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Norfolk, VA Real Estate News

Hampton Roads to Participate in World’s Largest Solar Energy Event More Than 5,000 Homes, Schools & Businesses Participating In 14th Annual ASES National Solar Tour To Help Hampton Roads Residents Combat Rising Energy Prices & Improve Property Values On October 3rd, local residents will discover the latest real-world insight on how neighbors are using solar energy, green building and energy efficiency to become more energy independent and environmentally sustainable. On that day, 22 homes, facilities and businesses throughout Hampton Roads, both Southside and on the Peninsula, will throw open their doors, inviting visitors to tour and discover the benefits of alternative energy and green building for themselves.   The self-guided tours afford participants the direct perspectives of home...
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By Brad Brinke
(ProCraft Inspection Services)
As an inspector, I see things everyday that tell me if a home owner cares about their home or does not.  One of those pesky things that often goes unnoticed is the HVAC filter.  The filter is installed in the return side of the HVAC system.  The return side of the system is the part that returns the air back to the air handler for cooling down or heating up.  The filter is important because it stops debris from entering into and harming the air handler and the HVAC distribution system.   Here is a graphic example of an irresponsible home owner: This picture shows the coils that are inside the air handler.  Not all air handler are this accessible so this is a great photo opportunity for you!  Yes, that is a layer of very thick duct covering the coils. When the coils are this dirty, the H...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
I have written about this before but let me do it again - what a great time to buy an investment property, vacation home, second home, any home in Norfolk on the Bay!  This great area in Norfolk's real estate market has seen dramatic price corrections over the past few years.  Looking for a single family home?  First time home buyer in Norfolk?  How about a waterfront property with 3 bedroom 2 bath and almost 1300 square feet on Little Creek in East Ocean View?  This home is listed for just $160,000!  As a first time home buyer, you may qualify for the $8,000 credit from the government! This is a foreclosure so is being sold as is and repairs will likely be needed, but still!!!  Only $160,000.  Wow!  Not a fan of yard work?  A condo might be right for you. If you are looking for bargain...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Keep Norfolk Beautiful presents Eco-D.I.Y., a three-part series of classes designed to give simple energy-saving solutions to residents they can do themselves.  All three classes take place at the Ernie Morgan Center, located in Lafayette Park, next to the Virginia Zoo.  What is Biodiesel?Wednesday, September 9th, 6-8pmTopic: Biodiesel fuelSpeaker: Michelle Moraczewski, NoBullBiodiesel.com Fee: Free for FONE members/$3 non-membersRegister by September 2nd Raining in the StormWednesday, October 14th, 6-8pmTopic: Rain barrel information and construction classSpeaker: Michael Minor, Mike's Rain BarrelsFee: $50 for FONE members/$55 non-membersRegister by October 7th  Cool CompostingWednesday, November 11th, 6-8pmTopic: How-to composter building demonstrationSpeaker: Tom ChabiFee: $7 FONE me...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Homes are taking over 90 days on average to sell in our area.  On an existing listing that was first posted in the spring, I decided to withdrawal the listing during a recent price change. The photos were changed, along with the description, the virtual tour, and the photos in our database.  Because are closer to fall now than summer (can you believe its almost September?!) I really wanted a photo of the house with the trees in full bloom.  Unfortanately that means you can't see the great architectural features of the exterior.  Here are the 2 photos.  What  do you think? This  home for sale in Norfolk VAi s a move in ready 1912 Victorian with the great features of the era - pocket doors, picture rail, embossed radiators, maple floors, yet with updated kitchen, new sunroom, 2 car garage...
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By Asiyah Ali, Associate Broker
(Asiyah Ali, Broker/Owner)
Norfolk  top ten homes for sale under $100,000. Contact me for details and tours! Asiyah I. Ali, Realtor - Keller Williams Realty - www.VaHomeConnect.com If you're thinking buyiing or selling your home or would like to arrange a Consultation, I can be reached via phone/text at 757-343-4474 or www.VaHomeConnect.com  View ALL the Homes for Sale and Rent in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads.  This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.  Feel free to call/text me with your questions or to see any home you like!!!  www.VaHomeConnect.com or www.AsiyahAli.com
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By Asiyah Ali, Associate Broker
(Asiyah Ali, Broker/Owner)
What a fabulous month July has been.  Median home prices have increased and average market time decreased.  Promising news as we continue into the 2009 selling season. During a recent Sellers Consultation here are some pointers I suggested: Have a pre-inspection.  Find problems and fix them BEFORE listing the home for sale.  Consider a professional home stager.  Statistics show homes sell significantly faster when staged.  Hire a professional cleaner.  Clean sells and it's cost effective in the long run. Price right.  This is the biggie.  The first 2 weeks are imperative.  Price right and reduce as needed! Check out the latest This Month in Real Estate video produced by Keller Williams Realty.   If your thinking of selling your home or would like to arrange a Sellers Consultation, I can...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Sailing tonight on Willoughby Bay, also known as Little Bay. Norfolk (all of Hampton Roads) is a great area for water sports of all kinds and sailing is just one of them. What makes Norfolk fun? Playing on the water. The Thursday night series is broken into Spring and Summer series. The fall series is on Sundays to accommodate for the earlier evenings. Here is our boat (sometimes referred to as the USS Bethany, formally known as FINE) on a recent Thursday.(This photo is by Dave Baxter, a local Sailmaker. He provided the MAIN for FINE!  Pretty!!!  We are lucky enough to have Dave out on most Thursdays documenting the fun and the mishaps!)   I wish the photo would have the OSPREY in it!  The osprey gets louder as the boats get closer and eventually 'sails' away to return after the mark ha...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Just did some preparing for a listing appointment. I wanted to have some information available on market time for this potential listing. I took a look at recent sales and current listings to determine some estimated absorption rates for this particular property... This is an area of GHENT in Norfolk VA. It is a great residential area, close to shops, downtown, dining, schools, etc.  The information from my analysis varies depending on criteria used - no surprise there!  Looking broadly in GHENT Norfolk VA, there are about 132 homes for sale including single family detached and attached. In the past 6 months, 64 homes have sold for a 6 month month rate of about 10 per month.  That means, simple math here, that it will be about 13 months before all homes are sold in my selected area. Sin...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
I had so much fun helping my clients sell their first home and purchase their 'move up / forever' home!  This lovely family had certainly outgrown the 1600 square foot cape cod in Norfolk!  Their home for 8 years, they welcomed 2 children to the house and made many improvements such as a new kitchen that  suited them, and the house, perfectly. That home has now become the first home for a Navy lieutent and his fiancee. I wish them the best! The home purchase in Chesapeake is a delight!  New construction in the Great Bridge area on a quiet street with a large yard for the children!  I can't wait to see it all dressed up and personalized by the family.    If you, or someone you know, is looking to sell or buy a home, please contact me!   I can help buyers or sellers in Hampton Roads with ...
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I had a great walk last night through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens! It was a picture perfect day with low humidity, low heat, and evening clouds.  The eaglets were out as were the flowers on the Crepe Myrtle trees, rose bushes, wildflowers in the Native Garden and more!  A must see this time of year. Here is a bad, cell phone camera photo of the rose garden.    If you are moving to Norfolk or anywhere in the area, consider a membership to the gardens. They have bike rides, full moon hikes, flower sales, wonderful walking paths, and other events that make this a go-to spot any time of year.  Special thanks to my client (now friend) who joined me on the walk!  It is one year exactly that she and her husband arrived in town to search for a home!  What a great neighborhood they chose - Bri...
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By Lorinda Ward, Serving, Hampton Roads Virginia. Norfolk, Chesapeake, Va Beach
(Keffer Realty)
Trying to sell your home in this tough market can be extremly difficult, if you do not have the right tools.  Here is a short list that I put together to help you. 1.  Start educating your self about the market.  (How can you sell a home with out knowing the details of the market you plan to list your home in). 2.  Are you getting behind in payments?  (Take a short sale course, this can help you tremendously)! 3.  Do not over price your home!  That will kill the deal before you even have one and it only makes the home down the street from you look a lot better. 4.  What type of loan would your home qualify for? 5.  Educate your self on real estate contracts, we have all types. 6.  If you live in a rural area, find out if your home qualifies for the USDA financing!  That is a great selli...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Great historic area of Norfolk.  Charm of the age with modern amenities! Wood floors, decorative fireplace, lots of windows.  Central AIR, HEAT.  Dishwasher, Washer Dryer. Pay for electric and Cable  - water sewer trash recycyling included in rent! Updated Bath. Downstairs unit with lots of space!  1400 Square feet or more.  Great front porch.  http://norfolk.craigslist.org/apa/1223948513.html Licensed Real Estate agent in Virginia!
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By Rose Weaver
(The Real Estate Group)
The City of Norfolk has a wonderful program for first time home buyers.  There are some income requirements to qualify, but if you do you can get low interest rates and up to 20% in dow payment and closing cost assistance. Click here to find out more information.
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
During a recent brokers open house I took the opportunity to ask the agents what the seller of my Norfolk VA home for sale should do about the color of the paint in the living room.  Though almost all agreed that the color scheme was not offensive, they also suggested it could be a deterrent for a potential buyer. Many buyers do not want to go into a property knowing they need to tackle a large project such as removing wallpaper.  Here is the original color scheme. The seller chose a neutral tone for the living room. What a difference!  The room looks and feels much larger, less cavernous. See the property for sale in Norfolk VA area of Hampton Roads at http://www.1603stdenis.info or http://www.1603stdenis.com.  So, to all of the agents out there that have a house that hasn't sold.... t...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
I am working with a young couple that are just a joy to work with. I am having so much fun I can't believe some people call this work!  Negotiations can be tough.  Emotions can be high. But helping buyers find just the right house is great!  And bringing a contract to a seller is tops!  I think I must be doing something right!  I received two calls this week from new buyers. They had been referred to me by past clients.  What a great feeling!  I can help you find a home too!  Give me a calll I am happy to help!  There are many Homes for sale in Hamton Roads cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and beyond!  Search for homes on bethanyphillips.com or www.buyanorfolkhome.com
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Gorgous Norfolk VA Victorian is now ready for you!  Located in Lafayette Residence Park and built in 1912, the daugther of the builder still lives next door!  The homes original features have been meticulously maintained -- maple floors, emobssed radiators, fireplace mantle, decorative windows.  This home is a must see for you discerning Norfolk VA home buyers!  More than 3000 square feet, a full basement, 2 car garage with extra storage on the second level! Walk in attic and central air are additional features your buyers will love! Situated in the middle of a National Historic District this home is convenient to the community playground, dog park and the many churches in the area. A great location to accommodate a quick trip to downtown, the military bases, and the beaches of Norfolk ...
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Here is the website to register for the River Ride!
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By Bethany Phillips, MBA
Here is one for your calendar! May 3rd is the 4th annual River Ride! In honor of Earth Day and to share knowledge about the state of the Lafayette and Elizabeth River Watersheds, the Friends of Norfolks Environment are partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Elizabeth River Project, Wild River OUtfitters, Kayak Nature Tours, and the Norfolk Parks and Rec Department to bring 100 paddles to the waters. I have participated 2 of the 3 previous tours and it is a ball! Lots of good information, plus time spent on the water is great! Here are some images from the 2008 River ride.
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