Bobbie's Blog

Back to Basics Maybe A Good Thing!

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:09:10 -0700

People have always wanted more than they need. The availability of easy credit for the past 20 years has made that a reality for most people. And, I have to admit ... I was one of them. In looking back at the money I spent on "things" that no longer exist or have any real significance is mind boggling. If I had just saved 1/4 th of it, I would be a happy camper today. In thinking back to my childhood where money wasn't as easy to come by ... I have so many fond memories of the times my family spent together just doing simple things .... board games, fishing, sleeping in tents in the back yard, weekend drives to the mountains with picnic lunches, frisbee golf, flying kites and so much more. Many of our vacations were "Staycations" and we spent the week doing things locally and had as much fun if not more fun than when we went away. One of great things about living in Northern Virginia is the number of things to do in the area that don't cost you an arm and a leg. Since "Frugal" is the in thing today, I know based on my own memories that frugal nights and days with your family can be some of your best. There are numerous way for the family to have fun, be together and spend little if any money. Be resourceful and creative, keep an open mind and a fun heart. After all, nothing's better than laughing with your family and laughs are free.

At-A-Glance Haymarket

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:52:43 -0700

How's the Haymarket Real Estate Market? We've all read the headlines, but what's happening in your neighborhood right now? Find out with Bobbie's market condition reports that are updated weekly and provide the most up-to date market information available. The Profile shows you not only pricing and market numbers, but also trends in those numbers. Where are prices heading? Subscribe to have it delivered to your in-box weekly or monthly by clicking the question mark below.

Bristow Market Update

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:41:52 -0700

How's the market in Bristow. Find out weekly with informative market reports delivered to your inbox. Email me if you would like to receive these report weekly.

Gainesville Market Conditions At-A-GLance

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:23:01 -0700

How's the Real Estate Market? We've all read the headlines, but what's happening in your neighborhood right now? Find out with at-a-glance market condition reports that are updated weekly and provide the most up-to date market information available. Email me at bobbie@bobbiesells. com if you would like these delivered to your inbox weekly. If you're on the fence about buying or selling ... it would be wise to know what the markets actually doing from week-to-week.

NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT - DOMINION VALLEY

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:54:55 -0700

Disney World Virginia or Dominion Valley. I, personally was in favor of Disney Virginia at the time. In retrospect, I was wrong. And, proof positive is Dominion Valley which sits on part of what would have been the Disney project. It is a beautifully planned gated resort golf community. My compliments to Toll Brothers who did a magnificent job designing and executing the plans for this community which features an Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course amidst picturesque mountain views. Beautifully landscaped grounds and a variety of homes styles to include single family, townhome, attached, condos and active adult living. Prices in Dominion Valley currently range from a low of $299,000 to a high of $1,300,000. Click on the blue button for a list of homes for sale in Dominion Valley Take A Video Tour of Dominion Valley to see how spectacular it is for yourself.

ATTENTION INVESTORS - CHECK OUT MANASSAS

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:33:08 -0700

There are 158 active listings in Manassas between - $34,000 and $125,000 with a mix of condo, townhome and some single family. And, there are some that need very little work to get them ready to rent. If you're considering investing in Real Estate, Manassas would be an excellent place to start. For A Complete List of Available Homes. Search for homes in other areas at:

Virginia Oaks Vandalized

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:55:27 -0700

The Virginia Oaks neighborhood was hit by vandals on Saturday morning, spray painting anti-McCain profanity on at least 25 homes and the clubhouse. Virginia Oaks is a beautiful neighborhood and it's sad that anyone would intentionally damage someone elses property because of a difference of opinion. Other neighborhoods have had their Obama campaign signs defaced with the B in Obama being replaced with an S. What happened to Democracy here. The fact that we have a choice is what makes this country great. November 4th is our opportunity to voice our opinion.

Neighborhood Spotlight - Lake Manassas

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:47:41 -0700

If you're looking for perfection ... look no further. Lake Manassas is the prettiest planned gated golf community in Gainesville. Many of the homes are based on Southern Living Homes designs, but there is little coordination in their placement. A homey Cape Cod with a wide welcoming porch is right next to a striking stone house reminiscent of a mini-castle. "Elegant Individuality" is the perfect description. The community named after the 1,100 acre lake it borders, provides resort-style living with views of the Bull Run Mountains, two golf clubs (Stonewall and Robert Trent Jones) and the 1,100 acre lake. It's a beautifully landscaped family friendly neighborhood with amenities that include three stocked ponds, wooded nature trails as well as paved trails for joggers and walkers, swim and tennis center and lighted tennis courts. No matter what your interests you'll find the finer things in life at Lake Manassas. For a list of homes currently available in Lake Manassas, click on the picture below.

Fall Foliage Report - October 16th

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:17:30 -0700

For the past few years, I've missed the peak for our beautiful "fall foliage". In case you're planning to spend a day enjoying the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley at this time of year, I wanted to let you know the best time to do that. Right now in the Shenandoah Valley about one-third of the trees have color and peak is expected next week.

KEEPING UP WITH THE BENJAMIN'S

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:57:45 -0700

Is a sermon series my pastor did a number of years ago that had a significant impact on the way I viewed my life and what was important. The basic message was that we put too much emphasis on the three RRR's (things that RUST, ROT AND GET RIPPED OFF). When I stopped to think about it I realized I had surrounded myself with "things" that had no real meaning. My job at the time was my life and I put it before everything else. My favorite saying was "Well - my intentions were good". I've worked hard to change that and become someone who can go to bed at night with "no regrets". I've gone back to basics. My husband and I sold our home in Clifton that had more rooms than we used and bought a small cabin on a lake surrounded by trees that also has a treehouse that I use for my office (see photo). Not that I don't still work hard but I don't put it before God or family any longer. And, I have coffee every morning on my little porch and enjoy the sheer beauty of my surroundings. I can't help but think, in light of the financial crisis our country is experiencing, that it's the three RRR's at work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to simplify the issue. And, I'm not going to place blame on anyone. I'm actually tired of hearing everyone do that. I can only hope that "as American's" we can put our differences aside and work together to rebuild a better country and environment for our children and grandchildren. It's up to us to get it right and it's important to stop standing on the sidelines and get involved in our country's future.

Thursday's - Check It Out

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:28:39 -0700

I lived in Clifton for years before moving to Warrenton and enjoyed lunch regularly at Thursday's. To my delight they opened in Gainesville. If you haven't tried them yet ... I highly recommend them. I didn't realize until last week that they also have Karaoke on Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Friday nights from 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. I'm looking forward to checking out the local talent.

COMBO BOX CODE NIGHTMARE

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:04:50 -0700

It has been so frustrating showing homes over the past few months with the foreclosures and combo boxes that are being used. I'd like to thank the agents that use CSS to obtain the codes as well as those that list the code numbers in the MLS. Unfortunately, there are too many agents that require you call them to get the number for access. If you're doing that, you need to make yourself available. I've left messages for a number of agents that either don't call back or call back two days later. And, in most cases their offices don't have the information and refer you back to the agent. Most recently, I was showing a foreclosure to clients and had called in advance for the combo code. When I got there it was the wrong code ... they gave me a numeric code and the combo box was alpha. I did manage to get the agent's assistant on the phone who proceeded to give me a series of six codes. The sixth finally worked. That was a particularly bad day ... of the eight homes I was showing, two had combo boxes although they advertised supra and the showing instructions indicated they were vacant and to show anytime. Needless to say, I couldn't get anyone to get the correct information so we skipped them. What's wrong with this picture?????

Fall Fun - Corn Maze and Apple Picking

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:32:42 -0700

From my standpoint, this is the most beautiful time of year and I encourage you to get the family together and enjoy either a day of apple pickin', one of the areas harvest celebrations, corn maze or pumpkin patch scouring when you venture into Virginia's countryside. One of my favorites is the Graves Mountain Apple Festival in Syria . This coming weekend is the final weekend. It opens at 10:30a.m. and closes at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Click on the following photo for a complete list of area events.

Gainesville - A Work in Progress

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:41:36 -0700

And, yes there is an end in sight. Have you noticed that all the businesses on the south bound lane of 29 in Gainesville have been closed and boarded up and wondered what's happening. In August, VOT began moving utilties on Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) as part of the $198 million I-66/Rt. 29/Linton Hall Road improvement. Actual road construction won't begin until 2011 with scheduled completion in 2014. The two year utility relocation and building demolition phase precedes the four-year construction project scheduled to begin in spring 2011 that will: elevate Linton Hall Road over Route 29 elevate Route 29 over the railroad tracks construct bridges over Galleher Road and the railroad tracks at Route 29 add a lane on Route 29 from I-66 to Virginia Oaks Drive, and build new ramps to facilitat traffic movements at Route 29 and Linton Hall Road intersection So, there is an end in sight and it will be a major improvement when completed.

WEGMAN'S GRAND OPENING, November 2nd, 7a.m.

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 02:05:21 -0700

I am so excited that we have a Wegman's store in Gainesville. The long awaited grand opening is scheduled for November 2nd at 7:00 a.m. You can apply for the shoppers club card on line at http://newstores.wegmans.com/ . You can also sign up for their newsletter, check out the store lay-out and browse their recipe collection. Enjoy! - I know I'm going to. Also, check out www.intouchgainesville.com for the latest community information, real time home values, home search, a subscription to "My Home Management Club", For Sale By Owner, Yard Sale and Rental Websites.

JUST LISTED - LOWEST PRICE IN DUNBARTON

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:45:16 -0700

$269,900 = Single Family for Townhome Price. 55+ gated resort style community. Beautifully manicured grounds and wonderful friendly neighborhood. Walking trails, putting green, indoor pool, billiards, social events and more. This lovely home features a wonderful light and bright open floor plan. Neutral decor. Designer kitchen with granite countertops, double oven, oversized refrigerator and adjoining breakfast nook. Two sided gas fireplace and family room with a wall of windows. Master bedroom suite with luxury bath and guest room with full bath. Loft area with 3rd full bath and two closets. MUST SEE!! FOR FULL DETAILS

Family Fun Weekend - October 11th

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:29:48 -0700

2008 Annual Childrens Festival will be held at Crocket Park in Midland on October 11th from 1pm -5pm (rain date Sunday Oct 12 - 1pm-5pm.) Fun for children ages 3-12. An educational day designed especially for children. Featuring face painting, grain art, fantastic presentations, pony rides, moon bounces, boat rides, environmental booths and more will be available to delight, entertain and educate. Cost is $4.00 for county residents and $10 per car for non county residents. Location: C.M. Crockett Park 10066 Rogues Rd. Midland, VA 22728

"IN TOUCH" - GAINESVILLE

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:43:08 -0700

Announcing "In Touch Gainesville" Developed to provide relevant community information for Gainesville residents. Check it out. There are some great homeowner tools -- get your homes value in real time. Search for homes and get pertinent information about the buying and selling process as well as community events and updates. Sign up for a free subscription to "My Home Management Club" courtesy of Bobbie Harris, RE/MAX Unlimited, for information on finance and taxes, consumer tip and trends, energy and home improvement resources, recalls/product safety and so much more.

There's Something Wrong With This Picture

Bobbie Harris (RE/MAX Unlimited) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:40:10 -0700

I've been glued to CNN all week listening to the pros and consof the "bail-out" plan. What astounds me is that the peopleresponsible for the oversight of our financial markets that ignored the warning signs to begin with are the same peoplewho are now devloping a strategy to correct it. Is there something wrong with this picture?? I'm not aware of any situation in the corporate world where an employer would put the employee responsible for a costly error in charge of fixing it. There are, of course, experts who didn't create this problem who should unquestionably be consulted to help solve it. While we don't know what is specifically being proposed with the "rescue plan", one thing seems to be clear. The approach is pouring tax payers money in at the top and hoping that it trickles down to the people who need it. That approach has never worked so why do they think it will now? The tax payers money are public funds. The expenditure of $750 billion+ without a public hearing and done in secrecy by the very people who helped cause it is inconceivable.