Hampton Roads Living at it's best

Open House at 605 Pinewood Dr, Virginia Beach VA- Saturday Nov-19th 1-4 PM

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:11:32 -0600

Open House at 605 Pinewood Dr, Virginia Beach VA- Saturday Nov-19th 1-4 PM

Open House at 605 Pinewood Dr, Virginia Beach VA

Listing 6896829
Open and Airy; Very close to the beach

• 2,027 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 3 story - MLS® $340,000

Lakewood, Virginia Beach - Beautiful twin home just blocks from the beach. You will have a top notch school system in a charming neighborhood. You will love this 3 bedroom and 2.5 baths where you can enjoy barbecues in the back yard or sit on the porch and watch the sun set. Hardwood floors, granite counter tops, upgraded wood cabinets, open and airy feel, crown molding, surround sound in the living room, 2 Zone A/C, 9ft ceiling are some of the many amenities that you will enjoy in your new home.
Great 5 minute scenic walk to the beach! So close to all of the local hot spots at the boardwalk like Mahi Mahi's. Conveniently located right across the street from a little market and a sensational deli (Tads Deli)! Very quiet, peaceful neighborhood around polite, friendly, fun neighbors! Love bike riding up to the ocean!

Property information

Check out the Virtual Tour of this home for sale by the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, 605 Pinewood Dr Virtual tour

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

"Open House at 605 Pinewood Dr, Virginia Beach VA" was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* "Open House at 605 Pinewood Dr, Virginia Beach VA"

Home for Sale by the beach in Lakewood, Virginia Beach, VA

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:08 -0600

Home for Sale by the beach in Lakewood, Virginia Beach, VA

Lakewood, Virginia Beach -

If you are looking to live by the beach in luxury with a very affordable price 605 Pinewood Dr is the place for you.

You will live in luxury for an affordable price in this gorgeous twin-home just four blocks from the beach. This twin home by the oceanfront has been meticulously maintained. Beautiful and spacious with 2027 sqare feet a covered front porch and a fenced back yard with a deck area waits for you. A great school system that includes First Colonial High School, Virginia Beach Middle and W T Cooke Elementary School are the schools your child or children will be going to.

This 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths home for sale by the beach has a huge den and two parking spaces that will afford you plenty of space. Some of the amenities awaiting you are hardwood floors, granite counter tops, upgraded wood cabinets, open and airy feel, crown molding, surround sound in the living room, 2 Zone A/C, 9ft ceilings in the first floor and a security system . Priced accordingly for $340,000 this listing will sell quickly. This is a great buy for a Virginia Beach oceanfront neighborhood.

Lakewood is a tranquil and family friendly neighborhood; a one of a kind close to the beach subdivision with homes built since the 1930's. Many of these homes have been turn down and new ones built in place. Across the street from this gorgeous home is a new condo-conversion where 1 bedroom condos with 590 square feet are selling in the 130's. Within a couple of blocks you will find homes close to $800,000 and all prices in between. You will not find a better priced home than this lovely twin house.
When you live at 605 Pinewood Dr you will love the five minute scenic walk to the beach! You will also be close to all of the local hot spots at the boardwalk like Mahi Mahi's. This home for sale by the beach is conveniently located right across the street from a little market and a sensational deli (Tads Deli)!

Come live in this beautiful home for sale by the beach close to interstate 264, shopping, beaches, fine dining and you will be proud to live close to the oceanfront.
( You will also find my favorite store The Heritage health foods... within a 5 minute car ride)

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

"Home for Sale by the beach in Lakewood, Virginia Beach, VA" was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* "Home for Sale by the beach in Lakewood, Virginia Beach, VA"

Best Gym Health Club in Chesapeake VA

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:49:31 -0600

Best Gym Health Club in Chesapeake VA

Wellness One Fitness is the best gym in Chesapeake VA.
Looking for the best gym in Chesapeake VA has taken me to visit several of the local gymnasiums. I have to admit that
I haven't work out at all of them, but since I exercise regularly, I know what I am looking for. At this time I work out at one of those 24 hour facilities. Although I like the new equipment, and initially I thought that I really needed to come and exercise in the middle of the night or early morning when I could not sleep, I have only done that 2 to 3 times in a year and a half. On the other hand, I miss more the personal touch of a fully staffed gym Health Club . This is one of the reasons that I think Wellness One Fitness is the best gym health club in Chesapeake VA.
I was a member of the YMCA for at least 5 years, but at $50 per month per person or $80 per month per family it was not worth it. I truly only used the gym for my exercise and work out but none of the other facilities. When I do the calculations of how much I could have saved over the years by working out at the best gym in Chesapeake VA, reminds me to pay attention before I sign any contract over 6 months with any company for any type of service. I have also visited a couple of those Health Clubs like Curves and Contours, where you just come in for half an hour to do a minor exercise, I don't think I could call it a work out, and found the hours and equipment very inconvinient.
I also visited Gold's Gym, and I really liked it, but it is to far away from our smaller town of Great Bridge where I live. I love the fact that Wellness One Fitness is a family affair where even the youngest son helps with the business. In this difficult economy I feel we need to help the little and local guy not the chain facilities like all the other gym health clubs in the area. The hours of operations are from 5:30 am to 10:pm. So Wellness One fitness the best gym health club in our area, in a couple of months when my membership at my club expires, I will be signing that contract.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts "The Heritage Store" In Virginia Beach

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:24:00 -0500

Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts

"The Heritage Store" In Virginia Beach

40 years ago Tom Johnson started a small heath store selling just the health and beauty formulas recommended by "Edgar Cayce." It now occupies a 22,000 square foot facility. I have been a customer of the "Heritage Health Foods Store" for over 10 years. The store is located one block from the beach, and although it takes me 30 minutes to get there, the trip is always worth the time. A fun store with thousands of products good for you, The Heritage is another Local Must-check out place in Hampton Roads.
If you are looking for a healthy lifestyle in Hampton Roads you must check out "The Heritage Store" in Virginia Beach Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts.

The fresh produce is as local as possible and organic. There are so many products and services that I will only describe the ones that I have personally used.
The Cafe Although the menu has gotten smaller through the years, every sandwich and soup is top of the line. I make sure I try something different each visit. I have tried recently the gazpacho, tomato soup and buffalo burger. Each of them excellent. The smoothies are delicious and made with fresh fruit on the spot.
This is the only "Juice Bar" in the entire area.
The Bookstore If you are looking for Metaphysical, astrology, dreams, self help, vegetarian books you will probably find it here.

The Gift Store

- The Music stand has many titles to choose from.
- Crystals
- Native American Items
- Jewelery from local artists
- A full line of Beauty products. Natural and Organic
- Natural Make up
- Hair care
- Aromatherapy

Bulk Grains, Spices and Tea
You name it they have it. It is all organic and once again as local as possible. I personally buy rice, pastas, nuts on a regular basis. (I still miss the Malt balls)
The Produce
Once again as local as possible. Meats are frozen, but organic. Celery, parsley, green peppers, seasonal fruits, I bought last week. All fresh and tasty.
The Grocery Store
Organic cereals, rice, coffee, and a whole selection of Gluten and Wheat FREE products.
The Supplements The selection is large with vitamins, body cleansing products, products for diet weight gain, children, arthritis and much more.
When you visit"The Heritage Store" Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts in Virginia Beach make sure to visit the Holistic Center

Psychic Readings
Massages
Reike
Yoga
Belly dance

And so much more. Every time I visit the Holistic Center something new is on the Calendar.

Customer service is excellent with very knowledgeable staff. Even products they don't carry someone will know about and how to get it. When you visit the store plan on spending a couple of hours, some how time seems to fly while at the Store.
There are thousands of products, a catalog, a newsletter, discounts on the "New" 'Exonomy Busters" and 'Healthy Clippings'.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

"The Heritage Store" Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts in Virginia Beach was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* "The Heritage Store" Health Foods, Holistic Center, Bookstore and Gifts in Virginia Beach

Bergey's Breadbasket - Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk,Flowers and More

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:25:01 -0500

Bergey's Breadbasket - Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk,Flowers and More
2207 Mount Pleasant Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Bergey's Breadbasket- The store which sells Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk, Flowers and More has been around longer than most people reading this blog. Titus Bergey founded the farm in 1931 and it has been owned by his children and grandchildren eve since. It used to be a working farm, but the City of Chesapeake made it impossible to continue running the business as a dairy farm circa 2007. I used to take my kids to feed the cows, turkeys, chickens, pigs and some times sheep. Now you find a beautiful store with produce brought from local farmers. The milk is from Yoder's, and it is as good as the old Bergey milk used to be.
The Bergey's Breadbasket- now sells Breads, pies, ice cream, milk, flowers, candy, honey and most of it locally grown.
Every time you visit the store there is a different flavor of ice cream. Around Christmas, egg-nog , and egg-nog ice cream are available. Halloween brings pumpkin ice cream, and the last time I visited (last week) cookies and cream was the flavor of the day.
A small menu with sandwiches and soups are served for lunch. The soup of the day is always good, and the chicken salad sandwich is my favorite. Make sure to try their smoke's barbecued ( done locally by Zook's Barbecue)
Customer service is excellent, and some days you get to see a female family member with their Mennonite wear working behind the counter. During Halloween season a favorite local event was to go to the farm and pick your own pumpkin. There were horse carriages that took 20 to 30 people at a time to the fields. Plans of bringing this event back is in the works at Bergey's Breadbasket - Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk,Flowers and More will always be part of the menu at the Bergey's farm.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Bergey's Breadbasket - Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk,Flowers and More was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.* Bergey's Breadbasket - Bread, Pies, Ice Cream, Milk,Flowers and More

East Beach - Norfolk - Virginia

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:02:42 -0500

East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale

While you tour East Beach - Norfolk -VA you think you are driving in an old neighborhood with walk-friendly streets, ample front porches and unique homes. Not so, East Beach used to be a blighted, crime ridden neighborhood. It has been redeveloped in to a Luxury neighborhood. used to be a blighted, crime ridden neighborhood.
The 100 acre waterfront site on a peninsula between Pretty Lake Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, East Beach is a neighborhood development designed in to a traditional neighborhood. The development was designed based on a Master plan created by the team of Duany and Plater-Zyber.

East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale and community enjoy so many amenities that are almost to many to mention.
- Bay Front Club with a
        -Pool
        -Fitness center
        -Catering kitchen
        -Beach Access
        -Playgrounds
        -Giant outdoor chess set.
- Within walking distance to restaurants, a variety of shops, fishing access and marinas.
- Drive a golf cart
- 24-hour security patrol
- Location, location, location
        - Centrally located to Navy Bases
        - 10 minutes to Norfolk International Airport
        - 15 to Major Hospitals
- Due to it's planning friendly neighbors abound.
- WALK TO THE BEACH

East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale will also enjoy future amenities. There is a town center planned for the community.
In the master plan there will be a sunken croquet court, tennis courts and outdoor stage.

East Beach - Norfolk - VA- Homes for sale Start at $ 295,000 for 576 square feet up to $2,900,000 for an Ocean front home with 5,177 square feet.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Ravenna - Chesapeake - Market Report, Homes for sale information

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:10:07 -0500

Map of homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - Virginia

Ravenna - Chesapeake - Market Report, Homes for sale information has good news for the neighborhood. Once again, priced right properties are selling. Most neighborhoods have a long list of stagnant listings, but in Ravenna we find very few listings that have expired.

The blue line only tells us how long the houses that sold where on the market.

- Of these listings 11 are New Construction.

- Of the Sold homes only 1 has been New construction.

- Homes are selling close to asking price, but this doesn't take in to consideration prior price reductions. It olny takes in to account the asking price at the time of the offer.

A total of 5 houses sold from January to June 2009 as shown by the Ravenna - Chesapeake - Market Report, Homes for sale information

There are a total of 16 active listings and the average days on the market is 58.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. ttp://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Ravenna - Chesapeake - Market Report, Homes for sale information was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate VoiceCopyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.*Ravenna - Chesapeake - Market Report, Homes for sale information

New homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - VA

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:59:24 -0500

There are still new homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake -VA. Ravenna is a newer neighborhood that was built starting in 2003-2004. As you come in the neighborhood, you find beautiful manicured brick homes. About half the houses have swimming pools. There are about 250 lots, and there are about 18 lots left for sale. There are several builders actively building homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake- VA.
Across the street from Ravenna you find Butts Road Intermediate. Butts Road Primary and Hickory High Schools are the neighborhood schools. Ravenna - Chesapeake - VA is conveniently located to Mount Pleasant and Centerville Intersection.. Farm Fresh, Bloom, Subway, Hickory Grill, Rudy and Kelly, Navy Federal Credit Union, Anytime Fitness, Bennets Bakery are some of the bussines available at the three strip malls located on the intersection.

Pre-owned and new homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - VA Start at $ 392,900 up to $ 599,000.
Square footage from 2400 to 4500.

Located on the East side of Chesapeake - Virginia, Ravenna is located within 25 minutes to the Beach, the Norfolk Naval base and the North Carolina border. The excellent Hickory school system is one of the main reasons to buy a new home for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - Virginia.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

New homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - VA was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice Copyright © 2009 By Tere Rottink, All Rights Reserved.*New homes for sale in Ravenna - Chesapeake - VA

Memories of my childhood home - " Los Apartamentos "

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:54:58 -0500

Memories of my childhood home - Los Apartamentos _ is the result of Jason's Crouch contest in Activerain. I grew up in the first planned apartment complex built in Bogota, Colombia. Even back then "La Carrera 30" was a busy street. My group of apartment buildings were made with brick exteriors and the neighborhood next door had white walls.
We lived n in the red buildings. There were three buildings a 15 story "La torre" (The tower) a group of building with 3 or four stories "Los Planos" ( The flat buildings) and the building where I grew up with 8 floors. ( Can't remember if it had a nick name.) We lived on the top apartment, and as there was a Mezzanine ( The second floor seems that had been intended for.... who knows what) we really lived on the 9th floor. I lived there, until I was eleven, and although it was a small place, and I had to share a room with my sister, as of lately I have been homesick for "el apartamento."
I don't know at what point we got a guard in each building, but until then we had to ring the door bell to have some one let us in. There was a an area with grass where we spent a lot of our time as children. My brother and his friends played soccer, and we loved to rolled down a small hill with my best friend's Suzy. There was an underground parking lot, but I don't remember going in there very much. On top of the under ground was the regular parking lot, and on top of that was a terrace where we also got to play. On one corner there was one plant. This plant made popcorn. We would steal the matches to go burn the seeds and they would turn in to good tasting popcorn. Before, I tell you about a true stories of life and death in this time of my life, let me tell you about the actual apartment.
To go up you rode what today would be considered a tiny elevator. To go down, I loved to jump as many stairs as I could and get to the first floor before my brother. He is a year older, so I can't think of a time that I beat him.
The apartment front door was made of thick blurry glass. There was a foyer where my Mom had the telephone table-chair and a beautiful mirror. To the right was the kitchen with a swing door and past this was the laundry area (no clothe's washing machine for many years) and then the maid's room.
Going back to the foyer; if you walked straight as you came in the door behind the large mirror was the living room and to the right the dining room. Off the dining room the balcony. From the balcony you could see the main avenue, and it was a favorite place to throw things at the passer by's. Water and dirt were the favorite items. I can't remember the number of times that we got in trouble because we got caught. Here is where my Dad would sit on Saturdays to read. Going back to the foyer, to the left of the front door was a hall way. It led to the three bedrooms and two bathrooms right next to each other. No Master bedrooms there. The floor was made of a black material; probably vinyl. My Mom carpeted the entire apartment, so that the neighbors downstairs would stop complaining about us children running and screaming. Even the bathrooms had carpet. My mother has always had impeccable taste, so our little apartment was beautiful.

The tower was the corner building bordering the 30th and 26th streets. On the street floors of "La Torre" my Mom had a boutique right at the corner where she sold women's clothing. One day , she heard a commotion, and went to see what was going on. People were gathering and yelling in front of our building, and everybody was looking up at the top of the building. Well, it turns out that my 4 or 5 year old sister decided to take a stroll on the window ledge that connected the windows of our 9th story apartment. My 3 year old brother and me at around 2 years old were following in tow. Of course, none of us has a recollection of this, but the story was told for many years, and people knew who we were because we all survived. ( I believe the baby sitter was fired ).

Memories of my childhood home - Los Apartamentos was first published on Hampton Roads Real Estate Voice

Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia - Market Report

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:38:48 -0500

Map of Active Listing in Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia

The Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - Virginia Market Report shows what we have seen in the region. Houses are selling, as long as they are moderately priced and in great condition. Above you can see the Active listings in Courthouse Estates as of July 24 of 2009

Blue: Days on the Market Green: List Price Red: Sale Price

Notice that houses have been selling under the asking price, but this doesn't take in to consideration prior price reductions. It olny takes in to account the asking price at the time of the offer. The Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - VA - Market Report doesn't include properties that were sold buy owner.

A total of 27 houses sold from January to June 2009 as shown by the Courthouse Estates - Virginia Beach - VA - Market Report.

There are a total of 20 active listings and the average days on the market is 76.

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Call me at: 757-502-5324

Homes for Sale in Courthouse Estates: Virginia Beach, VA

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:22:12 -0500

The homes for sale in Courthouse Estates: Virginia Beach, VA are centrally located to South Hampton Roads. Courthouse Estates is within 20 minute driving distance to the Oceanfront, or to my favorite beach Sandbridge

Located on North Landing Road, it's close proximity to Oceana Naval Air Station, the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, the Chesapeake Municipal Center to name a few localities make the Homes for sale in Courthouse Estates: Virginia Beach, VA fit the description of Location, location, location when considering the purchase of real estate.

The neighborhood started in 1995 on what used to be farm land and homes are still being built today. Courthouse Estates consists of fifteen (15) villages with over 1100 single family homes. Each village is marked by a lantern lit entrance while the entire neighborhood shares a warm landscaping of hedges and trees. The main loop makes a nice 2 mile road that is used for walking, jogging and socializing on a daily basis. Ponds line each village. The homes for sale in Courthouse Estate: Virginia Beach, VA boast the kind of feeling of neiborhoods of old.

Square footage range from 1200 to 3500 square feet. Except for one house, all homes have a minimum of three bedrooms. Two car garages and vinyl siding are the norm. The Bergey's Breadbasket is withing a couple of miles where tourists and locals visit for the ice cream, organic fare and history.

If you are looking for a friendly, safe, centrally located neigborhood within the Kellam High School district call me today, and I will be happy to show you the homes for sale in Courthouse Estates: Virginia Beach, VA

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

Virginia Beach.. beaches: Sandbridge is my favorite beach.

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:23:12 -0500

Sandbridge is my favorite beach

We are very lucky to live in an area were we are surrounded by beaches. I have visited several of them, but by far my favorite is Sandbridge.

Sandbridge is located in the southern part of Virginia Beach. Between the Virginia Beach oceanfront and Sandbrige you find two military bases. US Navy Amphibious Base and Damn Neck Combat Training center.

There are no hotels in this beach, but like most waterfronts you will find million dollar beach rentals. There are a couple stores, and this past beach day I saw a new small restaurant. I have been going to Sandbridge for the past 15 years. It used to be a wonderful little beach with average houses, and I remember back then there was a lot for sale on the waterfront for $75,000.

The water can get pretty rough; there was an occasion when I was holding my then 1 year old baby by the end of the water, when a wave came over and knock me down. My daughter slipped off my hands. I almost lost my heart in the process too. We used to go in front of some vacant houses, and there were no lifeguards close by, but after this incident I started sitting as close as I could to the lifeguards.

There are public bathrooms and showers. You want to carry whatever you will need for the day with you, as there is the convenience store and the restaurant, but not much more. As any tourist place every thing is overpriced.

The route to go to Sandbridge is very colorful. There are beautiful vistas, and a few fruit stands. There are also a few restaurants and places where you can buy fresh seafood, and live crabs. I grew up in the mountains, so eating fresh seafood happened very seldom in my life, before we moved to The Tidewater area or Hampton Roads. One time I stopped to buy a bushel of crabs and asked the store owner what was less painful for the crabs: boiling them in water, or to freeze them. His answer “ I don’t know, you would have to ask them your self.” I know it was a dumb question, but he made me laugh with his answer, and the realization of my stupid question.

Little Island park is at the end of Sandpiper Road. There is public parking where you pay $5.00 for the day. Cold showers and bathrooms available. Pavillions where you can reserve for special occasions. The sign mentions False Cape, a gorgeous park that I got to visit last year. ( Next in my series regarding parks)

Photos Courtesy of "Oak Moon Photography"

To buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at HamptonRoadsrealEstateVoice

A Healthy Spine. Posture is important for your life -- Part Two

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:21:51 -0500

This is a continuation to my post on a healthy spine. Earlier in the year, I could barely walk by the time that I made it to the chiropractor....

• When standing, keep one foot slightly in front of the other, with your knees slightly bent. This position helps to take the pressure off your low back.

• Do not stand bent forward at the waist for prolonged periods of time. The muscles in your low back become deconditioned in this position, which may lead to pain.

Lifting

• At all times, avoid twisting while lifting. Twisting is one of the most dangerous movements for your ---spine, especially while lifting.

• If the item is too heavy to lift, pushing it is easier on your back than pulling it. Whenever possible, use your legs, not your back or upper body, to push the item.

• If you must lift a heavy item, get someone to help you.

Sitting

• Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips, with your head up and back straight.

• Avoid rolling your shoulders forward (slouching).

• Try to maintain the natural curve in your low back.

Reaching and Bending

• When reaching for something above shoulder level, stand on a stool. Straining to reach such objects may not only hurt your mid-back and neck, but it can also

bring on shoulder problems.

• Do NOT bend over at the waist to pick up items from the floor or a table.

• Instead, kneel down on one knee, as close as possible to the item you are lifting, with the other foot flat on the floor and pick the item up.

• Or bend at the knees, keep the item close to your body, and lift with your legs, not your back.

Carrying

• When carrying objects, particularly if they are heavy, keep them as close to your body as possible.

• Carrying two small objects—one in each hand—is often easier to handle than one large one.

Healthy Diet and Exercise

• While the proverbial jury is still out, we suspect that extra weight puts undue strain on your spine. Keep within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight for a healthier back.

• “Beer belly” is likely the worst culprit, as it puts unwanted pressure on the muscles, ligaments and tendons in your low back.

• The most efficient and effective way to reduce weight is by eating a sensible diet and exercising regularly.

• Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, particularly if you have a health condition.

Sleeping

• Sleeping on your back puts approximately 50 pounds of pressure on your spine. Other positions may be better.

• Placing a pillow under your knees while lying on your back cuts the pressure on your spine roughly in half.

• Lying on your side with a pillow between your --------knees may also reduce the pressure on your back.

• Never sleep in a position that causes a portion of ----your spine to hurt. Most often, your body will tell you what position is best.

Quit Smoking

Smokers have more spine pain than nonsmokers, and they also heal more slowly when they have an episode of back pain because the chemicals in tobacco smoke restrict the flow of blood to the tissues in and around your spine. While following these instructions is no guarantee that you’ll be free from back pain for your entire life, it can certainly reduce your risk of developing it. These simple steps will help you keep your spine in good shape, making you a healthier, happier person.

o buy or sell Real Estate in Virginia Beach, or Hampton Roads visit my website. http://www.tererottink.com/ visit my Blog at http://activerain.com/blogs/teresells4u

A healthy spine. Posture is important for your life -- Part One

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:18:57 -0500

A few months ago I pulled a muscle and by the time I made it to the chiropractor, I could barely support my self. By the time I left, I felt better and within a couple of days I had forgotten about the whole ordeal. Yesterday, while camping we were picking up heavy things, and I saw both my kids bending and picking up stuff without bending their knees. Several years ago I picked up a heavy box that way, and I was in continuous pain for the following two years. I wish I had known about chiropractors back then.
Posture in bussines is extremely important. We make our opinions of someone we just met during the first 7 seconds. Socially, it works the same. Whenever I am about to meet a new client or a new friend, I think of three things. Smile, stand up straight and talk with a clear voice.
So in honor of my friend Dr Michael Vanella the best chiropractor in Virginia Beach, I share some information he has shared with me.

Tips for a Healthy Spine

A healthy spine is an often overlooked and essential part of a healthy lifestyle. People who suffer from back pain, particularly if it is long-term, are generally less healthy than those who do not. In fact, back pain costs are staggering not only financially, but also in terms of lost time from work and because of psychosocial problems that arise during the healing process associated with long-term back pain.

Unfortunately, approximately 80-90% of the population suffers from spinal pain at some point. People who are overweight or obese, and who smoke, lift heavy objects, or had a previous episode of back pain, are more likely to experience

back pain.

Because so many people suffer from spine pain, it’s important for you to try to keep your spine as healthy as possible. Following simple posture, lifting, and healthy lifestyle guidelines can help you keep your back in good shape.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that you take care of your self specially while performing the following activites.

Standing, Lifting, Sitting, Reaching and Bending, Carrying, Healthy diet an exercise, sleeping and smoking.

For detailed information regarding these activities please read Part Two.

Remembering my Dad. Recordando a mi Papi.

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:02:57 -0500

One year ago today my father passed away.

My Dad was born in San Gil, Colombia in the 1930's. His parents parents were of Spanish and Italian decent. They were very proud to be descendants of men who had helped start the revolution in Colombia to gain freedom from Spain.

I have so many memories of my Dad through out my childhood that it is hard to pin point who he was. He was very smart, funny, athletic, and as a little girl I thought the world of him.

On Saturdays he would sit on his recliner and read on our 8th floor balcony. My sister and I would put rollers on his head, and he would just let us play along. We curled it, fluffed it, and stuck it out. If I ever wanted to know about any subject, all I had to do was ask and he would know something about it. He received books by mail on different subjects every month. He had encyclopedias of the earth, the body, the stars and so many others subjects. The thing about him is that he actually read these books.

He went to night school while married with children and became an attorney. He was very open minded on some things, but if he had an opinion on something he would defend it. Every Sunday we would visit his mother along with all his brothers and sisters who lived in town . Politics were a common subject, and he would get so exited and loud trying to get his point.

He purchased some land 4 hours drive down the mountain on the outskirt's of a town called Honda (the H is silent.) He started building as money was available, so he first cleared the land, then built 2 rooms with a bathrooms and a small kitchen. There was no door on the bathroom for a couple of years. He then had a hole dig up for the pool, and filled it with water for the week or so that we would be there. Our whole family would come down, and brothers, sisters with their spouses would share the rooms with mattresses on the floors. The children would sleep in tents. Girls in one and boys in the other. The adults would stay up and play poker until 2 or 3 in the morning. The next day the talk would be over who won whose money. Eventually, for different reasons he sold the farm as we called it.

He loved to travel, and when I graduated from High School, he my mother and I went on a tour of Europe with a cruise to the Greek islands and all. That was the last attempt my parents made of saving their marriage. A year or two later, he took my sister and aunt on another tour trough Europe, and this time he visited what was then the Soviet Union.

While I went to Law school close to where his office was, he would take me to lunch a couple of times a week. I would grab his arm and walk close to him. I always felt protected. For four years I got to know him as an adult. Some times while I waited for him to finish his consultations with his clients, I couldn't help but hear him give council to people. He practiced civil Law. Mainly divorces and real estate matters. I could hear him act as a marriage counselor, and ask his clients if there was no way they could reconcile and give them suggestions looking to save their marriage. Usually, I would hear the cries of the wife.

My Dad was not a perfect man. I could go on and on with his faults, but I was very lucky to get the best he had to give.

I miss you Papi.

To buy or sale real estate in the VA Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

Read my blog at http://hamptonroadsrealestatevoice.com/

History of Hampton Roads: Chesapeake

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:28:08 -0500

Hampton Roads is the name of both a body of water and the region of land areas which surround it in southeastern Virginia in the USA. Hampton Roads weather is mild and it has a flurry of snow every couple of years. There are many military bases with the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, NASA, Marines, and Army facilities call this area home. There are also shipyards, coal piers, and hundreds of miles of waterfront property and beaches, all of which contribute to the diversity and stability of the region's economy. It is comprised by the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton and Williamsburg. Each city has it's own character. As a history lover, I will attempt to gather information on each city. Chesapeake is one in this series.

"These articles are the the Chesapeake Central Library. These articles were found in the area of Indian River.

History of Chesapeake and it's surroundings by Date after Christopher Columbus discovery of America

1606

On April 10 1606, two companies were authorized to be created by King James for the purpose of settlement of Virginia. Virginia was defined as the land between the 34th and 45th degrees of North Latitude from the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to Passamaquoddy By in Main. The Plymouth company would settle the northern region and the London Company, the southern region.

1607

On May 13, 1607 representative of the London company and their band of settlers began a settlement on the river they named James at a place they called Jamestown.

1618

On 11 November 1618, the number of settlements and settler in the regions along Chesapeake Bay and the James river having increase, the Council in London ordered that the colony be divide in to four "corporations" for the purpose of local administration with each to be a parish of the Church. Sir George Yearldley was appointed governor of the county-parish system. The corporation of Elizabeth City included the are that later became the counties of Elizabeth City, Warwick, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Nansemond, Norfolk and Princess Anne and the cities that were carved from them.

1634

Elizabeth city conuty was created from part of the corporation of Elizabeth City.

1636

The County of New Norfolk (area south of the James River and Hampton Roads) was partitioned from Elizabeth City County.

1637

The County of New Norfolk was subdivided into Upper Norfolk county (formerly Nansemond County, now the City of Suffolk)

1691

Lower Norfolk county was divided in to Norfolk County and Princess Anne County.

1705

Norfolk was established as a town and port.

1736

The Borough of Norfolk was established.

1752

Portsmouth became a town.

1775

American Patriots defetaed the British in the Battle of Great Bridge on December 9. This was the first land battle of the American Revolution fougth in the Colony of Virginia.

1805

The Dismal Swamp Canal opened, providing for water traffic between the Albemarle Sound and the port of Hampton Roads.

1845

The city of Norfolk was partitioned from Norfolk County.

1858

The City of Portmouth was partitioned from Norfolk County.

1881

The Elizabeth City & Norfolk Railroad was completed, connecting Norfolk and Edenton on a route that runs through the City of Chesapeake. The name was later change to Norfolk Southern Railroad. Today, it is the chesapeaek & Albemarle Railroad.

1919

South Norfolk was partitioned from Norfolk County as a second-class city.

1953

South Norfolk became a first-class city.

1963

The remaining part of Norfolk County and the City of South Norfolk merged to become the City of Chesapeake.

=Information compiled by Elizabeth Bawn Hanbury.

To buy or sale real estate in the VA Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

Read my blog at http://hamptonroadsrealestatevoice.com/

Musings at the end of the school year.

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:06:56 -0500

Another school year is finished. I think about this time of the year and can look back at it the same way that we look at the end of the year. For year end we think of the things that we did or didn’t accomplished. In some parts of Colombia, my home country, People burn a stuffed man as in a metaphor of burning old man last year to welcome the New Year.

This school year my son finished Elementary School, moved from being a cub scout to a boy scout, he is now taller than me, and now I am the shortest person in my family ( It doesn’t take much as I am pretty short. )

This past year my daughter wore make up for the first time, went to her first dance and decided to learn another language ( not Spanish, which she already takes at school but Korean. She loves all things Korean.) She has also picked up another instrument and almost got straight A’s. She is also learning to drive. I love hearing her practice her violin. I just finished re-reading Harry Potter, and I couldn’t help but think of Valerie when they describe Hermione and how she always has to do the right thing.

I have had my worst year financially since I started working, but once I decided to reinvent my business I have relaxed, as I know that things will change and all to soon I will be very busy. In the mean time, I have decided to enjoy so many blessings that have come my way. I have wonderful friends, wonderful loving relatives and an awesome husband. My kids are such good kind kids that try so hard to do what is good and right that I couldn’t be prouder. I have decided to go on a diet and shed the extra weight that I put on while I was so stressed with real estate. ( I will share my before and after pictures in a few months ) My wish for all you parents out there and those who will be parents one day, and those who have chosen not to be parents is that life is short and it is our choice to concentrate on what our life is missing or what we already have. It is our choice to be happy or not.

My father passed away a year ago this month, and the more time passes the more I wish I had visited him more often while he was alive. I am grateful for him having been a part of my life, and every morning before I put my feet on the floor I give thanks for it all. Good and bad.

To buy or sale real estate in the VA Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

Read my blog at http://hamptonroadsrealestatevoice.com/

Stay and Play in Norfolk.

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:09:11 -0500

In Hampton Roads the closest we have to a large city feel of living is Norfolk. Specifically the Ghent, West Ghent area and downtown Norfolk. As a real estate agent, I have found that people who move to downtown Norfolk do not want to leave. Hence, the price of living in these neighborhoods is rather higher.

My friend Nicole, who lives in downtown Norfolk mentions in her Facebook page that she “is really loving the Wednesday nights "Stay & Plays"...especially when it's right next door :)

So I am really exited to share this Norfolk happening.

This is what Nicole has to say “Hey Tere, every Wednesday to help with ALL the construction, downtown has a "Stay and Play" at a different restaurant each week. It's to encourage people that work downtown to stay for a while and support that profiled restaurant before going home. Nice networking opportunity too!”

This past week’s featured restaurant was “456 Fish”

Wednesday, June 17^th from 5-7pm “Guadalajara” located at 411 Granby Street.

Wednesday, June 24^th from 5-7pm “Entourage” @ 112 Bank Street.

I am not crazy for Mexican food (remember, I am Colombian) but I have never been to Entourage, so I will be there on the 24^th. See you there?

To buy or sale real estate in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

Read my blog at http://hamptonroadsrealestatevoice.com/

ALL REAL ESTATE PEOPLE--Government is trying to kill owner financing! HELP!

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:47:10 -0500

Owner financing used to be a staple of real estate investors. Owner financing has become another option for people who bought at the top of the market, and for first time home buyers who don't have the perfect credit required to buy a home these days. Please read in its entirety and call or write your Senators.

Via Security Trust Mortgage, Inc.:

This just sent to my mortgage office. It will harm consumers, mortgage brokers and many real estate broker. We need to STOP THIS GOVERNMENT NONSENSE! Pass this on to every person / organization .

Marvin, H.R. 1728 has recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and has been sent to the Senate for a vote. It says you won't be able to sell residential real estate using owner financing more than once every three years unless you have a government license.

Please take a few moments to read this e-mail and then contact your two U.S. Senators. Sample letters are at the end. If you need your senators' contact information, go here:
http://snipurl.com/senatorscontactinfo

Thank you for helping to stop this horrible bill.

Senate Bill Restricts Seller Financing --
Take Action Now To Stop It

Clint Hinman, editor of NoteWorthy Newsletter, has done a great
job of explaining H.R. 1728:

HR 1728 - WHAT IT SAYS AND WHY IT WILL HURT CONSUMERS AND SMALL BUSINESS
The U.S. Senate will soon be considering a bill that will severely
restrict the property rights of millions of Americans and the way
you do business going forward.

WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?

HR 1728 was recently passed by the House of Representatives with
little fanfare and even less press coverage. Not until it was
referred to the Senate did it grow legs and start getting the
attention of everyone it will affect. The full text and status of the bill can
be read here: http://snipurl.com/hr1728

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

The proposed legislation focuses upon the predatory lending practices
of yesteryear and the resulting subprime debacle, imposing stringent
requirements on mortgage brokers, servicers, appraisers, etc.
Unfortunately, owner financing gets caught up in the dragnet, and the
impact could be devastating. The offending text of the bill is in
section 101(3)(e), which defines who is exempt from being a
'licensed mortgage originator':

'(E) does not include, with respect to a residential mortgage loan,
a person, estate, or trust that provides mortgage financing for the
sale of 1 property in any 36-month period, provided that such loan--
(i) is fully amortizing;
(ii) is with respect to a sale for which the seller determines in
good faith and documents that the buyer has a reasonable ability to
repay the loan;
(iii) has a fixed rate or an adjustable rate that is adjustable after
5 or more years, subject to reasonable annual and lifetime
limitations on interest rate increases; and
(iv) meets any other criteria the Federal banking agencies may
prescribe.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

As long as you provide owner financing on the sale of your property
no more than one time every three years, you will not be in violation
of the statute. Any individual who does sell more than one property
every three years via owner financing will be in violation unless
they are a 'licensed mortgage originator'. State laws vary, but
typically a 'licensed mortgage originator' must have a $25,000 to
$50,000 surety bond, three years mortgage origination experience, a
physical business office in the state in which the property is
located, and continuing education requirements. In other words, very
few, if any, Mom & Pop sellers will ever jump through the hoops to
become a 'licensed mortgage originator'.

WHAT KINDS OF TRANSACTIONS WILL BE COVERED?

Selling your own home using a land contract or owner-held mortgage
with the intent of getting a faster sale, a higher sales price, or
higher rate of interest than is available in other investments will
no longer be an option (unless that sale is limited to once every
three years). Carrying back second mortgages on investment
properties you sell will also be a violation of the law. In fact,
any kind of installment sale on residential properties (including
houses, condos, mobile homes, and residential land lots more than
once every three years will be subject to this legislation.

The original bill presented to the House didn't make any exceptions
to owner financing. The National Association of Realtors argued to
include the exception of one owner financed property every three
years. Without addressing owner financing, many in the House
contended owner financing would become the 'loophole' for
predatory lenders to continue their exploitative ways.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Owner financed notes are not loans. There is no transfer of money,
no points or closing costs, and no mortgage brokers involved. They
are not created with the intent of selling them off to
government-sponsored entities like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA.
They are INSTALLMENT SALES. The borrower receives no money that must
be repaid, only a property on which periodic (read: installment)
payments must be made.

Just as egregious is the loss of private property rights. The
government should have no power to legislate how property owners
dispense of their properties. If a property owner is willing to
finance the sale of a property to a buyer, whom is the government
trying to protect by making the transaction illegal? States already
have usury laws and servicing requirements that protect the
purchasers.

If passed by the Senate, this legislation will:

1. Severely limit the number of property owners who can legally
owner finance the sale of their properties.

2. Make violators out of everyday Americans who, unaware they
are breaking the law, are merely trying to sell their properties
and/or offering financing to prospective homeowners who cannot obtain
conventional financing.

3. Require obscene amounts of due diligence on the part of note
investors to make sure all facets of this legislation have been
complied with.

4. Give prospective homeowners even fewer options to realize the
American Dream of homeownership.

5. Cost the U.S. taxpayers over $400 million dollars to enforce.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Contact your senator via phone, fax, e-mail or snail mail. Implore
them to vote NO on the bill as it's currently written. You can get
your senator's contact information here. We have included some
sample letters assembled by Vena Cox-Jones that will assist you in
knowing what to say and how to say it. Additionally, we at
NoteWorthy have written a fourth letter for owner financed note
brokers.

Please keep in mind that our best plan of action is to address how
this legislation will hurt 'the little guy', i.e. buyers and
sellers of properties. Even though we all consider ourselves 'the
little guy', the government has made it clear that anyone
associated with mortgages is 'the bad guy', and has little
interest in how this bill may affect your business, your family, or
your livelihood. Be civil, cordial, and intelligent in your
communications with your senators' offices. Remember you can catch
more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Take action today or suffer the consequences of this legislation
tomorrow. ASK YOUR SENATORS TO VOTE NO ON HR 1728!!!

SAMPLE LETTERS

IF YOU ARE A NOTE BROKER
Dear Senator [name];

My name is Clint Hinman and I have been a resident of Washington
since 1993.

I am writing to encourage you to vote NO on HR 1728, the "Mortgage
Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act".

While many of the provisions of the act are positive steps toward
mortgage reform, the inclusion of private property owners in the Act
(see section 101(3)(e)) will enormously reduce the housing choices of
Washingtonians and the ability of homeowners to sell properties in a
market already languishing from an abundance of unsold properties.

As someone who buys and brokers owner financed notes, I encounter
hundreds of instances every year where home sellers and buyers came
to an agreement for an installment sale on a property that the owner
desperately needed to sell (often to avoid foreclosure) and the buyer
desperately wanted to buy, but could not raise the down payment
needed for conventional financing.

In every situation, these sales were win-win deals for the buyer and
seller: The seller was able to get rid of an unwanted property to a
buyer who loved it, and the buyer was able to get a new home at an
affordable payment and interest rate with none of the usual costs
(points, application fees etc) inherent in conventional mortgage
transactions.

In Washington, these transactions are already regulated by state law.
A low maximum interest rate is already in place, and both the buyer
and seller are protected by other regulations at the state level.

In defense of private property rights, owners should be exempted from
the burdensome and unnecessary rules that this law foists upon them.
In its current form, it would all but shut off the "owner financing"
market, which is often the only option for many sellers to sell and
buyers to buy right now.

PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PASS THE SENATE. It is unnecessary to stop private buyers and sellers from
transacting business that is beneficial to both of them -- they do
not cause the problems this bill seeks to solve. They do not originate
these notes to sell to government-sponsored entities (Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac, FHA, etc.), but instead hold them as investments, often
as a source of long-term income. HR 1728 would be extremely harmful
to thousands of your constituents if passed as currently worded.

This legislation will exacerbate the problem OF foreclosure, as fewer
sellers will be able to sell their homes to avoid it, and CAUSED BY
foreclosure, as fewer buyers who have recently experienced
foreclosure will be able to re-start the process of home ownership
inexpensively and easily by negotiating owner financing.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Clint Hinman
Proficient Note Buyers LLC
Phone #
email

IF YOU HAVE A REAL ESTATE LICENSE
Dear Senator [name];

My name is Vena Jones-Cox and I am a life-long resident of
Cincinnati.

I am writing you to encourage you to vote NO on HR 1728, the
"Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act".

While many of the provisions of the act are positive steps toward
mortgage reform, the inclusion of private owners in the act (see
section 101(3)(e)) will enormously reduce the housing choice of
Ohioans and the ability of home owners to sell properties in this
already-slow market.

As a real estate broker, I have seen several dozen cases in the past
year of home sellers and buyers coming to an agreement for an
installment sale on a property that the owner desperately needed to
sell (often to avoid foreclosure) and the buyer desperately wanted
to buy, but could not raise the downpayment needed for conventional
financing.

In all cases, these sales turned out to be win-win deals for the
buyer and seller; the seller was able to get rid of an unwanted
property to a buyer who loved it, and the buyer was able to get his
new home at an affordable payment and interest rates with none of the
usual costs (points, application fees etc) inherent in more
conventional mortgage transactions.

In Ohio, these transactions are already regulated by state law: a low
maximum interest rate is already in place, and both the buyer and
seller are protected by other regulations at the state level.

In defense of private property rights, owners should be exempted from
the burdensome and unnecessary rules that this law foists upon them.
In its current form, it would all but shut off the "owner financing"
market that is the only way that many sellers can sell and many
buyers can buy right now.

PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PASS THE SENATE. It is unnecessary to stop private buyers and sellers from
transacting business that is beneficial to both of them--they are not
the problem that the bill seeks to solve. HR 1728 would be extremely
harmful to thousands of your constituents.

It will exacerbate the problem OF foreclosure, as fewer sellers will
be able to sell their homes to avoid it, and CAUSED BY foreclosure,
as fewer buyers who have recently experienced foreclosure will be
able to re-start the process of home ownership inexpensively and
easily by negotiating owner financing.

Thank you for your consideration;

Vena Jones-Cox
Licensed Real Estate Broker license #
Phone #
email

IF YOU SELL HOUSES WITH OWNER FINANCING
Dear Senator [name];

My name is Vena Jones-Cox and I am a life-long resident of
Cincinnati.

I am writing you to encourage you to vote NO on HR 1728, the
"Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act".

While many of the provisions of the act are positive steps toward
mortgage reform, the inclusion of private owners in the act (see
section 101(3)(e)) will enormously reduce the housing choice of
Ohioans and the ability of homeowners to sell properties in this
already-slow market.

As a professional housing provider, I sell several houses each year
to home buyers on installment sale [or, if you have not purchased a
property, add here: "I had planned to sell several houses this year
on installment sale]--a practice that would become impossible under
this law in its current form. I find that in today's slow market, the best way for me to help buyers who desperately want to become homeowners, but who cannot raise the down payment or meet the other terms needed for
conventional financing, is to allow them to make payments directly to
me.

These sales are win-win deals for both the buyer and myself; I am
able to turn over homes that I've bought and rehabbed (often from
foreclosures) to buyers who love and can afford them, and the buyer
can get his new home at an affordable payment and interest rates with
none of the usual costs (points, application fees etc) inherent in
more conventional mortgage transactions.

In Ohio, these transactions are already regulated by state law: a low
maximum interest rate is already in place, and both the buyer and
seller are protected by other regulations at the state level.

Without the ability to sell homes in this way, I will no longer be
able to invest in and renovate any of the tens of thousands of
vacant, ugly houses placed on the market by the foreclosure crisis,
and my small-but-beneficial business will literally be in ruins.
Perhaps more importantly, the homeowner-buyers that I serve will be
forced to rent rather than moving toward the American dream of home
ownership.

In defense of private property rights, owners should be exempted from
the burdensome and unnecessary rules that this law foists upon them.
In its current form, it would all but shut off the "owner financing"
market that is the only way that many sellers can sell and many
buyers can buy right now.

PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PASS THE SENATE. It is unnecessary to stop private buyers and sellers from
transacting business that is beneficial to both of them--they are not
the problem that the bill seeks to solve. HR 1728 would be extremely
harmful to thousands of your constituents.

It will exacerbate the problem OF foreclosure, as fewer sellers will
be able to sell their homes to avoid it, and CAUSED BY foreclosure,
as fewer buyers who have recently experienced foreclosure will be
able to re-start the process of home ownership inexpensively and
easily by negotiating owner financing.

Thank you for your consideration;

Vena Jones-Cox
Perfect Properties, inc.
Phone number
email

IF YOU BUY HOUSES WITH OWNER FINANCING
Dear Senator [name];

My name is Vena Jones-Cox and I am a life-long resident of
Cincinnati.

I am writing you to encourage you to vote NO on HR 1728, the
"Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act".

While many of the provisions of the act are positive steps toward
mortgage reform, the inclusion of private owners in the act (see
section 101(3)(e)) will enormously reduce the housing choice of
Ohioans and the ability of homeowners to sell properties in this
already-slow market.

In the past year, I have purchased and renovated several homes--made
possible only because the sellers of these homes were able to sell to
me using owner financing in an unrestricted way.

For many of these property owners, seller financing was the only way
to unburden themselves of an unwanted property that, in some cases,
was headed toward foreclosure before I purchased it.

Without this ability, I cannot continue to buy and renovate
properties in the neighborhoods that so need my colleagues and me to
invest our time, energy, and money in rehabbing properties. Bank
financing is not an option for these properties because of the
condition; only financing carried by the sellers will suffice.

Section 101(3)(e) would keep my sellers from utilizing this method of
getting rid of unwanted properties in today's market, should they
have more than 1 to sell.

In defense of private property rights, owners should be exempted from
the burdensome and unnecessary rules that this law foists upon them.
In its current form, it would all but shut off the "owner financing"
market that is the only way that many sellers can sell and many
buyers can buy right now.

PLEASE DO NOT LET THIS RESTRICTION ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS PASS THE SENATE. It is unnecessary to stop private buyers and sellers from
transacting business that is beneficial to both of them--they are not
the problem that the bill seeks to solve. HR 1728 would be extremely
harmful to thousands of your constituents.

It will exacerbate the problem OF foreclosure, as fewer sellers will
be able to sell their homes to avoid it, and CAUSED BY foreclosure,
as fewer buyers who have recently experienced foreclosure will be
able to re-start the process of home ownership inexpensively and
easily by negotiating owner financing.

Thank you for your consideration;

Vena Jones-Cox
Perfect Properties, inc.
Phone number
email

Latin Fest in Virginia Beach

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:59:02 -0500

Latin Fest in Virginia Beach is a celebration for every one. The festival is modeled after Miami's "Calle Ocho" celebration. You will get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of music, food, beverages and good times. Domino table section, live music with local, regional and national performers. (I am really exited about the Domino section)

You will get to listen to salsa, merengue, mambo and bachata music from some of the best local and national acts. Of course there will be arts, crafts and foods from various Latin countries.

Event Date:

June 5, 2009 (All day) - June 6, 2009 (All day)

Location:

24th Street Park

Locos Por Juana, one of the hottest Latin alternative rock bands in the United States, takes the stage on Friday, June 5, from 9:30pm-11:00pm. This multinational Miami-based band combines infectious energy with Latin rhythms from the Caribbean and South America, as well as reggae, hip hop, and American funk. In December of 2008, Locos Por Juana was nominated for “Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album” for their album titled La Verdad.

La Excelencia Orchestra, playing Saturday, June 6, from 9:45pm-11:00pm, delivers high-octane rhythms while maintaining the essence and true roots of Salsa. This New York City-based group showcases beautiful harmonies and powerful arrangements of free-flowing horns and lively percussions.

Additional activities include the Zumba Dance Competition, in which individuals and couples compete in a variety of Latin dance styles, and the Domino Competition on the Boardwalk. Both events take place on Saturday, and are open to public participation.

Saturday night’s Salsa Cruise on The Virginia’s Jewel yacht is a highlight of the weekend. A ticketed event, the cruise features live entertainment, food, and an open bar.

For full information on the Hardee's Latin Fest

To buy or sale real estate in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beacha, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

I am Latin and American. "We did something wrong" Speech by Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:35:32 -0500

I have been asked by several people to translate this blog I did. "Soy Latina y Americana" It truly was meant for a Hispanic audience, so you may get it or not.

Gringos in Colombian lingo means people born in the United States of America. It is not an insult, as it may be in other Latin american countries.

"I talk very little about my personal opinions in this public forum, but when I read this speech I felt I had to share it.

I love Colombia and the United States of America.

Pretty often, friends and relatives criticize the United Estates because they did this or that. Because I am Colombian people assume that these words do not affect me. What I want the public to know is that they DO affect me, as I have lived in the United States more than half my life. My children are gringos, so every time that people insult the gringos or treat them like idiots, they are insulting my children and my husband of 18 years. Each time that people say that American women are "easy" they are talking about my daughter, who at her 16 years old has never had a boyfriend, has been to one party ( ring dance ) has never tasted alcohol, her grades are 90% and up, she is dedicated to her violin, volunteers in causes that affect the underprivileged, plus every one that knows her tells me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful daughter. Yes, I am very lucky.

I also hear all the time that "gringos have no sense of humor, (I have to admit that I have also heard gringos say the same thing about Hispanics) that families are not united" What I would like to know is, if you live in the USA, do you live in the Hispanic or the American culture. It took me two years to understand American jokes, and now when I hear Hispanic jokes I don't get them because I haven't lived in the Latin culture for over 20 years. How often have you shared a family environment with Americans, or are you making comments regarding what you imagine is their lives. I don't know a closer family than my husband's where I know of one divorce in a family of 10 brothers and sisters and about 150 descendants.

PS: Excuse the grammar as I have lived out of the latin culture for over 20 years.

(Full translation of speech by Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica, at the Summit of the Americas meeting in Trinidad & Tobago on April 18, 2009) By

La Prensa (Managua, Nicaragua) 5/7/09

We did something wrong

“I have the impression that every time Caribbean and Latin American countries get together with the president of the United States of America it is to ask for things or to demand something. Almost always it’s to blame the United States for our past, present and future ills. I don’t believe that is at all just. We cannot forget that Latin America had universities before the United States created Harvard and William & Mary, which are the first universities of that country. We cannot forget that in this continent, as in the whole world, at least until 1750 all Americans were more or less the same: all were poor.

When the industrial revolution came about in England, other countries hopped on that wagon: Germany, France, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand…… and thus the Industrial Revolution passed over Latin America like a comet, and we didn’t realize it. Certainly, we lost the opportunity.

There’s also a very big difference. Reading the history of Latin America, compared with the history of the United States, one realizes that Latin America did not have a Spaniard John Winthrop, nor a Portuguese who might have come with a bible in hand, ready to build “a City on a Hill”, a city that would shine, as was the wish of the pilgrims who arrived in the United States.

Fifty years ago, Mexico was richer than Portugal. In 1950, a country such as Brazil had a higher per capita income than that of South Korea. Sixty years ago, Honduras had more riches per capita than Singapore, and today Singapore – in something like 35 or 40 years – is a country with $40,000 annual income per person. Well, we Latin Americans did something wrong.

What did we do wrong? I cannot list all the things we did wrong. To start, we have a seven-year schooling. That is the average length of schooling in Latin America and it’s not the case with the majority of Asian countries. It’s certainly not the case in countries such as the United States and Canada, with the best education in the world, similar to the Europeans’. For every 10 students who enter high school in Latin America, in some countries only one finishes. There are countries with an infant mortality of 50 children per thousand, when in the more advanced countries it is 8, 9 or 10. We have countries where the tax load is 12 percent of the gross national product, and it’s no one’s responsibility, except our own, that we don’t tax the richest people of our countries. No one is to blame for that, except we ourselves.

In 1950 each American citizen was four times richer than a Latin American citizen. Today, an American citizen is 10, 15 or 20 times richer than a Latin American. That is not the fault of the United States, it’s our fault.

The value system of the 20th century, which seems to be the one we are putting into practice in the 21st century, is a wrong value system. Because it cannot be that the rich world devotes 100 billion dollars to alleviate the poverty of 80 percent of the world’s population – in a planet that has 2.5 billion human beings with a $2 a day income – and that it spends 13 times more ($1,300,000,000,000) in weapons and soldiers.

It’s incredible that Latin America spends $50 billion in weapons and soldiers. I ask myself: who is our enemy? Our enemy, of that inequality which President Correa (of Ecuador) points out very correctly, is the lack of education; it is illiteracy; it’s that we don’t spend on the health of our people; that we don’t create the necessary infrastructure, the roads, the highways, the ports, the airports; it’s that we are not dedicating the necessary resources to stop the deterioration of the environment; it’s the lack of equality which we have, which really makes us ashamed; it is a product, among many things, of course, of the fact that we are not educating our sons and our daughters.

One goes to a Latin American university and it still seems we are in the sixties, seventies or eighties. It seems we forgot that something very important happened on November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, and that the world changed. We have to accept that this is a different world, and about this I honestly believe that all thinking persons, all the economists, all the historians, almost agree that the 21st century is the century of the Asians, not of the Latin Americans. And I, unfortunately, agree with them. Because while we keep arguing about the “isms” (which is better? capitalism, socialism, communism, liberalism, neo-liberalism, social-christianism…) the Asians found a very realistic “ism” for the 21st and for the end of the 20th century, which is pragmatism. Just to mention an example, let us remember that when Deng Xiaoping visited Singapore and South Korea, after having realized that his own neighbors were quickly becoming richer, he returned to Peking and told the old comrades who had accompanied him on the Long March: “Well, the truth is, dear comrades, that I don’t care whether the cat is black or white, the only thing that matters to me is that it catch mice”. And if Mao would have been alive he would have died again when he said that “the truth is that becoming rich is glorious”. And while the Chinese do this, and from 79 until today they grow at some 11, 12 or 13 percent, and they have taken some 300 million out of poverty, we keep on arguing about ideologies which we should have buried a long time ago.

The good news is that Deng Xiaoping achieved this when he was 74 years old. Looking around, I don’t see (among the presidents who participated in the Summit) anyone who is close to 74 years of age. That’s why I ask you not to reach that age in order to make the changes which we have to make.”

I am Latin and American. "We did something wrong" Speech by Oscar Arias, President of Costa Rica

by Tere Rottink is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License .

BNI: A weekly networking event. The Tidewater Entrepreneur: A monthly bussines networking event

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:43:42 -0500

BNI: The Strategic Allicance chapter, a weekly networking event has been great for my bussines. In fact las year it accounted for more than 30 % of my income. I started the Strategic alliance group almost three years ago, and I still love the energy that I pick up when I leave the meeting.

But today I want to talk about another networking event that I started right around the same time three years ago. THE TIDEWATER ENTREPRENEUR: We meet once a month and every month we get new people come through. We have some regular members, whom I appreciate very much. In this meetings I set up a speaker to come and talk on business related subjects.

In the past year we have had the following speakers:

-Francisco Sossa speak about print and direct Marketing,

-Mickey Boyer partner of HR Sandler Training office who talked about making the first 5 minutes count and creating the 30 second commercial.

-Sandy Crocker a "Certified Life success Consultant" who spoke about goal setting and achieving them

-Ashley Lewis who talked about business strategies in a difficult market.

-Dr Michael Vanella of Vanella Chiropractic, who spoke on the posture of sales. Image is everything in business

-Patti Robertson, Why Join a Franchise Vs. Doing It on your Own?

-Martin Crenshaw was our last speaker, and he was so awesome that he came back for an encore.

As you can see, I try to get as many different speakers as possible. Devie Robertson is the Assistan Organizer. He is CEO of Robertson Global, Executive Travel Specialists. Some times he arranges the meetings, and takes over the running of things.

These meetings are very informal and we meet at "El Desorden" the Colombian restaurant I have mentioned in the past. We are served breakfast for $7.00 plus tip. The breakfast is different than most people are accustomed to, but every one loves it.

Last month we had about 18 people come to the meeting and I promised them that I would link my blog to their websites. Unfortunately, not all of them have websites, so this month Naoma Doriguzzi will be talking to us about Social networking and the importance of having a presence on the Internet.

Please check out the following businesses. You will be surprised of how different our businesses are, so we have very interesting meetings. Every month as I said we have new people, so if you are in town and are not looking for a weekly commitment, but want to meet other business owners come and join us.

Stemcellincrease.com

http://best247mortgage.com/

Kangenwater.com

Tim Yeager, CPA

Kathy Arnaud, Certified Massage therapist.

Robertson Global

Gerrie Beck with Home Staging and redesign

XDGraphics by Morris Bryant

We meet the second Saturday of the Month at 9:30 AM.

El Desorden, located at: 665 Newtown Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462

BNI: A weekly networking event. The Tidewater Entrepreneur: A monthly business networking event. By Tere Rottink is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License .

Soy Latina y Americana. "Algo hicimos mal" Palabras del presidente Oscar Arias en la cumbre de las Americas.

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:09:42 -0500

Yo hablo poco de mis opiniones en este foro publico, pero cuando lei este discurso, no pude dejarlo sin compartirlo.

Amo a Colombia y a Los Estados Unidos.

Muy seguido, familiares y amigos critican a los Estados Unidos por que hicieron esto o aquello. Como soy Colombiana creen que estas palabras no me afectan. Lo que quiero hacer publico es que estas palabras SI me afectan, ya que llevo viviendo en los Estados unidos ya mas de la mitad de mi vida. Mis hijos son gringos, asi que cada vez que la gente insulta a los gringos o los trata como idiotas, estan insultando a mis hijos y a mi esposo de 18 annos. Cada vez que dicen que las "gringas" son "&^&**&(& prontas" ( en Colombiano significa que es facil para llevar a la cama ) estan hablando de mi hija que a sus 16 annos, nunca ha tenido un novio, ha ido a una fiesta, no ha probado el alcohol, tiene grados del 90% hacia arriba, esta dedicada a su violin, trabaja de voluntaria en diferentes causas que afectan a los desprivilegiados, ademas que todos los que la conocen me dicen lo de buenas que soy de tener una hija tan maravillosa. Si, soy muy de buenas.

Algo mas que escucho repetidamente es que "Los gringos no tienen buen humor, las familias no son unidas" me gustaria saber si usted, aunque vive en los Estados Unidos vive en la cultura Gringa o Latina. Me demore dos annos en entender los chistes gringos, y ahora cuando escucho los chistes latinos no los entiendo pues no vivo en la cultura latina desde hace mas de 20 annos. Cuantas veces a compartido a nivel familiar con los gringos. O solo esta comentando, por lo que se imagina. No conosco familia mas unida que la de mi esposo, donde solo se de un divorcio en una familia de 10 hijos con descendencia de como 150.

PS. Disculpen el vocabulario y la gramatica. Como dije previamente, Sali de la vida en espannol hace mas de 20 annos.

“ALGO HICIMOS MAL”

Palabras del presidente Óscar Arias en la Cumbre de las Américas
Trinidad y Tobago

18 de abril del 2009

Sr. Presidente de la República

Tengo la impresión de que cada vez que los países caribeños y
latinoamericanos se reúnen con el presidente de los Estados Unidos de
América, es para pedirle cosas o para reclamarle cosas. Casi siempre,
es para culpar a Estados Unidos de nuestros males pasados, presentes y
futuros. No creo que eso sea del todo justo.

No podemos olvidar que América Latina tuvo universidades antes de que
Estados Unidos creara Harvard y William & Mary, que son las primeras
universidades de ese país. No podemos olvidar que en este continente,
como en el mundo entero, por lo menos hasta 1750 todos los americanos
eran más o menos iguales: todos eran pobres.

Cuando aparece la Revolución Industrial en Inglaterra, otros países se
montan en ese vagón: Alemania, Francia, Estados Unidos, Canadá,
Australia, Nueva Zelanda… y así la Revolución Industrial pasó por
América Latina como un cometa, y no nos dimos cuenta. Ciertamente
perdimos la oportunidad.

También hay una diferencia muy grande. Leyendo la historia de América
Latina, comparada con la historia de Estados Unidos, uno comprende que
Latinoamérica no tuvo un John Winthrop español, ni portugués, que
viniera con la Biblia en su mano dispuesto a construir “una Ciudad
sobre una Colina”, una ciudad que brillara, como fue la pretensión de
los peregrinos que llegaron a Estados Unidos.

Hace 50 años, México era más rico que Portugal. En 1950, un país como
Brasil tenía un ingreso per cápita más elevado que el de Corea del
Sur. Hace 60 años, Honduras tenía más riqueza per cápita que Singapur,
y hoy Singapur –en cuestión de 35 ó 40 años– es un país con $40.000 de
ingreso anual por habitante. Bueno, algo hicimos mal los
latinoamericanos.

¿Qué hicimos mal? No puedo enumerar todas las cosas que hemos hecho
mal. Para comenzar, tenemos una escolaridad de 7 años. Esa es la
escolaridad promedio de América Latina y no es el caso de la mayoría
de los países asiáticos. Ciertamente no es el caso de países como
Estados Unidos y Canadá, con la mejor educación del mundo, similar a
la de los europeos. De cada 10 estudiantes que ingresan a la
secundaria en América Latina, en algunos países solo uno termina esa
secundaria. Hay países que tienen una mortalidad infantil de 50 niños
por cada mil, cuando el promedio en los países asiáticos más avanzados
es de 8, 9 ó 10.

Nosotros tenemos países donde la carga tributaria es del 12% del
producto interno bruto, y no es responsabilidad de nadie, excepto la
nuestra, que no le cobremos dinero a la gente más rica de nuestros
países. Nadie tiene la culpa de eso, excepto nosotros mismos.

En 1950, cada ciudadano norteamericano era cuatro veces más rico que
un ciudadano latinoamericano. Hoy en día, un ciudadano norteamericano
es 10, 15 ó 20 veces más rico que un latinoamericano. Eso no es culpa
de Estados Unidos, es culpa nuestra.

En mi intervención de esta mañana, me referí a un hecho que para mí es
grotesco, y que lo único que demuestra es que el sistema de valores
del siglo XX, que parece ser el que estamos poniendo en práctica
también en el siglo XXI, es un sistema de valores equivocado. Porque
no puede ser que el mundo rico dedique 100.000 millones de dólares
para aliviar la pobreza del 80% de la población del mundo –en un
planeta que tiene 2.500 millones de seres humanos con un ingreso de $2
por día– y que gaste 13 veces más ($1.300.000.000.000) en armas y
soldados.

Como lo dije esta mañana, no puede ser que América Latina se gaste
$50.000 millones en armas y soldados. Yo me pregunto: ¿quién es el
enemigo nuestro? El enemigo nuestro, presidente Correa, de esa
desigualdad que usted apunta con mucha razón, es la falta de
educación; es el analfabetismo; es que no gastamos en la salud de
nuestro pueblo; que no creamos la infraestructura necesaria, los
caminos, las carreteras, los puertos, los aeropuertos; que no estamos
dedicando los recursos necesarios para detener la degradación del
medio ambiente; es la desigualdad que tenemos, que realmente nos
avergüenza; es producto, entre muchas cosas, por supuesto, de que no
estamos educando a nuestros hijos y a nuestras hijas.

Uno va a una universidad latinoamericana y todavía parece que estamos
en los sesenta, setenta u ochenta. Parece que se nos olvidó que el 9
de noviembre de 1989 pasó algo muy importante, al caer el Muro de
Berlín, y que el mundo cambió.

Tenemos que aceptar que este es un
mundo distinto, y en eso francamente pienso que todos los académicos,
que toda la gente de pensamiento, que todos los economistas, que todos
los historiadores, casi que coinciden en que el siglo XXI es el siglo
de los asiáticos, no de los latinoamericanos. Y yo, lamentablemente,
coincido con ellos. Porque mientras nosotros seguimos discutiendo
sobre ideologías, seguimos discutiendo sobre todos los “ismos” (¿cuál
es el mejor? capitalismo, socialismo, comunismo, liberalismo,
neoliberalismo, socialcristianismo...), los asiáticos encontraron un
“ismo” muy realista para el siglo XXI y el final del siglo XX, que es
el pragmatismo .

Para solo citar un ejemplo, recordemos que cuando
Deng Xiaoping visitó Singapur y Corea del Sur, después de haberse dado
cuenta de que sus propios vecinos se estaban enriqueciendo de una
manera muy acelerada, regresó a Pekín y dijo a los viejos camaradas
maoístas que lo habían acompañado en la Larga Marcha: “Bueno, la
verdad, queridos camaradas, es que mí no me importa si el gato es
blanco o negro, lo único que me interesa es que cace ratones” . Y si
hubiera estado vivo Mao, se hubiera muerto de nuevo cuando dijo que “
la verdad es que enriquecerse es glorioso ”. Y mientras los chinos
hacen esto, y desde el 79 a hoy crecen a un 11%, 12% o 13%, y han
sacado a 300 millones de habitantes de la pobreza, nosotros seguimos
discutiendo sobre ideologías que tuvimos que haber enterrado hace
mucho tiempo atrás.

La buena noticia es que esto lo logró Deng Xioping cuando tenía 74
años. Viendo alrededor, queridos Presidentes, no veo a nadie que esté
cerca de los 74 años. Por eso solo les pido que no esperemos a
cumplirlos para hacer los cambios que tenemos que hacer.
Muchas gracias

"Soy Latina y Americana". by Tere Rottink is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License .

Doumar's; Restaurant and Landmark for Norfolk Virginia

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:40:57 -0500

Norfolk has the closest feel to a big city in Hampton Roads. I love the energy of the city, and that people who live there actually walk to go places. We can't do that in the rest of Hampton Roads. Virginia Norfolk, is definitely one of my favorite places.

DOUMAR'S

In Virginia Norfolk, you find Doumar’s a local old style drive-in where the menu is composed of barbecue and hamburger fare and Ice cream. I was there a couple of days ago, for the first time, and tried their Ice cream Sunday. It was really good. It was very good! Next time, I will make sure I try the real food menu, as the place was pretty busy. They grind their own hamburger, and make fresh limeades to order. You can see there the first waffle cone maker, which is still in use today. Check their video.

A little history of Doumar’s:

Abe Doumar came from Damascus, Syria; and created the first ice cream cone at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. One evening he purchased a waffle from a nearby vendor, rolled it into a cone and topped it with ice cream. During the Jamestown Exposition of 1907, he launched his ice cream cone business at Ocean View Amusement Park.

John Doumar operated Doumar's first soda fountain in the historic Wells Theater from 1913 - 1920; the Wells Theater on 108 East Tazewell.

Brother George opened a drive-in at the present site, in 1934, since a hurricane of 1933 damaged the Ocean View site.

Today this is another, Norfolk local, treasure. Where girl scouts, prom dates and grandparents meet. For more history of Doumar's visit Ocean View nickel tours

Check out their Menu

To buy or sale real estate in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beacha, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com

The Painted lady

Tere Rottink (Wainwright Real Estate) — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:08:34 -0500

Since I moved to Hampton Roads, I have been a faithfull patron of "The Painted Lady". It closed a couple of months ago. As I was doing errands in Norfolk with my son, I couldn't help feeling the emptiness of a place where I took all my relatives from out of town, who made fun of the outside color. I held baby showers, and was invited to other friends celebrations. Needless to say, I was very surprised to see that it had closed down. I don't know the details but I imagine the down turn in the economy had something to do with it. So If you drive by Granby and 17th street, and see the purple house, know that is now an empty building.

In it's old gift shop they have opened a place called.

"Weltons Seafood". When I recover, I will probably go and check it out.

THE PAINTED LADY IS OPEN AGAIN, UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. Will have to check it out.

To buy or sale real estate in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beacha, Portsmouth or Suffolk, Virginia visit my website at www.TereRottink.com