Strasburg Christmas Celebrations - 11/30/07 11:01 PM
Town of StrasburgCHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!
Saturday, December 1
Activities taking place all day!!!!!!
Pancake Breakfast at the Strasburg Fire Hall - starting at 7 a.m.House Tours sponsored by the Strasburg Heritage Association - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Business Open Houses - 12 noon to 3 p.m.Parade starting at 4 p.m.Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus - 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
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Light up Woodstock - 11/30/07 10:54 PM
 
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
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Edinburg, Virginia Christmas Calendar - 11/30/07 10:48 PM
Christmas in EdinburgCome enjoy a Victorian Christmas with us in Edinburg December 1st 
4:00 pm - Line up for parade 5:00 Annual Christmas ParadeSANTA ARRIVES!!!!6:00 - Tree Lighting Ceremony...follow the luminaries to the Christmas Tree6:30 - Creekside Campground Bonfire...enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider at the creek.December 13th - 11:00 am - 7:00 pm - Holiday Open House at Edward Jones Investments.December 14th - Candelight Parlor Tours of 5 homes in Edinburg from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. - Tours begin at the Edinburg Christian Church, 210 Center Street. Free - invitations available at shops through out Edinburg.December 15th - Parlor … (1 comments)

Frederick Co. Va Indicators - October 2007 - 11/30/07 10:40 PM
Real Estate Trend Indications 
Frederick County, VA From: 10/01/2007 to 10/31/2007               
Report sources reliable but not guaranteed.
I AM AT YOUR SERVICE!
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
 
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Nov. in Shenandoah County, VA Real Estate - 11/30/07 10:30 PM
 
Residential Sold Monthly Report - November 2007
Shenandoah County, VA
Generated 11/30/07
I AM AT YOUR SERVICE!
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
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The Real - Real Estate Picture - 11/30/07 10:08 PM
Pending home sales (houses under contract but not yet closed) rose by two tenths of a percent in the latest report from the National Association of Realtors.   Although not a huge shift, this is the second month in a row of a positive direction change in many months for thissignificant real estate future indicators.
The latest projection for existing homes sales for 2007 is 5.7 million, and although not near the record settings boom of 2004 or 2005, it will still be in the top 5 years of sales on record.  So not such a miserable year as is being reported.  On top … (1 comments)

Congrats to My CLients - 11/30/07 09:22 PM
Congrats to my client's the Cardoso's of Toms Brook.  Today they closed on a beautiful Richmond American Home in Oxbow Estates in Strasburg, VA.  It was my pleasure to serve their Real Estate needs.  If you live in the area, please welcome them into the community.
Let me find you that perfect home.  Call me with all of your Real Estate questions.
 I AM AT YOUR SERVICE!
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
 
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NO SMOKING - PLEASE!! - 11/28/07 07:42 PM
Real Estate Tip:  No Smoking
 An issue that will always be noticed during a home showing are pervasive odors, particularly cigarette smoke. If your home is on the market, it may sell more quickly if you temporarily make it a smoke-free zone. Many non-smokers are highly sensitive to the lingering presence of smoke. Of all our 5 senses, the most powerful is the sense of smell.  Be sure to keep your home aired out while it is on the market. If the weather is good, you can smoke outside or while taking a walk or a drive. Avoid heavily-scented room fresheners which combined with … (1 comments)

Buy A HOME.......IT's A WONDERFUL BUYERS MARKET - 11/27/07 11:15 PM
It is a great time to buy a home. 
And most consumers tend to agree as discussed at the National Association of Realtors convention in Las Vegas this past week
Nine out of 10 consumers say buying a home in today's housing market remains a good deal.
The real estate association's National Housing Pulse Survey also revealed 59 percent of those surveyed said right now is a good time to buy a home.
Although consumer optimism over the housing market doesn't come without some issues.
Mortgage affordability as well as mortgage approval, and obtaining monies for down payments and closing costs are not the … (3 comments)

Put it in Perspective - 11/27/07 10:55 PM
My fellow Realtors, a word of wisdom as taught by Mr. Brian Buffini, ...always put things in "Perspective".
The recent sub-prime lender woes we are hearing need to be put in perspective.
The present total mortgage market is roughly 9.9 trillion dollars and of that market only about 75 billion dollars of it can be associated with sub prime loans that are now be scrutinized currently in the media and other Public outlets. 
This is only .0075 percent of the total mortgage market or 3/4 of a hundredth!!!
So be sure that everyone you talk to puts this in perspective.  The sub prime lender woes are … (4 comments)

Mortgage Rates - 11/23/07 11:59 PM
According to the Federal Reserve, banks have tightened their lending standards on mortgages due to the spreading mortgage crisis. This applies to traditional and non-traditional mortgages such as interest only loans and subprime mortgages.
In a Fed survey conducted in early October, 40 of the 49 banks surveyed are no longer offering subprime mortgages. Meanwhile, 5 banks said that they tightened their subprime lending standards, while the remaining 4 did not change their lending standards.
With tighter lending standards, prospective home buyers should take a closer look at their spending patterns and financial readiness to buy.  It is best to prioritize spending on … (0 comments)

The Price is Right? - 11/23/07 11:54 PM
In an era where technology seems to take over personal interaction, some things are still best trusted to your reliable real estate agent.  This includes getting the best price for your home. Having the correct selling price for your home, could make or break your deal. 
If you price it too low, you can sell it fast but you run the risk of not maximizing your profits for your home.  Your loss provides an instant equity to your buyer. 
If you price it unrealistically high, your home could stay on the market indefinitely.  You don't want this to happen.   Stale properties tend … (1 comments)

Home Inspections for Seller? - 11/23/07 11:50 PM
Oftentimes, it is recommended that buyers should have a professional home inspection done before buying a house.  We don't often hear that sellers should also have their house inspected prior to selling. In a scenario where your house is really old or had been termite infested, it is advisable to have your house professionally inspected before putting it on the market.  This allows you to repair any nasty surprises that could seriously hurt the sale price of your home.  To add, even if you decide not to undertake any major repairs, the report will help you and your agent come up with … (4 comments)

Shenandoah County, Virginia - October 2007 Real Estate Sold Numbers - 11/23/07 11:25 PM
Shenandoah County, VA Residential Property Sold data for October 2007.
 
 Regards,
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
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Foreclosure Thoughts to Ponder - 11/23/07 11:01 PM
Foreclosure rates continued to rise in most of the top 100 largest metropolitan areas of the country.  
The effects of foreclosure have spread beyond the delinquent borrower.  The losses had a chain reaction from the defaulting borrower, to the lender and the investors.  The foreclosure process costs the lenders thousands in losses through legal fees and taxes due until the property is sold.  Not to mention the lost equity when the house is priced to sell in a weak market.  
On a wider scale, even those who did not default in their payment were affected.  Foreclosure raises the risk of fire, vandalism, theft and other … (1 comments)

Let us Give Thanks - 11/23/07 10:49 PM
The real estate industry was not at its best this year, but that doesn't mean everything is looking gloomy.  Sometimes we tend to look more on the bad side of things even if there are so many things that we should be thankful for.
If you're having a tough time right now, take a break.  Count your blessings more than your misfortunes. Look ahead and think of the positive things you can do in the future.  Everyone had their on share of bad days but I'm sure we've all had some good times too.
This Thanksgiving we should be literally "giving thanks"  not … (2 comments)

Moving ON UP in the Shenandoah Valley - 11/19/07 10:22 PM
Moving can be stressful if you let it get to you.  I watch people all the time get frustrated and stressed getting packed up and ready to move.  Leaving your home, having to pack all you have accumulated, saying goodbye to good neighbors.  All that can really wreak havoc on your nerves if you let it.  So that is why I love this top 10 list of ways to destress the moving process. 
There is no way to move stress free so expect the unexpected and know that it will pass. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel will help tremendously.  … (2 comments)

BUSINESSES IN VIRGINIA - 11/19/07 10:05 PM
Doing Business in the State of Virginia
A lot of states have been getting some sort of bad publicity due to the rising mortgage woes.  However, Virginia is one of the few states that continue to get good reviews.  Recently, it was named by CNNMoney.com as one of the best states for starting a business. 
Here are some of the positive attributes of Virginia that she mentioned:
Geographical proximity to the federal government. Highly educated household High-income household Great policy climate You can read more about this report in CNNMoney.com.
These reports make Virginia as one of the states with a high capital growth potential.  More businesses, … (2 comments)

Sound Mortgage Advice - 11/19/07 09:58 PM
Mortgage Advice - Do Your Homework!! Buying that first home is an exciting experience, but most first time buyers are so keen to buy their home that most of their efforts are concentrated in searching, inspecting and comparing the different homes available on the market.  Very few would do that type research to find the type of loan most applicable to their situation. Some don't even bother to get pre-qualified or even pre-approved before they start their search for a home. This could lead to a lot of heartaches for all the parties involved from the buyer, agent to the seller.  All their efforts can go in … (0 comments)

Real Estate Inspections Advice - 11/19/07 09:51 PM
Real Estate Tip:The Inspection Report
Are you looking for a home and becoming tired of house-hunting? Don't let this tempt you to buy a bargain-priced home "as is" and forego the home inspection. But without the inspection report, do you know what the "as it" refers to? Wouldn't it be better to know what condition the home is in before you buy it? The inspection contingency allows the buyer to enlist the services of a licensed home inspector within three to seven days after the purchase agreement is signed. The inspector will go over the property from top to bottom, evaluating the condition … (1 comments)

Renovation Know How - Putting your $$ to work. - 11/16/07 12:05 AM
If you're planning to renovate your home to sell, it is good to consider what home buyers want nowadays.  You can concentrate your renovating dollars on improvements that would give the most return. For instance, adding a new pool can be something that you want in your backyard but very few buyers would prefer to have.  In the end, adding a new pool can be a waste of money when you're planning to sell soon, because it did not really add value to your property. The National Association of Realtors' 2007 Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences can be a useful tool … (1 comments)

SHENANDOAH VALLEY GEM IN EDINBURG FOR SALE! - 11/15/07 11:50 PM
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YOUR LIFESTYLE AND YOUR HOME - 11/15/07 11:43 PM
Your lifestyle doesn't only affect the type of house you can buy but also how much you can afford to buy.  Recently, this article from Washington Post "Too Rich To Be Poor-Mouthing" highlighted that even couples earning just over $200,000 can still, sort of struggle financially.  Money can still be a problem even if they can afford to pay for basic needs such as an average mortgage, children's education and some money put towards their retirement fund and their children's college fund. 
In the end, it's not about how much money you earn but how you spend it.  Spending and having a … (1 comments)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT - 11/15/07 11:37 PM
With more homes on the market, selling a home nowadays can be a challenge for some home owners.  It is very easy to get set aside in favor of a better looking home, even if there is a price difference. 
Most buyers are looking for a house that is ready to move-in.  Very few have the time to renovate.  Most have spent bulk of their savings in buying their home, so there's not much left to cover the cost of renovation. Plus, who would not love to just simply move in a new home and do nothing else.
Now more than ever, home … (0 comments)

Home Decorating - 11/12/07 10:35 PM
Avoid these common decorating mistakes
Are your home decorating ideas running short for your home?  Are you thinking of selling and plan to do some do-it-yourself home staging?  Whatever your reason is, have a look first at HGTV's list of top decorating mistakes before you start any decorating job. Also, Reading through the list, I've noticed that a lot of home owners are guilty of committing these decorating mistakes without even realizing it.  HGTV's team of experts have explained and provided photos to help you identify the problems.  They've also recommended some simple solutions to make your home cozy, inviting and of course well decorated! … (1 comments)

Hiring a Real Estate Agent - Fact or Fiction? - 11/12/07 10:27 PM
REAL ESTATE MYTHS
Myth #1: "Discount" brokers do an adequate job selling your property.
Truth: A complete marketing campaign is an invaluable component in the process of getting the most for your home. Promotional costs such as photos, brochures, ads, MLS inserting fees, printing, direct mail, directional signs, personal internet websites, virtual tours, etc., are all paid for by a full service agent such as our team at  Sherry Wilson & Co. - ReMax Leaders.
Will the discount broker be able to offer a complete marketing campaign? Does he/she have the expertise to guide you through problems that may develop during the home … (3 comments)

Realtors and customer loyalty - 11/12/07 10:11 PM
The purchase or sale of real estate is a unique and detailed oriented transaction in which numerous obstacles can arise that can be utterly disconcerting to the typical homebuyer or seller.  Professional real estate agents are trained to handle the many details of buying or selling a home.  A good Realtor in an invaluable asset to your venture if you are in the market to buy or sale a home.  When you find a Realtor who inspires your confidence and trust, it is good to enter into a committed working relationship with that person.  Concentrating your property search with one Realtor will allow the agent … (2 comments)

Country Living at its Finest in the Shenandoah Valley - Edinburg, VA - 11/12/07 06:15 PM
Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
 
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Staying Positive in a trying Market - 11/12/07 06:08 PM
I read this article in the Nov. issue of Realtor magazine.  It discussed the trying market we have all been experiencing and the need to stay positive thru it all.  Everyone looks to us as leaders in the Real Estate industry and in keeping with our true professionalism we need to stay as upbeat as we can in every encounter that we make with fellow Realtors and all members of the public and the media.  Passed on was an anonymous poem that to me puts it all in perspective.  I hope you enjoy it as I have.
Take time to work.  It … (1 comments)

Trusting Your Real Estate Agent - 11/09/07 08:10 PM
In choosing a Realtor you must decide whom you will trust with the single most important asset you own. Our objective is to provide you with accurate and timely information about the real estate market in our area so that you can make intelligent decisions regarding the sale of your property. We will tell you what you must hear and not what we think you may want to hear about the market and the value of your property. We acknowledge that we may periodically lose business because we are truthful with my customers in this regard, while some of my colleagues will … (2 comments)

More Shenandoah Valley Beauty - 11/09/07 07:59 PM
Here are some more Fall Foliage photos in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  I took these today while crossing the mountain.  Talk about some beautiful sights.  I was surprised to still see so much colorful beauty as a lot of the color has already past.  Most of these colors were toward the top of the mountain.  I hope you enjoy the photos.
Regards,
 

Ron Stead Call me today at 540-539-1200 or e-mail at rstead@shentel.net
Find me and our Teams Properties at http://www.sherrywilson.com/
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Investors - Beware the MONEY PITS - BUT BY NOW!! - 11/08/07 10:49 PM
Have you invested in the Real Estate Market in an investment property in the past year or two?  Is that property now costing you money to maintain it.  In other words has it gone from a positive cash flow property to a negative one?  Has it consumed your personal assets and savings to keep it afloat?  All of these are signs of buying when the real estate market of the past was hot. These properties unfortunately can become the famed MONEY PITS as the well known movie by the same name. 
On a more positive note, for those who are looking to … (0 comments)

Do It Yourself Floor Plans - 11/07/07 09:00 PM
Do-it-yourself floor plans by: Ron Stead Planning to rearrange your home for the coming holiday season?  Do you simply need a change in your home?  Whatever your reason is, having a floor plan would definitely help you execute your do-it-yourself project.
It will help you plan and evaluate what you really need.  To add, it will save you lots of time and effort from moving the furniture around.  Also, it is more likely you will damage your floor, walls and furnishings the more your move it around.  Plans, help you to make the right move the first time
It can also save you $$, especially if you're planning to renovate.  You … (0 comments)

Home Cosmetic Repairs - 11/07/07 03:20 PM
Real Estate tips on Cosmetic Repairs
Make your home look great while it is on the market, and the more likely it is to sell quickly, and for the best price. During a listing appointment with a real estate agent, the agent will provide a detailed market analysis along with the advantages of listing with their company. He or she will then go through your home with you and make suggestions about cosmetic repairs that will help make your home looks its best.Our recommendations can make some sellers uncomfortable and a little defensive because they are reminders of all the "little" projects they have … (2 comments)

Slow Market Selling in the Shenandoah Valley - 11/05/07 11:25 AM
Do's and don'ts to selling in a slow marketSelling in a slow market is a challenge for many home owners, to say the least. It can be stressfull and can even be financially difficult. That is why you need me, a successfull real estate broker who can handle the sale in your behalf.  Hire someone who is local in your area and has a proven track record. 
The big difference between selling your home yourself and hiring someone to sell it for you, are the expertise and experience.  An experienced real estate broker had been through a lot of slow markets.  Thus, she knows what to do and what not … (1 comments)

Your Private Retreat in the Shenandoah Valley - 11/04/07 11:58 PM
640 SCHEFFER GAP RD, MAURERTOWN, VA 22644-2067 MLS#: SH6438900
AN AMAZING HOUSE ON OVER FOR ACRES FOR JUST $399,000...EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ACCESS!!
 
  Style: Colonial
Yr Blt: 2003
BR: 3 FB: 2 HB: 1 Basement: Yes, Daylight, Partial,Full,Improved,Outside Entr
Const: Concrete/Block,Frame,Shingle,Vinyl Siding
Total Taxes: $1,180
Acre: 4.12
List Price: $399,000
#Lvls: 3 #Fpls: 0 Total Fin SF: 2,083
Heat/Cool/Wtr/Swr: Heat Pump(s),Wood Burn Stove/Central,Electric,Wood/Heat Pump(s)/Electric/Well
Internet Remarks: Incredible Colonial style country home on over 4 acres. Custom built home shows like new. Too many upgrades to list. Wrap around Trex deck. Rear patio deck. Secluded yet easy access only approx. 10 minutes from Woodstock. This home is priced to sell and wont last long. Call … (1 comments)

Make your own Farmette in the Shenandoah Valley - 11/04/07 11:50 PM
177 HILLCREST RD, EDINBURG, VA 22824-2959 MLS#: SH6243766
                                                                        ONLY $289,000  
 
 Style: ContemporaryYr Blt: 2005 - New Construction - Never Lived InBR: 3 FB: 2 HB: 0 Basement: NoList. Date: 12-Nov-2006Type: DetachedConst: Frame,Vinyl SidingHOA: $150Total Taxes: $1,474Acre: 3.01
List Price: $289,000
#Lvls: 1 #Fpls: 1 Total Fin SF: 1,780
Heat/Cool/Wtr/Swr: Forced Air/Bottled Gas/Prop/Central A/C/Electric/Well/Sept=# of BR
Adv. Sub: WINDSOR FARMS
Internet Remarks: Lovely new construction listing on 3 acres. Open floor plan with 9' ceilings offers formal living and dining rooms, kitchen with breakfast bar, family room with fireplace. Large Master suite features a large walk in closet and bath with large whilpool tub, dual vanity, and sep. … (0 comments)

Wooded Paradise in the Shenandoah Valley - 11/04/07 11:40 PM
333 HUNTER RD, MAURERTOWN, VA 22644-2053 MLS#: SH6241858
Style: Contemporary
Yr Blt: 2005 - New Construction - Never Lived In
BR: 3 FB: 2 HB: 0 Basement: Yes, Full,Improved,Partially Finished,Space For R
List. Date: 09-Nov-2006
Type: Detached
Const: Brick and Siding,Frame
HOA: $200
Total Taxes: $707
Acre: 3.01
List Price: $345,000
#Lvls: 1 #Fpls: 1 Total Fin SF: 1,860
acation: No
Heat/Cool/Wtr/Swr: Forced Air/Bottled Gas/Prop/Central A/C/Electric/Well/Sept=# of BR
Adv. Sub: WILD WATER ESTATES
Internet Remarks: Enjoy the warmth of a glowing fire in the impressive great room of this quality new construction listing featuring cathedral ceilings. Open floor plan features vaulted ceilings, hardwood and tile floors, kitchen upgrades, large deck and stamped concrete sidewalks and back … (0 comments)

Beuatiful Shenandoah Valley Mountain Retreat - 11/04/07 11:29 PM
 
BEAUTIFUL SHENANDOAH VALLEY MOUNTAIN RETREAT
226 SEVEN FOUNTAINS RD, FORT VALLEY, VA 22652-2226 MLS#: SH6239856
Style: Rancher
Yr Blt: 2007
BR: 4 FB: 3 HB: 0 Basement: Yes, Full,Partially Finished
List. Date: 08-Nov-2006
Type: Detached Const: Vinyl Siding
Total Taxes: $510
Acre: 5.66
List Price: $379,000
Internet Remarks: Beautiful Mountain retreat in this home tucked away on the ridge. Zone A-1 so horses are allowed. Nice views from hugedeck accessed from Master suite and dining room area. A very tastefully designed contemporary ranch design. This is a must see property. A magnificant weekend retreat or for full time living.  This property overlook a beautiful pond and west mountain range.
Ron Stead
Call me … (0 comments)

Decorating Your Home for the Holidays - 11/01/07 10:02 PM
Decorating your home
by: Ron Stead 11/01/07 
Planning on selling your home during the Holduat Season?  Or just looking for a sprucing up of your home decor.  Either way, its a good time to do some easy decorating.  It will give your home a happy atmospehere that will help you celebrate the holiday season.
Here some decorating ideas to help you create a festive ambience in your home:
Video of Thanksgiving decor ideas easy to do fall centerpieces fruit bouquet If you are selling your home, creating a certain mood for your buyers, can help them feel at home.  The more they visualize themselves … (2 comments)

 
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Ronald Stead

Woodstock, VA

More about me…

Valley HomeSteads

Address: 2721 South Ox Road, Edinburg, VA, 22824

Office Phone: (540) 539-1200

Cell Phone: (540) 539-1200

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