As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I am very aware of the special needs and life-changing decisions facing caregivers and those for whom they are caring.  That is why I have provided my free Caregivers Library at www.CynthiaHashCares.org.  Not only will you find many helpful resources on this site, but I can also help you assess the various options available for your loved one when it comes to their housing needs.  Life changes can be scary, especially when dramatic transitions are involved.  The Caregivers Library is one of the most extensive online libraries for caregivers that exists today. It consists of hundreds of articles, forms, checklists and links to topic-specific external resources.  It even includes a section for employers.  You'll find additional resources and informatio... 06/23/2007

My main blog is located at: http://www.move2va.blogspot.com/. Please visit! It's called "Real Estate Excellence"... I created this blog just for you! Everything you need to know locally in central Virginia, nationally or internationally about real estate.Be sure to come back often, because I'll be posting news about the local, national, and international real estate market, as well as information for home owners, home buyers, and home sellers. I'll also be writing about central Virginia news and events. And updating you on my life personally. I will also share fun freebies, coupons and discounts with you that I find out about.ABOUT ME:I am not a native Virginian, but a yankee transplant and moved to the area in 1976 after looking for Camelot all over the country. This Is It!!!!!!!!!!!!!... 06/15/2007

Why Charlottesville?- #1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. and Canada (Frommer's 400 Cities Ranked and Rated, 2004) - #2 Best Places to Retire Young (Money Magazine, April 2007) - #2 Greenest Cities in the South (Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, 2006) - #2 Public University and the 21st Among All National Universities: University of Virginia (U.S. News & World Report, September 2002) - One of Seven Dream Towns That Have it All (Outside Magazine) - #6 Top Ten Healthiest Cities for Women (American Health) - #1 Best Small College Town (E-Podunk.com) - #6 Top 10 Places That Have It All (Arts & Entertainment TV, November 1999) - #1 Best Small City in the South (Money Magazine, July 1998) - #1 Best Golf Community For Retirees (Golf Digest, Summer 1997) - #1 Tennis Community (Tennis Magazine, Summer... 06/15/2007

So I came home last night to my one year old son running all over the house tearing everything apart.  My wife, who is currently between jobs and a stay at home mother, usually has things (by things I mean the one and only thing - our son) under control.  But not tonight.  I don't even think I received a "hello, how was your day"?  As it turns out, she has been exposed to this addictive little website called WOOT!Has anyone heard of Woot?  If you have, tell them I would like my wife back.  This website posts various products (electronics, children's toys, etc) at apparently pretty good prices.  They also have what's called a "Woot-off" once a month, where products are marked even lower for the day.  You aren't notified, you just have to constantly check and check and check this website.... 05/31/2007

The Memorial Weekend is upon us, and if you like me, you've got your ideas stashed and your bags waiting come 5 o'clock today.  The Memorial Weekend can be a much needed break from the daily pressures, an opportunity to head to the mountains or the beach.  Money will be spent, but in the name of paid holidays, that's okay.With gas prices about as unattractive as the gum on the bottom of my shoe, here are a couple of quick, simple tips to save you money before you hit the road:Tire inflation - deflated tires can significantly your car's fuel economy, costing as much as two miles per gallon.Air Filters - dirty air filters can restrain air flow, creating a mixture that burns an uneven amount of gasoline to air.  Replacing an old filter can cut back on gas usuage by almost 15 cents per gall... 05/25/2007

The Real Estate market is driven by two primal forces:  housing sales and mortgage rates.  Ironically when one shows signs of improvement, the other takes two steps back.  Take for instance this weeks sudden spike in mortgage rates, spurred by consumer confidence and an unexpected 16% increase in new home sales.  One would think that these reports would work in their favor when applying for a loan...but they don't.  This week's average 30 year fixed rate mortgage rose more than an .125 of a point and the Feds speculate rates to climb for the remainder of the year.Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a flourishing economy but does this drive anyone else of the wall?  If only I could have a word with Mr. Cournot and Mr. Marshall right now...   05/24/2007

I love Christmas! Every year I look forward to watching "Charlie Brown's Christmas Special", and "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" )(the original Dr. Suess edition). I love to listen to Christmas music. We have a station here, that the day after Thanksgiving goes Christmas music 24/7, until New Year's. I love it all, from "The Little Drummer Boy" (my husband is a drummer, he plays a Tama set, for those that care) to "The Nutcracker Ballet"Well, last night, we in Charlottesville, had our "Grand Illumination" (you can watch it, too). I am so relieved that in the era of political correctness that we still have a Christmas Tree here. I get so irritated at the "Holiday Tree" and the "Winter Festival" correct speech.We kick off the Yuletide season with a large gathering on the Downtown Mall, o... 11/25/2006