All Real Estate is local and Williamsburg Va is no exception - 02/28/10 10:54 PM
All Real Estate is local and Williamsburg Va is no exception.  by Sybil Campbell
A recent article in The Daily Press gives data illustrating the fact that all Real Estate is local and Williamsburg Va is no exception.
 
The article contrasted the Williamsburg Va housing market with the housing market in Hampton Roads Va specifically the peninsula area of Hampton Roads, Va.
 
 
According to the article, the Williamsburg area home sales declined 5% in 2009 after a drop of nearly 30% in 2008 according to data from the Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS.  Home sales on the Peninsula … (0 comments)

REAL ESTATE 101: QUALIFY THE CALLER - 02/27/10 11:07 PM
Way to go Kelly you hit the nail on the head with this one!  I might add if you have time getting basic information from a caller, be pleasant and offer to help them in any way you can.  I may say "Mr. Caller, please let me know if you need any more information.  My name is Sybil Campbell and my cell phone number is 757-897-5889 or you can email me at sybilcampbell@cox.net."
Via Coco Plum Realtors, Kelly Willey, FLORIDA KEYS:
REAL ESTATE 101: QUALIFY THE BUYER CALLER

 
Is it because sales are slow or agents have forgotten the basics? Either way … (3 comments)

As a first time homebuyer, not knowing anything about buying a home, where do I start? Realtor or Loan Officer?? - 02/27/10 11:02 PM
Jeff did a wonderful job on this blog about first time homebuyers!
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
Real Estate Question : As a first time home buyer not knowing anything about buying a home, where do I start?

 

 
The question above was something I just read on Trulia's questions and answers section.  I was very shocked at some of the answers that were given from realtors. Let me start by saying that this is merely my opinion. No, I am not always … (1 comments)

Great buy in Governors Land Williamsburg Va - 02/27/10 05:09 PM
Great buy in Governors Land Williamsburg Va
                                            
The home in this blog is a great buy in Governors Land Williamsburg Va.
                 
This home is located at 2512 Whittakers Close in Governor's Land at Two Rivers.  Amenities private country club community with Tom Fazio golf, protected marina, tennis, and numerous additional amenities making this a wonderful place to call home! 
                   
This home is an all brick colonial two … (1 comments)

Internet Leads - Best Practices - 02/27/10 12:37 PM
 
This blog is so true!!!
I just was having this discussion with my husband and daughter about a "jerk" who was pushing me and insulting me as a method of trying to get me to buy his services! I don't do business with people who think they can insult me and then try to sell me something.  I am in sales and would never treat a customer/client rudely and then expect them to use my services!
There are a lot of REALTORS® in Williamsburg Va and Williamsburg Va is still a buyer's market.  As a result there are very few internet … (5 comments)

Baby Got Back! Turn Your Business Card Over. What are you looking at? - 02/27/10 11:36 AM
 
I totally agree with Beverly on this subject.  I had a mortgage calculator on the back of my card when the market was really hot.  Now I have a picture of a compass an this phrase:
WHATEVER THE DIRECTION SYBIL CAN HELP YOU LOCATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS
It is colorful and a catchy slogan that helps my card stand out among a sea of cards with a white background.
Is it worth it to you to spend an extra few dollars to have your card stand out?  It definitely is for me!!
If you are interested in buying … (0 comments)

New drywall concerns bring up liability questions - 02/27/10 12:35 AM
Here is another blog about Chinese drywall:
Via Stephanie Jarman Realtor® Kansas City Homes and Land for Sale (Realty Executives):
Major news organizations are reporting on an emerging problem with Drywall/Sheetrock imported from China.
 
"While the study of 51 homes detected hydrogen sulfide and formaldehyde ... at concentrations below irritant levels, it is possible that the additive or synergistic effects of these and other compounds in the subject homes could cause irritant effects," the Consumer Product Safety Commission said in its executive summary of the study.
Two other preliminary studies found copper sulfide corrosion in metal components taken from homes containing the … (2 comments)

How to tell if you have Chinese Drywall in a home - 02/27/10 12:32 AM
Do you know how to tell if you have Chinese Drywall in a home? I have posted a series of blogs about Chinese drywall over the last six months, so I thought it might be a good time to re-post some blogs written by other professionals. 
Oh and BTW Scott, if you get google juice from this re-blog just drink it up and enjoy!  LOL!
 
So here goes:
Via Scott Patterson - Middle TN Home Inspector (Trace Home Inspections):
After seeing in person several homes with Chinese drywall and seeing the Red Flags in those homes of what to look for I … (1 comments)

Homeowners with Chinese Drywall - 02/26/10 12:00 PM
Homeowners with Chinese drywall
 
I recently posted a blog More good news on Chinese Drywall but I soon learned that what I had originally thought was good news for homeowners with Chinese drywall was really not as good as I had originally thought it was.
 
I received a call from a local homeowner who owns a home with Chinese drywall who had seen my blog and was calling to give me a little more informtion about what I thought was good news for homeowners with Chinese drywall.  The report stated that money was being made available from the state … (1 comments)

Please pray for my neice Dena - 02/22/10 11:12 PM
Please pray for my neice Dena who may have MS or some other rare condition. She saw a specialist at Johns Hopkins who said that the lesion on Dena's brain is usually seen in people who are in a vegetative state. She also has a lesion from the T-6 vertebra all the way down her spine. The doctor gave her some hope saying that it may take a year before she gets better. She has been paralyzed from the waist down since early November. … (10 comments)

My least favorite time of the year. - 02/22/10 12:28 PM
My least favorite time of the year.
This is my least favorite time of the year because my personality type is simply not inclined toward accounting or any type of bookkeeping.  That is one of my areas of weakness. 
On the other hand, my strengths are sales and marketing, negotiating, working with people, and being creative or thinking outside the box. 
I once had a friend say to me, "Sybil, you don't think outside the box, you don't know there is a box!"
So here I am again sitting at my computer during my least favorite time of the year.
I once again have to … (2 comments)

Do You Understand Your Relationship with A/Your Realtor - 02/22/10 11:25 AM
This explanation of relationships with REALTORS is excellent:
Via David Monsour (Prudential Bob Yost - Sites, Gettysburg, PA):
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that about 80% of people have no idea how Realtors get paid, or how Real Estate relationships work.  My goal is to clear that up so that your Realtor doesn't have to deal with constant frustration.  This blog isn't designed to complain or make you, the consumer, feel stupid, but to educate you about the process. 
First - BUYERS -Realtors do not receive salaries, we get paid based on commission only.  This means that … (1 comments)

Why Bother Taking the Time to Write Localism/Local Area Posts? - 02/22/10 10:06 AM
I will continue writing posts to Localism!
Via Jo-Anne Smith- Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Region Real Estate, Ont (Brekland Realty Group):
With the spring market fast approaching and things heating up on the home buying and selling front, why would anyone want to take time out to write posts about their local area? Wouldn't we far better off spending money on ads that appear in our local newspapers or spending even more money doing mass mailings to our farm areas?Afterall, my time is important and I'd rather leverage my money than my time or my brain....or would I?
I remember one of my … (0 comments)

Is Blogging DEAD - The Future of Blogging - Is it Dead or Embracing the Future! - 02/22/10 09:59 AM
What do you think about blogging?  Is it dead?
Via Jeanean Gendron ~ Redding & Shasta County Specialist (Coldwell Banker C & C):
Is Blogging DEAD - The Future of Blogging - Is It Dead or Embracing the Future--I recently read a post by Patric Kitano of Domus Consulting Group and got exited to engage with what sounded to be a great idea. Real Time News was an exciting topic to consider given that we build blogs. I left a message about being exited and that I would call and try to contact him that morning.
Upon researching the idea of "Breaking News" … (2 comments)

Looking to Get Out of Debt in 2010? A Free Online Tool... - 02/21/10 11:33 PM
Go ahead make 2010 the year you get out of debt!
Via Tina Merritt - Virginia Beach Real Estate (Long and Foster Real Estate):
Many people have had a hard time financially in 2009.  Good people who have always paid their bills on time.  There has been a lot of "robbing Peter to pay Paul" going on, paying for necessities with credit cards and making attempts to cut even the smallest costs to get by.
Unfortunately, credit card debt has become the norm in American Society.  The interest rates are huge and penalties even worse.  The average consumer is carrying $12,000 in credit card debt … (1 comments)

Foreclosure or short sale in Williamsburg Va - 02/21/10 11:30 PM
Foreclosure or short sale in Williamsburg Va
 
If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosure or short sale in Williamsburg Va, you might need a REALTOR to help you. 
 
Many economic forecasters are predicting that more homes will be in foreclosure before the end of 2010.  A foreclosure can be a great deal for a buyer. In order to find the best price on a foreclosure a buyer should have a REALTOR who will be ready to assist them in writing an offer as soon as that great deal comes along.
 
If you are looking for a … (1 comments)

Short Sales got you down? - 02/21/10 11:00 PM
I think we all are going to have to deal with foreclosures and the dreaded short sales more than ever if we want to stay on top of our game!
Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:
No problem. We’re here to give you everything you need to become a Short Sale Superstar.
Foreclosures are rampant across the U.S. More and more banks and homeowners are turning to short sales as a mutually beneficial solution. The problem? Short sales seem to be what everyone needs – but you never had to do many short sales before. That’s where we come in. We’ve been working … (3 comments)

Dinner and a movie in Williamsburg va - 02/21/10 10:38 PM
Dinner and a movie in Williamsburg Va

 
Did you know you can have dinner and a movie in Williamsburg Va under the same roof?
 
 
The Movie Tavern at High Street is an eight screen dine-in cinema in the middle of the retail section of High Street.  In addition to the typical pop corn, pizza, nachos and candy that you can purchase in a most movie theatres, the Movie Tavern at High Street offers burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads and other light meals.  The beverage menu at the Movie Tavern includes beer and wine along with your favorite soda, … (1 comments)

1/24/2010-2/05/2010 RealSkillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies - 02/21/10 09:42 PM
I love all of the advice about utilizing social media for our real state business:
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
1/24/2010-2/05/2010 RealSkillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies     How to Create An Incentive for Visitors To Fan Your Facebook Page    A blog post, day 17 in a series from John Haydon on how to optimize your blog with social media, that concentrates on Facebook Fan Pages.  Haydon's tips are easy to follow and involve creating content for … (0 comments)

Military Families-Options if you are Upside Down on Your Mortgage - 02/21/10 09:29 PM
Help for military families with their mortgage:
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
In a real estate market where prices have declined military families with PCS orders face a difficult decision.  Do you hold on to your home and rent hoping for prices to rebound in another 3-5 years or attempt a short sale and hope that your lender will consider PCS orders a "hardship?"There are two other options that may be available for you to consider as weill. Military families stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico and other Military … (0 comments)

Homes for sale in Queens Lake in Williamsburg Va - 02/21/10 07:19 PM
Homes for sale in Queens Lake in Williamsburg Va
The chart below shows the basic MLS information about the three homes for sale in Queens Lake in Williamsburg Va. 

 
Queens Lake is a popular community located north east of Williamsburg Va. Residents of Queens Lake would have an easy commute to Richmond, or the Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia.  It is located in the middle of the historic triangle of Virginia.  Queens Lake is a lovely community with a marina, playground and owners club.
If you would like to see any of the homes for sale in … (0 comments)

homes sold in Queens Lake in Williamsburg Va - 02/21/10 06:59 PM
homes sold in Queens Lake in WIlliamsburg Va
Three homes sold in Queens Lake in Williamsburg Va in the last six months.  (by Sybil Campbell)

 
Queens Lake is a lovely community with a marina, large lots, mature trees an owners club and a marina.  The marina is on Queens Creek which leads to the York River, the Chesapeake Bay and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. 
If you love vintage homes, sailing, fishing and history, Queens Lake may be the perfect community for you!  It is conveniently located between Williamsburg and the Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia.  Richmond Va is … (0 comments)

Houses sold in Scotts Pond in Williamsburg, Va - 02/21/10 05:33 PM
Houses sold in Scotts Pond in Williamsburg, Va
These four houses sold in Scotts Pond in Williamsburg, Va in the last four months:
 

 
These four houses sold in Scotts Pond in Williamsburg, Va during the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010.  Scotts Pond is  subdivision located just a few blocks from the Prime Outlets shopping mall and is a few miles from Colonial Williamsburg. 
 
Colonial Williamsburg is in the center of what is known as the historic triangle area. To the south of Colonial Williamsburg is Jamestown Island where the original English Settlement … (0 comments)

OneWest Bank Releases Their First Year Profit Statement $1.6 Billion- You Won't Believe This One! - 02/21/10 04:45 PM
isn't it amazing how the banks are making such huge profits after their bail outs?
Via Robert G Hertzog (Summit Home Consultants):
OneWest Bank Releases Their First Year Profit Statement $1.6 Billion- You Won't Believe This One!
Kudos to Scott Reckard with the LA Times.  He wrote an article today that is sure to open some eyes.  The article, titled "OneWest Bank Profit: $1.6 Billion" does an excellent job of pointing out some very interesting observations.
According to the article, OneWest paid the FDIC $1.55 Billion for the failed IndyMac Bank, and turned a profit of $1.57 Billion in it's first year.  The … (0 comments)

letters behind a REALTOR'S® name - 02/20/10 02:08 PM
You may see letters and symbols behind an agent's name and wonder, “What do those letters behind a REALTOR'S® name mean?”
It is important to understand that there is a difference between being a REALTOR®, and holding a REAL ESTATE license or being a REAL ESTATE agent. 
 

 
In order for a REAL ESTATE licensee to use the REALTOR®  symbol, the licensee must be a member of the National association of REALTORS®. A REALTOR® is bound to a Code of Ethics that does not apply to all individuals who can legally assist someone in the purchase or sale of real property.
 
 
Accredited Buyer … (3 comments)

How are YOU Handling Sellers Who Want You To Over-price Their Homes? - 02/20/10 10:03 AM
We should all study this blog originally posted by Paula Hathaway in order to help us price our listings correctly!
Via Paula Hathaway (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate):
How are you handling sellers who want you to over-price their homes? It may seem that the owner who insists on a couple of hundred thousand more in their asking price should be accomodated, especially if you are not the only broker on the hunt. But pricing properties properly should be priority #1

As we all know, if a seller wants to sell their property sooner rather than later, you are really doing them no favor if you are … (2 comments)

"Twitter's of no value to REALTORS®". Really? Try this. - 02/19/10 12:45 AM
This works well for a city like Austin, not as well for my town Williamsburg (VA) since there are a lot of other Williamsburgs including one in N Y!
Via DriveBuy Technologies (DriveBuy Technologies):
It sounds like an odd thing to say, but in a way, Twitter is a lot like real estate itself in two ways:
Many will try; fewer will "succeed" (and will give up prematurely). The relative few are lowering the reputation of both. The fact that most agents and offices do not use twitter as productively as they should does not therefore imply that it is a waste of … (3 comments)

Good news about Chinese Drywall is not good enough - 02/18/10 06:01 PM
Good news about Chinese Drywall is not good enough.
Yesterday I posted a blog More good news on Chinese Drywall but I soon learned that the good news about Chinese Drywall is not good enough.  About fifteen minutes after I posted the blog yesterday I received a call from a homeowner who owns a home with Chinese Drywall. She had received notification from a google alert for Chinese Drywall about my blog.  When she read my blog she immediately called me to enlighten me about the situation.  The money available from the state disaster relief fund to help homeowners with Chinese … (2 comments)

Is Toxic Chinese Drywall in your home? - 02/17/10 01:09 PM
There are many great blogs about Chinese Drywall:
Via Scott Patterson - Middle TN Home Inspector (Trace Home Inspections):
Over the past few months, owners of newer homes nationwide have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall.  This is being called the next EIFS like disaster in the real estate market!
Many have spent hundreds and even thousands of … (1 comments)

More good news on Chinese drywall. - 02/17/10 12:49 PM
More good news on Chinese Drywall
I heard some more good news on Chinese Drywall this morning on the local news.  According the the local NBC affiliate WAVY news 10 there is legislation going on in Richmond that would offer help to homeowners who own homes with Chinese drywall.  The legislation which passed the house unanimously last night would approve allocating funds to help homeowners who own homes with Chinese drywall to be taken from the state disaster fund.
If you would like more information on Chinese Drywall, check out the following links:
Update on Chinese Drywall
Signs you may have … (4 comments)

Open house this Sunday in Stonehouse - 02/16/10 04:38 PM
Open house this Sunday in Stonehouse
Please stop by my open house this Sunday in Stonehouse at 3062 Cider House Road.
 
 
 
Stonehouse is located about 12 miles west of Colonial Williamsburg in James City County.
 
 
 
 
Stonehouse is a lovely community with golf course, tennis, swimming, a beautiful owners clubhouse with a workout room, a community garden, walking trails, and a playground.
      
This 3 bedroom 2 bath home has approximately 2009 heated square feet and is on a half acre lot that backs up to the golf course. The back yard is … (0 comments)

Twitter is a powerful social media network - 02/13/10 09:41 PM
Twitter is a powerful social media network
I know that Twitter is a powerful social media network with the potential to send a strong message quickly.

 
I heard about a man whose guitar was damaged by baggage handlers for an airline who posted a tweet with a link to a song he wrote about the incident before the airline compensated him.  According to what I read there was a huge response to this blog and the fallout was less than great for the airline!
 
 
I was recently injured when I fell in a home improvement store. (There … (3 comments)

Shine Your Light Even When You Don't Feel So Bright - 02/13/10 08:13 PM
My sister in Christ, Loreena has posted this beautiful challenge to all believers!
Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco TX Homes (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
It's easy to shine when things are going great for you. You have the midas touch. You have the favor. Everything you do turns to gold. Don't you love it when things are awesome and you feel extremely on top of the world?
Life's a constant cycle. What goes up must come down. What if things are not going so great for you? What if you don't feel like taking that difficult call from the client? … (1 comments)

MISSING 15 YEAR OLD FROM PA- EVAN TREMBLEY - 02/13/10 08:10 PM
I pray that this young man Evan Trembley will be found safe and unharmed.
Via Bob & Bonnie Horning (Homes and Land of Lancaster County):
Missing 15 year old from PA  This boy's mother works in HR at the Upper Perkiomen School District Please look at the picture, read what his mother says, then forward this message on.
My 15 year old son, Evan Trembley, is missing. He has been missing for now two weeks. Maybe if everyone passes this on, someone will see this child. That is how the girl from Stevens Point was found by circulation Of her picture on TV. … (1 comments)

Homes for sale in Governors Land in Williamsburg Va - 02/10/10 07:35 PM
Homes for sale in Governors Land in Williamsburg Va  
Update for the original blog posted on 2/10/10:  As of 2/23/2010 there are 45 homes for sale in Governor's Land in Williamsburg Va. These homes range in price from $449,900 to $8,900,000.
I recently toured a home on Whittakers Close in Governors Land that has great potential!  This is Sybil's pick for the best home value in Williamsburg for the week of February 22 through March 1, 2010.
               
The lovely brick colonial home features a first floor master bedroom, laundry rooms on first and second floor, a large garage that has room for … (0 comments)

Super Bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow - 02/10/10 07:12 PM
Super Bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow
 
You may have heard that there has been some controversy about the super bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow and his mother Pam.  The commercial was sponsored by Focus on the Family and was totally funded through donations.
 
I just fewed some cartoons about the controversy.  Check out the cartoons by clicking on this link. 
 
If the link doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.lifenews.com/nat5989.html
 
 
… (0 comments)

Snow in Williamsburg - 02/09/10 11:49 PM
Snow in Williamsburg
 
We had snow in Williamsburg during the last weekend of January and the first week of February, yes I said snow in Williamsburg in Virginia!
 
 
       
 
It was so beautiful when we woke up and saw that snow had covered everything!  The latest storm (February 6, 2010) left a layer of ice on the tree branches and snow piled up on the branches of evergreen and pine trees.  It was absolutely spectacular!
 
          
 
The trees that were covered in ice sparkled like diamonds in the sun! But alas the … (2 comments)

Super bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow - 02/06/10 01:15 PM
Super Bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow:
I recently learned that there will be a super bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow and his mother Pam.  Tim Tebow played quarterback for the Florida gators and won the Heisman Trophy.  You can watch a video on this link about the super bowl commercial featuring Tim Tebow and the controversy that has arisen.  The 15 minute video includes excerpts from articles in the New York Times and the Denver Post.
 
The commercial was sponsored by Focus on the Family and was funded solely by donors to the ministry.
              … (5 comments)

Survey for Mac users - 02/04/10 04:18 PM
This is a survey for Mac users:

 
If you run Windows on your Mac which software do your prefer Boot Camp or Parallels?
                                 
I have owned a Mac for a little over a year and have found that Parallels really slows the mac down.  I have heard the newer version of Parallels is better.  I thought the best way to get good feedback would be to conduct a survey for Mac users.  I would love to have a pros and cons of each of the types … (0 comments)

Simple question about Facebook - 02/03/10 02:52 PM
I have a simple question about Facebook.
I know this may seem like a dumb but simple question about Facebook experts so please don't laugh at me. I was trying to link my Facebook account to my Long and Foster agent portal.  I assumed that I should type in www.facebook.com/  followed by my ame.
When I typed that URL in to my browser someone else named Sybil Campbell came up and it is definitely not me!
Who would have thought that there would be more than one Sybil Campbell on Facebook?  Anyway I changed my name on Facebook to Sybil Strickland Campbell which … (1 comments)

So You Want to Make More Sales....It's Not a Secret Recipe - 02/03/10 11:22 AM
This is a great post worthy of a re-blog.
Via JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat):
 I talk to a lot of agents and salespeople in general who are a little more than depressed about the current market. It's understandable as frankly, times are hard for a lot of folks. But there are some tried a true methods that will bring you success in virtually any market and most of them are common sense.
 10 - Make the call - I know how hard it can be sometimes to pick up that 20 pound phone and make the call. … (3 comments)

Housing market report for the middle Atlantic region - 02/01/10 03:49 PM
Housing market report for the middle Atlantic region
 
by Sybil Campbell REALTOR
 
Long and Foster has just released a housing market report for the middle Atlantic region.  To view this report click here. In this report you can find data about the number of housing units sold over the last nine quarters.
 
An overview shows geographical housing markets as either declining, neutral or advancing.
 
You will find data about the number of houses sold, the market trends, and the ratio of sales price to list price as a percentage.
 
To see the latest data about home … (1 comments)