a $15,000 non-refundable credit for all homebuyers. "[The Senate version] would have done a lot more to turn around the housing market," said Bernard Markstein, an economist and director of forecasting for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). "We have a lot of reports of people who would be coming off the fence because of it." Even so, the $8,000 credit will bring an additional 300,000 new homebuyers into the market, according to estimates by Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors.

The credit could also create a domino effect, he said, because each first-time homebuyer sale will lead to two more trade-up transactions down the line. "I think there are many homeowners who would be trading-up but they have had no buyers for their own homes," Yun said. Who won't benefit, according to Mark Goldman, a real estate lecturer at San Diego State University, are those first-time homebuyers struggling to come up with down payments. The credit does not help get them over that hurdle - they still have to close the sale before claiming the bonus. One state, Missouri, is trying to get around that problem by creating a short-term loan on the tax credit of up to $6,750.

The state would loan borrowers the money so they could use it at closing as part of the downpayment. Then, when the buyers receive their tax credit from the IRS, they pay back the state. Other states may follow with similar programs, according to NAHB's Dietz. Many may look at the tax credit as a discount on the home price, according to Yun. A $100,000 purchase effectively becomes a $92,000 one. That can reassure buyers apprehensive about purchasing and then watching prices continue falling, he added. And it provides a nice nest egg for the often-difficult early years of homeownership, when unexpected repairs and expenses often crop up. Recipients could also use the money to buy new stuff for their home - a lawnmower, a rug, a sofa - and, in that way, help stimulate the economy. SOURCE: Yahoo! Real Estate at http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/final-score-8000-for-homebuyers.html

Happy New Year!  In Lewisburg, people of all ages kicked off 2009 with a parade that's been around for 150 years. The Shanghai Parade began at noon on New Year's Day, in historic Lewisburg on Washington Street. There were plenty of floats and people dressed up in wacky costumes.  The local fire department, rescue squad, along with the Newly elected Sheriff, Jim Childers. The streets were lined with people and enjoyed the parade and visiting with friends to start the New Year.  Lewisburg is a great place to visit anytime with the shops, resturants, the tourist love to walk the streets and just window shop.  Plan your visit to Lewisburg, West Virginia soon. 

The James Monroe Marching Band is a local school from Monroe County has picked up a few awards while in Miami for the Orange Bowl.  The Jame Monroe Marching Band won first place in the Junior Orange Bowl Parade.  The Percussion and Color Guard also won first place honors.  The band also won first place in Class A in the field category and lost Grand Champion by only a third of a point.  Thursday they performed with the other bands during the Orange Bowl's half-time show.  The parents and friend raised money for the band to go to Miami for the Orange Bowl what a treat for the kids from Monroe County. The school spirit there is unbelievable for the games or anything that they do in the area.   It is so great that the community supports them.

There were Four Christmas parades held in Ronceverte, Lewisburg, Rainelle and White Sulphur Springs.  The real estate Agents from my office "Coldwell Banker Stuart and Watts" was in three of the parades.   The Lewisburg, Ronceverte, and White Sulphur Springs parade, there was floats, bands, civic and youth groups (school bands, boy scout troop), emergency vehicles, local businesses, etc.   The snow was blowing and it was cold but a lot of people still lined the streets watching and waving and as we threw candy while the kids and adukts scrambled to get the candy for there bags.  At the end of the evening we had a couple inches of snow and the streets were getting slick.  The first friday is an event in Lewisburg that the merchants are open from 5-8 in the historical downtown area for the shoppers to shop and visit the shops and some of the merchants offer refreshments and music for the eveing.  As the snow blows Christmas is just around the corner as the shoppers rush to finish the Christmas Shopping. 

FIRST NATIONAL BANK

 

First National Bank has been a community bank since 1888. Originally established in

Ronceverte, WV, where the corporate office is located, the bank has expanded its community

outreach by establishing branches in Lewisburg (1986), Covington, VA (2001), Hot Springs, VA

(2004), and White Sulphur Springs (2006). In 2008, a temporary branch was opened in

Downtown Lewisburg with plans to begin remodeling an existing building in the downtown in

2009.

In 2008, First National Bank earned Bauer Financial, Inc.'s highest 5-Star Superior rating for

financial strength and stability. The 5-Star Superior rating is based on the overall financial

picture of the bank and indicates that First National Bank is one of the strongest banks in the

nation.

Today, First National Bank is a company built on rich tradition. For over 120 years, First

National Bank has provided quality financial services to communities in West Virginia and

Virginia. Information about First National Bank can be obtained by visiting the website

www.fnbwv.com.

Lewisburg in the Greenbrier Valley is a wonderful place to live and work.  Many people come to enjoy the shopping and eating in town for Christmas as you walk the streets and shop in the quaint stores and get the feel for the home town.  It does offer unique recreational and cultural attractions and many people that come to visit like the quaint little town and decide to make it home.  The General Lewis is a great place to stay and if your looking for a good place to eat it's there the breakfast menu is wonderful but the atmosphere for dinner or lunch is great.  Then there is Food and Friends, Stardust and the Wild Bean Coffe Shop and other places to eat in town.  If you like dramas then the Greenbrier Valley Theater is the place to be and Carnige Hall for the musicals.  Stop and visit and see the historical little town and shops and enjoy your time in the Lewisburg area.

Greenbrier County WV is rich in history and natural beauty.  It is set in a lush forested area amid flowing rivers and streams in the alluring Allegheny Mountains.  Besides the beauty which sets it apart, it also has drawing power as a place of vast entertainment and activities for those who visit and who chose to call it home. Arts and Entertainment For those who enjoy cultural activities, the Valley, as it is often called, offers everything from drama and the arts to fairs and festivals.  The Greenbrier Valley Theater is a performing arts theater which presents year round performances including musicals, comedies, and dramas.  The Carnegie Hall offers live performances by companies and artists from around the world.  Fairs and festivals often feature live entertainment as well as things like horse shows, antique shows and sporting events, not to mention food festivals. In Lewisburg WV, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the 236-acre National Register Historic District where seventy 18th and 19th century buildings have been restored or maintained.  There are several unique shops and restaurants in this district to enjoy as well.  Organ Cave is a great place to tour for Civil War buffs; it served as a stagecoach stop in 1812 and later as shelter for General Lee's troops during the War.  Today it is used as an RV campground and rodeo venue.  Lost World Caverns offers some of the most spectacular formations found anywhere and there are some dinosaur artifacts on the premises, too.  Besides RV parking and picnic areas, there is also a gift shop and tours are available. The Great Outdoors For outdoor enthusiasts, the parks and recreation areas of the county draw photographers from around the world to capture the natural beauty of the mountains, lakes, and streams.   The Greenbrier River offers plenty of enjoyment for fishermen, canoeists and swimmers and Greenbrier State Forest is excellent for camping, hiking, and naturalists as well as hunters.  The mountains also draw hikers and bikers, while the caves are an irresistible attraction to spelunkers and sightseers.  Golfers can enjoy golfing on the three championship courses of The Greenbrier Resort or other excellent courses found in the area - the Lewisburg Elks Country Club just to name a few. Ski season runs from mid-November through mid-April.  The more popular Snowshoe Mountain Resort boasts of having first-rate slopes. Shopping and Dining Don't forget about the shopping and dining experiences that await you in the Valley.  Greenbrier County offers quaint antique shops, outlet malls, and novelty stores, and the restaurants of the county offer everything from casual to fine dining.  The Resturant's are Food and Friends, General Lewis Inn, Star Dusk Cafe, Applebee's, Bob Evans, Ruby Tuesday, Jefferson Street Grill. Granny's House which is the only 24-hour restaurant in the valley, serves home-style country meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It even has its own gift shop onsite. Real Estate There are a several housing options in the area.  New subdivisions are being planned with first-time homebuyers and retirees in mind.  The average price for a three-bedroom home falls in the $110,000 to $165,000 range.  Newer homes are priced from $160,000 to $450,000.  Some of the Victorian and antebellum houses are frequently put on the market, but prices will vary depending upon the location and their condition. Many Buy vs Rent Students and faculty of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine who are looking for rental properties are offered assistance by the school.  The students and faculty of WVSOM who are relocating to Lewisburg, however, are finding there are a limited number of rental properties available in the area.  The Greenbrier County WV real estate prices are reasonable; the availability of affordable homes for sale is such that homeownership is a viable option for WVSOM students, faculty and others relocating to West Virginia. Economy The economic climate is changing.... and for the better.  Once primarily an agricultural economy, Greenbrier Valley is developing several segments to strengthen and expand its economic future.  Agriculture, timber, limestone quarries, manufacturing, utilities, as well as retail and wholesale business are still strong in the economy of Greenbrier County WV.  But, tourism is being developed as an important segment of the county's economic future with the Greenbrier Resort and the state and federal park systems.  Another important segment of the economy is the health care industry as demonstrated by the dramatic growth of the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

The market is still good here in Greenbrier County and for that we have been blessed.  We continue to get those customers who are wanting to leave the city and live in a quiet, quaint little town.  You must find ways to reach those particular clients using cost effective programs.  Team up with another realtor.  A partner in the real estate world is a great asset and you can be of assistance to one another.  Securing listings are important, and now is a good time to visit those clients that you haven't seen for awhile.  Keep in touch on a regular basis.  Your sphere of influence it is the greatest way to build your real estate career.  Develop a way to stay in constant contact with your clients and potential buyers.  Real estate is a business that requires your daily attention.  

Don't let the fluctuations in the business dampen your spirits.  When you start to feel this way, take a moment to reflect on what makes you happy and change your thinking.  West Virginia is a beautiful State and the mountains are beautiful especially with the different seasons-- leaves changing with their gorgeous colors, snow creating a winter wonderland on the mountains--or glorious spring when everything is blooming and green.  Check out the http://www.westvirginia.com site for all the things to do in West Virginia.   There are many ways that people can spend their vacation here in our beautiful state and not have to travel for a family get together or other special occasions.  Emphasize all these assets that are right here in our back door when you are trying to bring in new customers.  You have a lot of beauty in this area that will automatically lure people to the area.  Take advantage of this beautiful area.