Debbie Malone - Lynchburg Virginia Real Estate Blog

How to send flat rate packages to our troops!!

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:01:54 -0600

It's RED SHIRT FRIDAY- Please wear RED in support of our troopsl

Marchel Peterson wrote an excellent blog on sending care packages to the troops serving overseas:

Via Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty):

It is hard for out troops being away from friends and family during the holiday season. This makes it an ideal time to send them a flat rate package. Last year at this time our son was in the middle of his second tour of Iraq and he loved getting goodies from home. With him doing two tours I learned the ins and outs of sending him flat rate packages. On our son's first tour he was based at a town called Hit just northwest of Ramadi; the base was so small they really didn't even have a PX to speak of. For 6 months of his tour he was on the graveyard shift so if we didn't send food he was pretty much stuck eating MRE's. Needless to say I became an expert at sending care packages so I am going to pass my knowledge forward as I know there are many other soldiers like him who would love some extra care packages.

If you don't know a soldier but would like to help a soldier you can adopt a soldier through Soldiers Angels. You adopt them for the duration of their tour though, it is not just a one time thing. Our son told me there are a lot of soldiers that are alienated from families for one reason or another and don't receive much. Soldier's Angels sounds like the remedy for that problem.

Figuring out how to send these packages was a learning experience. The first time I sent one I arrived at the post office with this big heavy box and spent something like $30 in shipping. I happened upon a really nice postal worker. He saw I was shipping to an APO in Iraq and turned me on to Flat rate shipping provided by our USPS. He told me that I could send several of the flat rate boxes for less than it would cost me to send the one big box.

When I sent him boxes on his first tour there were only two sizes available but there are now four different sizes of flat rate boxes.  The two smaller boxes hold about the same amount but are made totally different. One is long and narrow and the other is short and squatty. The new larger box holds about 50% more and since I found out about it I have used it exclusively. It cost me $10.95 to ship using this box and I can make it as heavy as I want to. Normally this flat rate box cost $12.95 but the postal service gives a $2.00 discount when you ship to an APO. To be quite honest I'm not even sure what the current charge is on the smaller box as I now only use the large one. Any amount of material may be enclosed as long as the box is not modified and the contents fit inside. .

These boxes are provided to us free from our USPS and you can pick them up at most post offices prior to shipping. The only time I had trouble finding them was the Christmas season as the post office was having problems keeping them in stock. At the same time you pick the flat rate boxes up you will also want to pick up some "Customs Declaration and Dispatch Notices" and some priority mail address labels. You will need to fill out the Customs Declaration and you are going to need to put in a description of what you are sending. It says detailed but you can just write things like 6 cans of soup, 2 packages of crackers, candy, 3 cans of tuna etc. That will suffice for detailed. You will need to put in a value and I always marked treat as abandoned. You will then need to date and sign the form. You have to press hard as there are 6 copies to go through. I always filled out an address label also and put it on the box. I had a postal worker tell me to fill both out just in case the customs declaration came off.

I am sorry but there are no short cuts to standing in line. YOU CAN NOT USE THE SPEEDY CHECK OUT MACHINE. My neighbor did that the first time she sent a package to her son and it came back to her because she had not added the customs declaration page.

The soldiers love getting useful stuff. Our daughter is a flight attendant for a charter company that moves our troops and she told me that someone sent some marines off with lei's which they proceeded to give to the flight attendants. The thought was nice but I think they would have preferred something that was useful to them. I sent things like soup, tuna, crackers, summer sausage, non-perishable cheese, candy. You get the idea anything that is non-perishable. At Christmas I always sent homemade cookies and candy to our son.  He isn't that crazy about sweets but he always shared them. You can be assured that if the soldier you are sending to doesn't like what you sent they will pass it on to someone that does.

So should you hear about someone that is stationed over in Iraq or Afghanistan you now know how to mail them a box of goodies using these wonderful flat rate boxes provided to us by our postal service.

Amazingly I found these packages typically got to their destination in less than a week. Whether I was sending them to Germany (as that was where our son was first stationed) or Iraq they always arrived. One time I sent the package to his old Germany APO address and the package went back to Fort Hood and then on to Iraq (it took about a month but it arrived safe and sound). About the only time I did not us the flat rate boxes was when I sent Ramon noodles or the time I sent an air mattress bed as it didn't fit.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are buying or relocating to Spring Texas and need help from a professional REALTOR®, Marchel can be reached at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com or by phone at 832-721-8332.

If you would like information about Spring TX please visit my websites at www.AgentwithResults.com and at www.ResultsRealtytx.com. The AgentwithResults site is rich in Content about Spring and the surrounding areas of Tomball, The Woodlands and Magnolia. If you prefer pictures with your content then visit my ResultsRealtyTX site.

Want to find out about new Spring TX properties immediately as they come on the market, then click here to sign up for a free automatic notification of new listings.

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Copyright © 2009 Marchel Peterson, All Rights Reserved. *How to send flat rate packages to our troops!!*

Are you new to Forest VA, searching for a home for sale in Greater Lynchburg or at Smith Mountain Lake? Give me a call for information on local events, things to do or Lynchburg MLS real estate listings.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Lake Vista Christmas Open House -Lake Vista Centre- December 6, 2009 2-4 PM

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:15:41 -0600

Lake Vista Residents: Enjoy Refreshments and Christmas Cheer by the cozy fire at the Annual Lake Vista Christmas Open House. Held at the Lake Vista Centre (200 Lake vista Drive) this coming Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 2-4PM. There will be a balloon artist, face painting and Christmas music to enjoy.

Santa will be stopping by to say hello to all the good boys and girls!

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

How To Make The Perfect Man..............Gingerbread Man That Is

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:10:36 -0600

Gingerbread People Recipe

Baking is one of my holiday traditions and making Gingerbread People is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. I've been making these wonderful cookies every Christmas season for over 25 years. It's a fun project for the kids, they love to cut out the shapes and decorate. I make a lot of mini gingerbread people- when you add the frosting they can be on the sweet side. The cookies store well; you can bake and freeze or freeze some of the dough to bake a fresh batch at your convenience.

1 1/2 cups dark molassas

1 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cup cold water

1/4 cup shortening

7 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp allspice

2 tsp ginger

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix the molassas, brown sugar water and shortening in one bowl. I mix the rest of the dry ingredients together then add to the molassas mix. Cover and refrigerate for two hours.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Flour your countertop and roll the dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut cookies with your favorite cookie cutters and place about 2" apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. Frost with an icing made from powdered sugar and water.

Don't forget to enjoy your creations with a cup of tea or hot chocolate with your little men and women.

Merry Christmas!

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Wordless Wednesday.....The Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown, Massachusetts

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:16:18 -0600

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" -Colonel William Prescot

The Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the first major battle between the American colonists and British soldiers. The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775 in Charlestown, Boston, MA. On the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument is 221 feet tall and made of granite. Operated by the National Parks Service, admission is free.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Home Fire Safety For First Time Home Buyers Part 12 of 12 A Checklist

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:04:19 -0600

Dale Baker, Home Inspector, has written an excellent post on Fire Safety. This is Part 12 of his series:

Via Dale Baker,The #1 Home and Commercial Properties Inspector-in NH&VT-on AR (Baker Home,Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting ):

Home Fire Safety For First Time Home Buyers Part 12 of 12 A Checklist, if your a First Time Home Buyer or a Move up Home Buyer, fire safety sure should be a major concern to you, and your family.

The U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. Home fires sure can endup causen death and injury. Last year in the United States.

There were 3,320 folks that lost their lives as a result of fires.

There were 16,705 folks injured as the result of a fire.

There were 118 firefighters killed while on duty.

Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined.

Eighty four percent of the deaths occurred in homes.

An estimated 1.5 million fires occurred in 2008.

Many fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed and kids playing with matches and lighters.

Home Fire Safety For First Time Home Buyers Part 12 of 12 A Checklist, all areas of your home:

Its a good idea to cover unused electrical outlets.

Arrange electrical cords so that they don't dangle loosely or entagle with one another.

If your home has radiators, the covers should be made of a non-heat absorbent material.

Wood stoves and fireplaces should have screens to prevent sparks from reaching flammable materials.

Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by a reputable professional every year.

There should be a smoke detector installed on every level of your home, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms. For an extra precaution, you should have them installed in every bedroom or sleeping areas.

Set the thermostat on water heaters between 130 to 135 degrees fahrenheit.

You sould formulate an escape plan for every room in your home, with an alternate plan in case the first escape route is blocked by fire. Be sure to practice these escapes until every member of your family can perfom them in their sleep.

Only use space heaters on non-combustible surfaces and least three feet from the furniture and walls.

Store all flammable and combustible products in a cool, well ventilated area and locked securely out of the reach of kids.

Your basement and garage:

Flammable liquids such as fuels should not be kept in your home.

Keep paints thinners and all other combustible chemicals out of the reach of kids. Ideally, these materials really should be kept in a locked metal cabinet, away from all heat sources.

Keep dirty rags in a metal can and dispose of them, by following the same disposal directions of the products they were used with.

When not in use, lawn mowers and all gas powered equipment should be stored empty.

Keep electrical outlets covered and do not leave anything plugged in, when not in use.

Store gasoline only in approved containers.

Home Fire Safety For First Time Home Buyers Part 12 of 12 A Checklist, your kitchen:

Turn pot handles in while using burners on your stove.

Store cleansers and other chemicals out of the reach of kids, preferably in a locked cabinst.

Make sure that kids are in a safe location when your cooking with hot liquids.

Keep cookies and all sweets away from your stove.

Make sure electrical cords are not hanging over the counters and appliances are unplugged when not in use.

Keep a fire extinguisher near the farthest exit from the stove.

Never use water to douse a flaming pot. Smother with a cove or a baking sheet, or use a fire extinguisher.

Your bedroom:

Keep your bedroom doors closed while sleeping.

The use of candles in a bedroom is the most common fire source of a residential fire.

Be prepared to exit a bedroom in case os a fire. If at all possible, have an alternative route than the bedroom door to exit a bedroom, like the window if required. Have a emergency window ladder in the bedroom, in an accessible location in any bedroom thats on a second or higher floor of your home.

Post 626 - 23 Nov. 2009

By the time we complete the Inspection, you will know the Home or Commercial Property better than the owner does!

God Bless America, The Land We Love

A home inspection from Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting, will give you peace of mind, so you and your family can enjoy the things you like to do!

Knowledge is Your Power For The Freedom of a Worry- Free Home!

When buying, renting a Home or Commercial Properties when Relocating in or to Sullivan County, New Hampshire, Windsor County, Vermont, or nearby Counties. When "Good Enough" Isn't, call Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting to schedule, Your New Hampshire and Vermont Home or Commercial Property Inspections!

Phone: 603-826-4207

Mobile: 603-477-8072

Posted at: Localism.com/neighbor/bakerhome all links open in a new window!

Links Home Buyers, Home Owners, and Real Esate Agents will want to visit:

Life Expectancy of Home Componts New Hampshire and Vermont

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Part 1

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Part 2

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Part 3

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Accompany Series Post 1

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Accompany Series Post 2

A Home's Oil Furnace The Series Windsor County Vermont Home Buyers Accompany Series Post 3

The following blog post link, is a four part series - there are links to each part on the posts:

Coal Firing Furnaces-New Hampshire and Vermont Series Part one

Acheivement Posts

First New Hampshire Real Estate Professional to Reach 400,000 on ActiveRain

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Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Speechless Sunday.......A Visit to Jamestown, VA

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:14:33 -0600

Replica of the Susan Constant, one of the three ships the Engish Virginia Company sent to start a colony in the New World in Jamestown, VA. Approximately a 3 hour drive from Lynchburg, VA.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Compact Hot Water Heaters- They Work Well When They Work

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:26:01 -0600

I wanted to clean the cabinet under the kitchen sink. I just wasn't planning on doing it today.

My Friend Murphy decided to pay me a visit this morning- I was about to make coffee when I saw the puddle of water on the kitchen floor. I was hoping it was from a melted ice cube but no such luck. I opened the cabinet under the sink to find the TINY TITAN compact hot water heater hissing and the floor of the cabinet soaking wet. This little heater only holds 2 1/2 gallons of water but this morning it's seemed like 100.

Things like this always happen when my husband's out of town, so the first thing I did was unplug the unit. One surprise a day is enough of a shock. My husband installed several shut off valves so I was able to cut the source of water going to the tank. I've also turned the dishwasher on several times to empty the tank faster- in theory. (Home inspectors, anything else I should be doing?)

We built the house on a slab and our kitchen is a good 50 feet from the hot water heater. It was taking forever to get hot water to the kitchen sink so my husband installed the compact hot water heater. It has different temperature settings, is a reliable source of hot water and for six years it's worked well. It's a great solution for our home and we'll get a replacement. And I'll check with the manufacturer regarding their warranty. For a repairman's opinion of hot water heaters, click the link HOT WATER HEATERS .

I'm fortunate to have been home to catch this. Remember to turn your water main off when you leave on vacation or if you're going out of town for the holidays. Now I need to go find the fan- we don't want mold issues too. Keep smilin'.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Let's Say Thanks Program - Send a Postcard to a Member of the Military

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:23:04 -0600

Let's Say Thanks- And WEAR RED ON FRIDAY!!!!

Will Rogers said We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by.

I appreciate the men and women who have and are serving our country! An easy way to show your support for those currently serving overseas is with the Let's Say Thanks program. Sponsored by the Xerox Corporation it allows you to send a free postcard to an active member of the military. There are many different hand drawn post card designs and sentiments to choose from. With the holidays coming up, I think of all the husbands, wives and children who are separated from their loved ones who are serving. It's a simple gesture and one I'm sure is very much appreciated.

Don't forget RED SHIRT FRIDAYS and wear red in support our troops on Fridays!

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

DO WE REALLY HAVE 164 DAYS TO GO?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:21:52 -0600

Phil gives us some important dates to remember - the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit will expire sooner than we think:

Via PHILIP TURNER-MORTGAGE BANKER SINCE 1980 (MCCUE MORTGAGE COMPANY):

As of today, April 30th is 164 days away. April 30th is the last day that a Purchase and Sales Agreement may be signed by all parties to take advantage of the federal tax credit for home buyers.

Out of those 164 days we need to subtract out days that most of us do not work - Let's see what is ahead of us:

Thanksgiving

Christmas

New Years Day

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Presidents Day

Super Bowl Sunday

March Madness

Start adding in school vacations, days off, sick days, St. Patricks Day, Valentines Day, etc. and all of a sudden the 164 days is shrinking fast. Can you think of any I have missed?

Let's get moving on spreading the word about the tax credit for home buyers. What are you doing to get the word out?

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

BARK 10-4 Fire Safety Program For Pets: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:40:09 -0600

HOW AWESOME IS THIS! October was Fire Safety Month and I posted about the BARK 10-4 Program where you can donate a pet oxygen mask to your local fire department. I used paypal and donated a mask to my local volunteer fire department in Forest, Virginia. I just received notification that THE MOST PET OXYGEN MASKS EVER (I counted 143!!!) had been shipped to the following fire departments:

Alpine Fire Department
Blue Ridge Fire Department
Plainfield Fire Department
Town of Sheboygan Falls Fire
Kohler Village
Menasha Town Fire Department
Pickerel Fire & Rescue Squad
Whitewater Fire Department
Town of Greenville Fire Dept
Milwaukee Fire Department
Richard Hansen Fire Chief
Lewis County Fire District #5
Easton Fire District #3
Bothell Fire Department
Fire District 1 DJ Evans, Fire Chief
Springfield Fire Station
Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Depart
North Pointe Fire Station #39
Station 12 - Volunteer Organization
Scruggs Volunteer Fire Department
Fairfax County Fire & Rescue
Forest VA FD
Ebony Volunteer Fire Department
Matewan Fire Department
Fire Deputy Chief Virginia Beach VA
Public Safety Dept.,
Pearland Fire Department
Waco Fire Department
Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Midlothian TX
Greenville Fire Department
Freer Volunteer Fire Dep & Ems
Travis County Emergency Service District #9
Village Fire Department
Flower Mound Fire Station 2
North Montgomery County Fire Dept
Frisco Fire Department Administration: Station No 1
Flat Creek-Bethesda Volunteer Fire Department
Lonas Fire Station #12
Munford-Atoka Fire Department
Sulphur Springs Volunteer Fire Dept
City of Cookeville Fire Department: Chief
Nashville Fire Department‎
Lexington Fire Fairview Fire Station #14
Conway Station 1 Fire Dept.
Greer Fire Dept -
Charlestown Fire District‎
Newtown Square Fire Company
Lititz Fire Company No 1‎
Conneaut Lake Volunteer Fire Department Station 3‎
Mont Alto Fire Co‎
Independence TWP VOL Fire Department
Reliance Fire Co
Greater Valley EMS
Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company
Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Department
Union township Vol fire dept
Hampden Twp Volunteer Fire Co
Clarendon Fire Department
Mifflinburg Borough: Mifflinburg Hose Co #1
Lowell Rural Fire Department‎
Yukon Fire Department‎
Norman Fire Department‎
Tulsa Fire Department‎
Sharon Township Fire Department
Cincinnati Fire Department
Upper Arlington Fire Division
Norwich Fire Department‎
Scioto Twp Fire Department‎
Coolville Fire House‎
Bath Fire Department‎
Harrison Township Fire House‎
Coolville Fire House‎
Bellbrook Fire Department‎
Mason Fire Station No 1‎
Washington Township Fire Dept Fire Department
Village of Ottawa Hills: Fire Department‎
Bloomfield Hills Fire Department‎
Lawrence Cedarhurst Fire Department‎
Hook, Ladder and Hose Co., No. 1
Lily Dale Volunteer Fire Department‎
Walker Fire Station
Unionville Volunteer Fire Department
Pine Island Volunteer Fire Department
Oswego Fire Department
Ransomville Fire Co No 1
Jackson Volunteer Fire Co‎
Gordons Corner Fire Co‎
South Wall Fire Rescue,
Long Branch Fire Department‎
Allendale Volunteer Fire Department
Holland Township Volunteer Fire Company
Oakland Fire Department‎
Colonia Fire Co‎
Ho Ho Kus Fire Department‎
River Vale Fire Department‎
FIRE CHIEF Acworth NH
Somersworth Fire Department‎
Epping Fire Department‎
Concord Fire Department‎
North Conway Fire Dept: Fire Station
Juniata Fire Department Station
Hubert Volunteer Fire Department‎
Winston-Salem Fire Department‎
Cary Fire Department‎
Denver Fire Department‎
Harrisburg Fire Department‎
Sidney Volunteer Fire Department‎
Reidsville Fire Department‎
Cary Fire Department
Beaufort Fire Department‎
Montana City VFD
Marble Hill Fire Department‎
Knob Noster Fire Department‎
Ballwin Fire Department
David Frazier Jr Chief of EMS & Fire Services
Lake Elmo City Fire Department‎
St Michael Fire Department‎
City of North Branch: Fire Dept‎
Montevideo Fire Department‎
Fire Station No. 1
Bemidji Fire Department
Auburn Hills Fire Department
Rochester Fire Dept
Niles Fire Dept
Bloomfield Township Fire Department‎
Ottawa Hills Village Fire Department‎
Pepperell Fire Department
Andover Town Fire Department
Acushnet Fire Department‎
Stoughton Fire Department
North Attleboro Fire Department‎
Weymouth FD
Provincetown Fire Department
Oxford Fire Department
County of Anne Arunde FD
Level Fire Dept
Fallston Vol Fire Co
Kent Island Fire Department
Long Reach Fire Station 9
Neck District Fire Co
Kennebunkport Fire Dept
Bowdoinham Fire Department‎
Fire CHIEF Shelby Township

I know times are tough, but if you're considering making a donation to a local cause this holiday season, please consider Bark 10-4. Our pets thank you.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Do I Qualify For The New First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:47:20 -0600

Are you confused by all of the talk about the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit? Not sure if you qualify? This short video from RE/MAX highlights the points of the $8,000 First Time Tax Credit Extension and Expansion:

-Extends the $8,000 first time Home Buyers Tax Credit if you're under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010 -Up to $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners who have lived in their homes (as principal residence) for 5 consecutive years of the last 8 years and close on their new home by June 30, 2010 -Income level of $125,000 for single buyers, $225,000 for joint buyers - Military members and those who've been deployed overseas for at least 90 days in 2008-2009 can claim the credit if they're under contract by April 30, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011.

Now IS a great time to buy a home!

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

New Listing in Stonewall- 1048 Brigade Place, Forest VA $319,900

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:17:38 -0600

NEW LISTING in Stonewall - 1048 Brigade Pl, Forest, VA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$319,900

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

5 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3149 sqft
Lot: 0.75 acre(s)

Location

1048 Brigade Pl
Forest, VA 24551

Debbie Malone Realtor

RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369
malone1981@aol.com
http://www.debmalone.com

Listed by: Debbie Malone, RE/MAX 1st Olympic

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NEW LISTING in Stonewall - 1048 Brigade Pl, Forest, VA
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Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Rain, Rain Go Away...... Think Twice Before Crossing Flooded Roadways In Virginia

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:02:47 -0600

Flood water from Hurricane Ida in Virginia this past week- I spent the weekend in Surry, VA where many of the roads in this section of Virginia cut through marsh land. The photo above is from a beautiful swamp in the Surry, Isle of Wight area which is normally very tranquil. The ground was saturated after days of non-stop rain, causing a washout of sections of roads including Route 10 in Virginia. The ferry from Surry to Williamsburg was closed for several days.

The creek overflowed it's bank and fast moving water washed out the gravel road. Water was at least 18" deep, the gravel base had been washed out causing huge potholes and creating a dangerous situation. Locally, when the Timber Lake Dam broke several years ago after days of rain, people crossing flooded roadways were killed.

If you ever come across a FLOODED ROAD like this, be aware:

As little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road.

Just six inches of fast-moving flood water can sweep a person off his or her feet.

Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular.

Urban and small stream flash floods often occur in less than one hour.

Tropical cyclones pose significant risk well inland due to fresh water flooding.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Recipe for Delicious Chicken Normandy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:53:53 -0600

Chicken Normandy is one of the family favorites, real comfort food.....It's suppose to be prepared the night before and refrigerated for the next day. I've done that once, it's just as good if you prepare and cook the same night. I don't use extra salt in cooking so you might want to add to the filling. This is a great dish to take to a party.

CHICKEN NORMANDY

Crust

2 packages of Stove Top Chicken Stuffing Mix (prepared)

Filling

3 cups of cooked, diced chicken

1 cup chopped onion (sauteed)

1 chopped celery (sauteed)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 eggs

1 cup milk

Topping

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Prepare stuffing mix and spread 3/4 into the bottom and sides of a greased 13x9x2 baking pan. Combine chicken, onions, celery and toss in mayonnaise. Spread chicken mixture over the bottom crust and top with remaining stuffing mix. Beat the eggs and milk and pour over the top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, remove foil, spread top with cream of mushroom soup and bake at 325 for 40 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 10 more minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy. Substitute leftover Thanksgiving turkey for the chicken.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Thank A Veteran Today!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:25:51 -0600

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

History of Veterans Day

The main hostilities of World War I were finished at 11th hour of 11th Day of 11th Month of 1918 with Germany signing the Armistice. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed an Armistice Day for 12th November, 1919. Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th, the anniversary of the signing that finished World War I. It is commemorated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other part of the world.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Author unknown

Remember to thank a Veteran and active duty service men and women for their service to our country!

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Wordless Wednesday... Foggy Autumn Afternoon in Bedford County, Virginia

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:11:03 -0600

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded to include Repeat Buyers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:46:47 -0600

The First Time Home Buyer Credit was extended and expanded and Loreena's chart shows the differences between the two programs. Listen to the David Patterson show for an on air discussion of the benefits to CURRENT HOME OWNERS who might be able to take advantage of the program.

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):

FEATURE Jan 1 – November 30, 2009
Rules as enacted February 2009 December 1 – April 30, 2010
Rules as enacted November 2009

First-time Buyer – Amount of Credit $8000 ($4000 married filing separate) $8000 ($4000 married filing separate)

First-time Buyer – Definition for Eligibility May not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase -Same-

Current Homeowner – Amount of Credit No Provision $6500 ($3250 married filing separate)

Effective Date – Current Owner No Provision Date of Enactment

Current Homeowner – Definition for Eligibility No Provision Must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years

Current Homeowner – Home Purchase Price N/A There is no provision that the "repeat" homebuyer must purchase a property more expensive than the one sold. Only that the home purchase must be less than $800K.

Termination of Credit Purchases after November 30, 2009.(Becomes April 30, 2010 on Date of Enactment.) Purchases after April 30, 2010

Binding Contract Rule None Written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close

Income Limits $75,000 – single, $150,000 – married, Additional $20,000 phase out $125,000 – single, $225,000 – married,
Additional $20,000 phase out

Limitation on Cost of Purchased Home None $800,000

Purchase by a Dependent No Provision Ineligible

Antifraud Rule None Purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to tax return

Purchase by a Dependent

There was no age limitation on the original bill and amended for the November Tax Credit. Taxpayer must be at least 18 years old to qualify for the credit. For married taxpayers, the taxpayer shall be treated as meeting the age requirement if the taxpayer or spouse meets the age requirement.

Repeat Buyers

There is no criteria that home buyers must "move up" in house. Only that they lived in the house for the past 5 out of 8 years as a primary residence. The new purchase price must not exceed $800,000.

Date of Enactment = November 6 2009.

*********************************************************************************************

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Contact:

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)
Originally Posted on First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension & Expansion

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

2009 Forest Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale, Forest VA- Begins November 28

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:30:58 -0600

Annual Forest Lions Club Christmas Tree Sale

It's that time of year where we start thinking about the upcoming holidays. The Forest Lions Club's Annual Christmas Tree Sale starts on November 28, 2009. The club plans to continue the sale through December 15 or until all the trees are sold. Thanks to the support of the local community, trees sold out early last year. One hundred percent of all proceeds from the sale are returned to the community through various charitable donations. Come out and support this great organization and purchase your tree from the Forest Lions' Tree Lot.

Members of the Forest Lions Club will be selling 300 trees including 6 to 10 feet Fraser firs and a limited number of 6 to 8 foot white pines. Trees will be on sale:

Mondays through Fridays 1:00 to 8:00 PM

Saturdays 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Sundays 1:00 to 8:00 PM

The Forest Lions’ Tree Lot is located next to BENJAMIN'S RESTAURANT on Virginia 221 in Forest, Virginia. Volunteers are welcome! Interested in learning more about the Forest Lions Club? For more information on joining the Lions Club International call (434) 316-9110.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

First Time Home Buyer's $8,000 Credit - Extended Until AFTER Income Tax Day!

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:05:25 -0600

The extension of First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is great news! Read Diane Rice's blog on the details:

Via Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL:

If your search to purchase a home for the first time had you in a flabbergasted state to hastily make a choice from what's available on the market... guess what? GOOD NEWS!! The deadline date for qualifying for the tax credit awarded to home buyers has been prolonged!

Agents and buyers can both cease from holding their breath... a bit, for Congress has extended AND expanded the tax credit for qualifying buyers. The official last day for filing (income) taxes with the IRS is April 15Th, 2010. The official last day to have a written binding purchase contract for a home is April 30Th, 2010. As long as the house closes by July 1, 2010, the credit can be taken.

If you are a CURRENT homeowner, and will buy a new home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, a tax credit benefit of $3250 or $6500.00 (depending upon your filing status) has been made available for you also! This is EXCEPTIONAL news for homeowners who have used their principal residence for 5 of the prior 8 years consecutively.

BEST NEWS OF ALL?? THE TAX CREDIT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PAID BACK!!

Confused? Do not fret. The National Association of Realtors, has a more thorough explanation at their website. A helpful chart denoting the distinction between the old tax credit rules and the new extended tax credit has been issued by Governors Affairs Division and can be accessed here.

We encourage you to contact your local REALTOR® to acquire personalized information tailored to your needs. To start your search for available homes in the South Suburban or Chicago-land Area, click the Rice Property Management logo below.

"Where the RIGHT Price is the RICE Price!"

Rice Property Management & Realty, located in South Holland, Illinois, has agents that work with first time home buyers seeking homes in Illinois and Indiana. Give us a call at 708-862-7423

(Images courtesy of Bing)

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Speechless Sunday - The Onion Mountain Overlook on The Blue Ridge Parkway, VA

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:19:33 -0600

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

NEW LISTING Brick Ranch at 727 Sandusky Drive, Lynchburg VA $132,900

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:06:59 -0600

NEW LISTING- 727 Sandusky Dr, Lynchburg, VA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$132,900

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 1449 sqft
Lot: 0.34 acre(s)

Location

727 Sandusky Drive
Lynchburg, VA

Debbie Malone

RE/MAX 1st Olympic
(434) 546-0369
malone1981@aol.com
http://www.debmalone.com

Listed by: Debbie Malone, RE/MAX 1st Olympic

Our recent listings

NEW LISTING- 727 Sandusky Dr, Lynchburg, VA
Beautiful Country Home on 5 Acres - HUGE Detached Shop & Garage
Beautiful Custom Home in Bethel Park
Large Three Bedroom End Unit in Wyndhurst
REDUCED- INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

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Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Wordless Wednesday.....Sharp Top Mountain From The Peaks of Otter Lodge, Bedford County, VA

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:47:23 -0600

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

New To Forest, Virginia? Here in Some Important Information You Need to Know

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:45:59 -0600

If you’ve recently moved to the community of Forest in Bedford County, Virginia, WELCOME!

Bedford County was formed in 1754 and consists of 764 square miles of the most beautiful country in Virginia; I never get tired of looking at the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. The population in Bedford County is approximately 60,500 with 8,500 Forest residents.

While we don't have a town center or common, there are several established neighborhoods in Forest including: Ivy Hill, Lake Vista, Forest Lakes, Kensington, Brookstone, Farmington, Cedar Rock, Meadow Wood & Hooper Woods to name a few. One of our most famous residences is Thomas Jefferson's summer home Poplar Forest.

Shopping Centers include: Graves Mill Shopping Center, Cavalier Corner & Forest Square Shopping Center.

These are some of the important phone numbers and websites to know:

Airport- Lynchburg Regiona l (434) 455-6090

Animal Control (540) 586-7690

American Electric Power 1- 800-956-4237

Bedford County Utilities (540) 586-7679

Building Permits & Inspections (540) 586-7611

Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce (877) 447-3257

Churches

Clerk of the Circuit Court (540) 586-7632

Clerk of the General District Court (540) 586-7637

Commissioner of the Revenue (540) 586-7621 f.eubank@co.bedford.va.us

Commonwealth’s Attorney (540) 586-7628

Cooperative Extension (540) 586-7675

County Administrator (540) 586-7601

County Treasurer (540) 586-7606

Dept. Of Game & Inland Fisheries (434) 525-7522

DMV (540) 586-7979

Economic Development (540) 587-5670

GENERAL INFO (540) 586-7601

Health Department (540) 586-7952

Forest Library (540) 425-7002

MEDICAL:

Bedford Memorial Hospital (540) 846-2441

Lynchburg General Hospital

Virginia Baptist Hospital

New London Cannery (434) 525-9706

Newspaper - Bedford Bulletin (540) 586-8612

Parks & Recreation (540) 586-7682

Phone Book (540) 904-4526

Planning & Community Development (540) 586-7616

Public Schools (540) 586-1045 www.bedford.k12.va.us

Public WATER (Public Service Authority) (540) 586-7679

Real Estate Lookup

School System Superintendent (540) 586-1045

New London Academy (434) 525-2177

FOREST Elementary (434) 525-2681

FOREST Middle (434) 525-6630

Jefferson Forest High School (434) 525-2674

Sheriff’s Office (NON-EMERGENCY) (540) 586-4800

Social Services (540) 586-7750

Southside Electric Cooperative 1-800-552-2118

Verizon Telephone (540) 561-2000

Tourism (540) 587-5681

THINGS TO DO IN FOREST

Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services (540) 587-0700

Voter Information (540) 586-7649

Waste Management Facility (540) 586-7656

Water/Sewer (540) 586-7679

Smith Mountain Lake covers three counties including Bedford and is one of our favorite weekend destinations and only a short drive from Forest. If you'd like more information on the community of Forest, VA, feel free to contact me.

By TwitterButtons.com

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Speechless Sunday - Small Farm on a Back Road in Bedford County, Virginia

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:39:47 -0600

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

2009 Chili Cookoff at The Sedalia Center - Big Island, VA

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:00:14 -0500

What a great way to spend an afternoon in Bedford County, Virginia! The 13th annual Chili Cook-off took place today at the Sedalia Center in Big Island. Even with an overcast sky and threat of rain, there was a great turnout and an impressive variety of Chili to sample with 35 participating teams. Music was provided by Work Release and the rain held off long enough for us to try every one of the chili's. Check The Sedalia Center's website for upcoming events.

Visit www.moblyng.com to make your own!

1108 Sedalia School Road Big Island, Virginia 24526
434.299.5080 FAX 434.299.6463

Click the link for upcoming events in Bedford County, Virginia.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

FEATURE	Jan 1 – November 30, 2009 Rules as enacted February 2009	December 1 – April 30, 2010 Rules as enacted November 2009
First-time Buyer – Amount of Credit	$8000 ($4000 married filing separate)	$8000 ($4000 married filing separate)
First-time Buyer – Definition for Eligibility	May not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase	-Same-
Current Homeowner – Amount of Credit	No Provision	$6500 ($3250 married filing separate)
Effective Date – Current Owner	No Provision	Date of Enactment
Current Homeowner – Definition for Eligibility	No Provision	Must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years
Current Homeowner – Home Purchase Price	N/A	There is no provision that the "repeat" homebuyer must purchase a property more expensive than the one sold. Only that the home purchase must be less than $800K.
Termination of Credit	Purchases after November 30, 2009.(Becomes April 30, 2010 on Date of Enactment.)	Purchases after April 30, 2010
Binding Contract Rule	None	Written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close
Income Limits	$75,000 – single, $150,000 – married, Additional $20,000 phase out	$125,000 – single, $225,000 – married, Additional $20,000 phase out
Limitation on Cost of Purchased Home	None	$800,000
Purchase by a Dependent	No Provision	Ineligible
Antifraud Rule	None	Purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to tax return